Cam Avery wrote a nice article yesterday in which he wrote on how critical it is to nurture players in the wake of World Cups.
“The year following a World Cup has become increasingly important as the professional age develops, with the need to bring in and blood players throughout the next four-year cycle deemed essential in a team’s development.
“One only needs to look back at the names included in the class of 2012, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Aaron Smith, Julian Savea and Beauden Barrett, all now world class performers, to realise the importance of bringing in the new breed of talent early on in the cycle.”
Cam looked particularly at Malakai Fekitoa, and how he’s been learning from the best behind Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith in the midfield. This has, undoubtedly, made Fekitoa a far better player.
But how good are other nations at blooding new talent? And how important is it? Let’s take a look.
simon
Australia’s debutants in the year or so following the 2007 World Cup look like this:
And after 2011:
Of these, realistically, I can only see 11 or so who then went on to play regularly, or have a place in the team now. Of the 2011 cohort, only Joe Tomane, Michael Hooper, Kane Douglas and Nick Cummins have established themselves as genuine Wallabies. That is not to discredit the others; Dave Dennis is among the most reliable performers I’ve witnessed play rugby, and Liam Gill would, perhaps five years earlier or later, be Australia’s premier openside flanker.
However, a quick look at New Zealand’s class of 2008 makes for far more familiar reading:
And 2012:
It’s also interesting that just one player made their debut in 2011, a World Cup year. What does that say about New Zealand’s supremacy in establishing young players at the start of World Cup cycles?
It’s also interesting to see how not one of New Zealand’s 2012 debutants has less than 20 international caps at the time of writing. If anything, that statistic emphasises Steve Hansen’s amazing ability to not only pick great players but make great players.
In examining a case study between New Zealand and Australia, we can start to see why the All Blacks have such a stunning lead over the rest of the rugby world. Any discussion that they would be weaker following the departure of Dan Carter and Richie McCaw is countered by the fact that their replacements both already have an excess of 30 caps each. The Kiwis are simply so good at blooding new talent that it seems the small nation is an endless stream of talent. And that showed, more than ever, in last year’s World Cup.
In my second article for The Roar, I argued the Wallabies had almost been lucky with their poor form, shocking run of injuries and off-field dramas because through these they had almost no choice but to introduce new talent. This better prepared the Australians for the World Cup, but the chasm that exists over the Tasman is still blatant. And the Wallabies won’t get away with relying on injuries to introduce young talent this time.
Admittedly, Michael Cheika seems to be far keener on introducing young players to the international set up. Samu Kerevi and Rory Arnold, among others, were in the initial Rugby Championship and World Cup camps last year. Now both are very real chances of making Test debuts on Saturday night. Joe Powell and Reece Hodge are also young-gun success stories from this year’s Camp Wallaby in Queensland.
If international teams are to keep up with the All Blacks, it all starts now, with the June Tests. For us, the spectators, it is an exciting time as ever, as we get our first glimpse of 2019’s superstars.
When I fly up to Brisbane on Saturday afternoon for the game, I really do hope I’ll be witnessing the blooding of new talent from both England and Australia. For me, Ben Te’o facing up against Samu Kerevi would embody everything that needs to happen for any nation hoping to topple New Zealand in Japan.
Enjoy the Tests!
Wal
Roar Guru
Absolutely A quiet word from Finegan, Noriega, Blades etc would settle anyone down.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree we need that, and as was stated on another thread the other day that squad could be nominated as a team that locks players in for Aussie eligibility. There are issues with impacting the players who don't go on to the Wallabies but have been locked in at that level but it would make it so that we don't just commit players once they have played for the national team.
Mace 22
Guest
Or if they played in the wallabies from 1998-2003, being surrounded by the great players of that era.
taylorman
Guest
Really?! one for the books then. Looks like the Scots got a bit of revenge by beating Oz who got a red through two yellows just after half time.
taylorman
Guest
and the 'put oz rugby down comment' bit of kettle pot there. You rubbish more opinions of others than anyone on this site by either arguing with them into submission or ultimately boredom. At least behind 'oz rugby' there isnt a single person that can be offended.
Browny
Roar Rookie
I wholehearted agree with this. Particularly in the test windows, you could have Aus A running out against an island nation, teams from the Americas or lower tier European teams. Would be great for development and huge inspiration for the players. If you can make the Magoos and represent your country you know you've got a real chance to prove yourself as a candidate for the Wallabies.
Browny
Roar Rookie
Agree, Jameswm. I'd probably add the Rebels trio of Stirzacker (he's sort of in your list?), Hodge and Naivalu, when form and eligibility align respectively. Also got potential in guys like Nabuli, Powell (Cheika and Larkham obviously see something, probably the pass off the deck) and even some blokes further on the outside like Dempsey. Keep the big wallaby camps going and get the fringe players, particularly the young ones, involved early. How good has Timani been playing since he went to that first Wallaby camp? I don't think it's a coincidence he lifted his game. I'd imagine it also helps keep the good young players here if they think there's a chance they can wear gold if they keep improving. The other thing to consider is not going for wholesale changes and blooding everyone at once; drip feed them one or two at a time into a stable and experienced team so they've got reliable support around them and maintain a good team culture. Just as the Kiwis do...
Browny
Roar Rookie
Jeznez, I think it would have be be a roster compiled entirely of current or former Reds for Ken to consider it. Remember, he supports Queensland, not Australia...
Emric
Guest
An Australian complaining of arrogrence and belittling others? I didnt realise that Australia was a model country of humility and sportsmanship
taylorman
Roar Guru
There is one site where you can block a certain poster. You, and only you, simply do not see their posts. You do miss the thread of the conversation as others can and respond, but its something i suppose.
Rebel
Guest
There are comparisons to SA and talk of their rivalry then people get upset that they are left out of the conversation. You can't win when there are those out there looking to take you down no matter what. As for arrogance there is plenty of that across the board including those non kiwis that constantly bring up the ABs out of context with a derogatory comment. I have never had a problem with comparisons when it relates to the subject and not just restricted to two countries. Not saying it is always the case and there are some unwarranted comments, but most of the ones being pulled up are fine.
CUW
Guest
Magnay sent off for 2 yellows. silly boy , when we build u up DUH
But fortunately Dawie Theron knows how the light the fire in their backsides and Meyer wasn't there
Japan actually led that match 19-14 at halftime
taylorman
Roar Guru
Speaking of new talent, the World u20 has just kicked off. Oz are playing Scotland right now. 0-0 after two minutes. Wales also playing Ireland. Great end to the last match between Arg and France wherecArgie came back to win 24-15. SA thrashed Japan 59-19 so no repeat at the Junior level of the senior result! NZ on in about two hours versus Georgia with yet another Barrett in the mix.
taylorman
Roar Guru
There is a lot of comparison with SA but there are far fewer articles and SA posters. An opinion is valid because it's an opinion. You seem to want to reserve the right for a certain group of people not to have one. If you want that then I'd suggest you set your own up and only allow those that carry Oz or Tahs or whatever passports as members. Then see what discussion you get about the world of rugby. Best way is too simply ignore them, but that goes against your style of posting, because you largely like to control the way the discussion runs, agreeing or disagreeing as you see fit, and you can't do that if a bunch of kiwis, who actually also know a lot about rugby, are having a lot to say. So it's not just about having your ability to post an opinion, it's very much about you deciding what others can or should say, within the realms of your own opinion. You have a tendency to want to lead and to shut others opinions down, and praise ones that adopt your thinking. It's about power, and control Pete, and you get frustrated when you can't have it.
CUW
Guest
maybe ur trustees shud pt some money aside for a "A" team and develop younger players. NZ dont need the A team becoz they are awash with talent. same with saffers. their problem is retaining the fish in a small pond. OZ shud have a 2nd squad with potential guys - say like Holloway , Hodge , the little scrum half , etc . and send them off to europe and play some friendly tests . does not matter if they lose or win , the experiences and exposure will help them. also will help coaches to see how they do at a higher level than super rugger or clubs.
moaman
Roar Guru
It's a crying shame there aren't 'A' (should be 'B' imo) teams touring the countries occupying positions below say,# 6 on the ladder....would give some good competition and experience to both parties and possibly even generate some revenue in places like Apia and Nukuʻalofa....
Simon
Roar Pro
James, All good suggestions, I'd say. I would think that Douglas, pending injury and form, should be the wrecking-ball/bulldog player to balance Rob Simmons' calm and collected play. Both are fantastic, in my opinion, any compliment each other nicely. The headache arises when players like Arnold and Coleman are playing fantastically - but the Australian rugby scene can, and will, change dramatically before 2019 (I assume). Then again, in his form Rory Arnold could very well fill Douglas' physical shoes, with a little size to boot. Only time will tell, I guess. As with all these selections, I think it's important to expose players with potential early on to international rugby so that, if there are injuries, or form slumps, or current incumbents move overseas, they're ready to step in. One possibility, which I'm a huge fan of, is the reintroduction of an 'Australia A' side, which would allow fringe players to be exposed to the weaker contests many of the comments here have discussed, before their test debut. I wrote an article on that possibility here: http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/07/17/the-fringe-xv-what-happened-to-australia-a/ As I said, only time will tell in regards to who will run on for our first match in Japan. I'd say the most important thing is to make sure whoever it is has a plethora of game experience before they do so.
Boomeranga
Guest
I'm actually encouraged by the young props around. Alan, Fagase, Robertson and Makin are each going ok. Perhaps the only one worth a spot learning from the Wllabies is there but things are more hopeful than I thought at the start of the year.