Bobby Dwyer is a renowned judge of rugby flesh. The former Wallabies coach selected John Eales in the 1991 World Cup squad after just seven Super Rugby games for Queensland.
Eales was a sensation to win at Twickenham, and went on to captain the 1999 Rugby World Cup side to victory to become an Australian sporting icon, and Wallabies legend.
Dwyer had the same gut feeling about giant lock Adam Coleman two years ago, suggesting if the Wallabies were going to win the 2015 World Cup, Coleman had to be selected at the time.
“He’s another John Eales,” was Dwyer’s prediction.
Michael Cheika didn’t take any notice, even though Coleman was right under his nose when Cheika was Waratahs coach.
Coleman played the last ten minutes of the Waratahs’ game against the Force when Kane Douglas was on Wallabies duty against the British and Irish Lions.
And that was his only appearance for the Waratahs.
But the Force were impressed and Coleman has been there ever since using his 208-centimetre and 122-kilogram frame to advantage.
Yesterday Cheika recognised Coleman on the Wallabies’ third Test bench to meet England at Allianz on Saturday night.
When Coleman takes the field he will become the first Tasmanian-born Wallaby in 895 caps.
Better late than never.
From the second Test squad, locks Rory Arnold and Sam Carter, inside centre Samu Kerevi, along with bench lock James Horwill and winger Luke Morahan have missed selection altogether – while backrower Ben McCalman is injured.
Will Skelton returns from oblivion, and will lock in with Rob Simmons who was dropped for the second Test. Coleman takes Horwill’s spot, Taqele Naiyaravoro replaces Morahan.
Veteran No.8 Wycliff Palu replaces McCalman, and hopefully Palu will rip and tear for every minute he’s on the field.
The hard to fathom selection is the dumping of Kerevi – what has the Fijian done wrong in his first two Test appearances?
Absolutely nothing.
In comes Matt Toomua who isn’t as hard a runner as Kerevi.
Nor has Toomua played a game for the Brumbies since he was injured at the start of May.
Not only will Toomua be well short on match-play, but he’s not a link-man to send Tevita Kuridrani on his way, or combine with Israel Folau chiming in from fullback.
It’s a strange selection. But there are other selections that are hard to fathom.
Skipper Stephen Moore and halfback Nick Phipps were instrumental in losing so badly last week, and lock Dean Mumm did nothing off the bench,
And it’s not for the first time for the trio.
If Cheika was selecting purely on form, the three of them wouldn’t be on duty at Allianz.
Last week it was the Wallabies trying to save the series, this week it’s to avoid a humiliating whitewash.
Another loss and the Wallabies who take the field defending the Rugby Championship will look very different.
The Wallabies’ third Test squad:
1. James Slipper (76 caps)
2. Stephen Moore capt (104)
3. Sekope Kepu (65)
4. Will Skelton (16)
5. Rob Simmons (61)
6. Scott Fardy (32)
7. Michael Hooper (53)
8. Sean McMahon (8)
9. Nick Phipps (41)
10. Bernard Foley (29)
11. Rob Horne (31)
12. Matt Toomua (31)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (31)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty (2)
15. Israel Folau (40)
16. Tatafa Polota-Nau (63)
17. Scott Sio (17)
18. Greg Holmes (28)
19. Adam Coleman (debut)
20. Dean Mumm (46)
21. Wycliff Palu (57)
22. Nick Frisby (2)
23. Christian Lealiifano (17)
24. Taqele Naiyaravoro (1)
One is to be omitted from the bench – it would have to be Mumm.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Coleman is 204cms David, not 208cms. Facts ??? He is also the 3rd Tasmanian to play for the Wallabies according to previous information on the Roar ... facts...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Whilst I don't advocate playing Kerevi as a winger, I can't see that Taquele offers any more as a winger, or has any less weaknesses in that position.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Matt Lucas is about the same height and size as Aaron Smith of the ABs, folks.
Akari
Roar Rookie
I haven't seen enough of Powell. I've seen more of Michael Dowsett and am impressed with his game.
Akari
Roar Rookie
It's funny that it was Englishman Paul Onions that helped the police nail their man.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Well picked, Guru Jez, and I did wonder what you were on initially.
Lindommer
Guest
"When Coleman takes the field he will become the first Tasmanian-born Wallaby in 895 caps." Third, after Jack and Eric Ford.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Word from those that know him is Meehan is too much of a hothead right now
Joe Blow
Guest
I am very excited to see how Coleman stands up at the highest level.He has the size and athleticism to be anything he wants. He has excellent hands and rugby skills as well. Does he have the hard edge that test rugby requires? We are about to find out. Hope he gets at least a full half under his belt. He is used to playing at a pretty low Super rugby level. Hopefully having quality around him will bring the best out of him on the paddock. Toomua brings another option for first receiver, another kicking option, the best midfield defense of anyone in Oz and he has a good footy brain. Kerevi has done very well and will be around the setup for some time to come. I would have liked to see him on the bench so that when things loosened up a bit in the second half he could replace Toomua or Foley and have a go at running through the centre. Problem of course is goal kicking. Lilo is there purely as a back up to Foley for goal kicking, which is a little odd unless we are actually considering attempting a few this week.
RyanT
Guest
Well we do have Joe Powell at the Brumbies who is still apart of the Wallabies camp.
Short-Blind
Guest
Pirates, You lost me at 'fine captain'. Cameron Smith, John Eales et al have more captaincy mana in their pinky than Moore has in his whole 110kg (or whatever he is). The biggest problem with the Wallabies ATM other than the lack of a pipe bending, smash their faces in No 8 and a 9 that can pass...is poor captaincy. And it's been that way for years...since John Eales really. That game last week - let's not 'read the play' and see what's happening in front of us...just stick to a mindless method that was being easily handled by the opposition. On top of that let's be niggly and get the ref offside with our chat and tone of voice. Moore is perceived as a whinger by all international refs. It's down to his body language and tone of voice. Until we get a better leadership group then the Wallabies will not compete with NZ and achieve their full potential. The only certain Wallabies pick that has impressed me as a true leader is ..............? Roarers answer that question please, because I can't. The best recent leader was the Ex- Tah Brumbies backrower (can't remember his name) who went to Europe. Not a certain pick though.
OJP
Guest
thanks jez, couldnt see the wood for the trees
buster
Guest
2-3? With respect, you need to watch the game again . I hate knocking players, it's far too easy sitting on the couch, but enough is enough, I reckon. Perhaps Phipps is waiting for a call from his No. 10, whatever the reason, our 9 & 10 are not performing at the moment. Put Toomea 10, Foley 12. Make that the only change in the backs, see how that goes.
jeznez
Roar Guru
http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2016/06/24/01/16/coleman-to-make-test-debut
OJP
Guest
is it official that Mumm has been the one omitted? I cant see where the bench has been culled from 24 to 23 ..
jeznez
Roar Guru
Ha ha - we all knew what you meant - I just couldn't resist having a little fun
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Not arguing with you there Maxx. It's the only reason I can see for Phipps remaining in the team. His pass is slow & inaccurate & his running game has evaporated. Given the series has gone I would have given Frisby the start & put Phipps on the bench. Not much to lose & lots to gain by seeing what Frisby can offer from the get go.
OJP
Guest
cant drop Horne because the coach has made him a vc as pointed out by some other poster earlier in the week. Apparently he is the 'back's vc' which I'd never heard of before ... innovation eh ? Agree re it being odd that DHP hasnt been involved more in the kicking for the lines; couldnt they line him up outside Foley (or on opposite side of scrum if in midfield) when its time to exit the 22 ? Anyway, looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings !
Crispy Duck
Roar Rookie
Agree. Kicking aplenty as follows: Option 1 Kerevi at 12 9 Frisby 10 Foley 11 Horne/Whoever 12 Kerevi 13 Folau 14 Morahan 15 HP Option 2 Toomua at 12 9 Frisby 10 Foley 11 Horne/Whoever 12 Toomua 13 Folau 14 Morahan 15 HP
maxxlord
Roar Rookie
Neil, its very simple. Drop Phipps and let the team play,, the game was lost but this next one need not be lost for the same reason. What is your great suggestion? "England are too good for Australia and we should forget about the scrumhalf who passes at his players ankles a meter from the tryline, thus killing the scoring opportunity"? Thank you for that but I'll just keep posting until Phipps gets some time on the pine...., in the future .....before the next game is lost...... because we learn from past mistakes ......... which includes speculation on changing factors to obtain a better outcome. So i certainly will be hanging on to this until I see someone else tried out :)!