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Following yesterday’s revelation that David Pocock has been forced out of the Wallabies-England series with a fractured cheekbone, the debate regarding Michael Cheika’s current structure of having two ‘sevens’ playing at the back of the pack might die a natural death.
However, Pocock’s injury also exposes a lack of options at the back of the scrum currently in the Wallabies side.
More of the wash-up from Wallabies vs England
» SPIRO: Can the Wallabies win at Melbourne?
» Moore can take a leaf out of Smith’s book
» Five talking points
» Who should replace David Pocock?
» Match report: Eddie’s England too good
» DIY player ratings
» Roar Forum – what changes should the Wallabies make?
» Watch the full highlights
It is a curious case – Australia has had a glut of champion opensides over the last 15 years but the pickings at No.8 have been slim since the departure of Toutai Kefu.
Many pundits will call for Cliffy Palu to slot back into the 8, but I have thought he was symptomatic of the pre-Cheika era Wallabies – a good front-foot player without being a world beater – and I had severe questions on him when the heat was turned up.
So, to add a bit of spice to the series, I would throw an SOS to George Smith to come into the team for the next two tests.
Smith, who this week announced he was heading to the Queensland Reds for the next two seasons, brings a lot of upside to the team.
Here are three key reasons to temporarily resurrect the career of one of our champions:
1 – The Aussies had all sorts of troubles at the breakdown – Smith would add some size and physical presence in the No.8, and continue the Cheika form of having two pilfers.
2 – He has currency – following another outstanding season for Wasps, he was awarded the Rugby Player’s Association “Player’s Player” award after leading them to the English rugby semi-finals.
3 – Smith understands the English coaching system having been intimately involved with it until very recently during the Six Nations.
The 111 Test veteran would be a welcome addition to the side and even provide some good mentoring at the international level, similar to his foreshadowed role with the Queensland Reds for the next two years.
It would be a nice way to sign off on the international circuit too.
Structurally the Wallabies would continue to forego another option in the lineout, but I am not convinced a stand-out No.8 has showcased himself in Super Rugby in 2016.
If Cheika’s text messages cannot get through to Smith, Leroy Houston is the one to pick for his debut.
A genuine No.8 who has also committed to return to the Reds, he had a solid season in Bath and knows his opposition well, and was part of the extended 39-man squad originally announced.
It is certainly not a crisis for the Wallabies, just a friendly reminder that our depth is not quite there across all positions.
The only other change I would make is to revert to the dual-playmaker structure at 10 and 12. Christian Lealiifano has had his best season of Super Rugby for the Brumbies and deserves to slot into the 12 next to Bernard Foley.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.