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Michael Cheika needs to drop half his side against the Boks - including the skipper

5th September, 2016
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Stephen Moore has been as captain, and from the team, for the Fiji Test. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Expert
5th September, 2016
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5876 Reads

Michael Cheika has a lot more to cope with than just selecting a squad for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks at Suncorp.

The Wallabies coach is like NSW Origin boss Laurie Daley, showing selection loyalty to his senior players.

But after six successive losses, and many of his senior players in the twilight of their international careers, the time has come for Cheika to make the tough decisions. (Click to Tweet)

He has to take a stand sooner than later, for the longer he leaves the obvious, the losses will continue and the fix harder.

With Matt Giteau and Rob Horne injured, Cheika should also move on Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Eight senior Wallabies dropped in one hit would appear brutal, but tomorrow’s Wallabies have to be blooded.

Scott Sio is 24, Tom Robertson 22, Samu Kerevi 22, Andrew Kellaway 20, Nick Frisby 23, and Reece Hodge 22. Moulding them with the in-form senior Wallabies would be a positive move.

No one wants to see Australia lose, but to lose six with the same old, same old isn’t acceptable. Losing six blooding tomorrow’s Wallabies is sustainable.

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But something new has surfaced in the ranks – a Wallaby union.

There’s a strong bond in the squad, and when one is under the pump, a senior Wallaby comes to his defence.

Israel Folau has strongly supported Moore as captain, while David Pocock has quickly come to Michael Hooper’s defence.

And Michael Cheika has to deal with all these factions.

Despite the varying and genuine issues, this is the new-look squad that must take the field on Saturday:

1. Scott Sio
Getting used to the dog-eat-dog existence of a Wallaby prop, and worthwhile supporting for years.

2. James Hanson
Has for too long played bridesmaid to Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau, his time has come and he’s the most accurate of the three at feeding lineouts.

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3. Tom Robertson
This exciting prospect too must be supported for years.

4. Kane Douglas
As honest as he is tough, and he’s a senior player performing.

5. Rory Arnold
Huge and mobile, he will be right there alongside Douglas.

6. Scott Fardy
Has ceased being a passenger, and now that he’s back to his foraging best, he must take on a more executive role.

7. David Pocock
One of the best openside flankers in world rugby, making the ‘Pooper’ experiment null and void. Pocock to be captain until he leaves on his sabbatical.

8. Lopeti Timani
Overlooked for far too long, at the back of the scrum and acting as another lineout jumper, he will make his presence felt.

9. Will Genia
Playing near his best after a long injury lay-off, and getting better. He must be vice-captain on this side, to take over from Pocock when he takes his year off, with Fardy his deputy.

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10. Quade Cooper
The x-factor, he’s matured, and will take on more responsibility with his goal-kicking.

11. Dane Haylett-Petty
Could be anything. He must be given more ball, and a lot earlier.

12. Samu Kerevi
Has a load of talent and with no Kurtley Beale available, must be given time to settle in with two Queenslanders inside him.

13. Israel Folau
Must have more time in the thick of the action, he’s too good a footballer to be pensioned off at fullback, and Kerevi will give him the openings.

14. Tevita Kuirdrani
With a lot to offer in terms of aggressive attack and defence, he will greatly benefit from having Folau inside him.

15. Andrew Kellaway
Only 20 and chockful of exciting attack and solid defence.

16. Tatafa Polota-Nau
Still deserves to be in the side, but he must – repeat must – improve his lineout feeding. In every other department he’s a genuine Wallaby.

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17. James Slipper
Has the experience, the temperament, and the courage to be a Wallaby for at least another four years.

18. Allan Alaalatoa
Proved he’s a Wallaby prop, and will always be a major plus off the bench.

19. Adam Coleman
Will be a huge bonus off the bench with his behemoth frame, far more so than as a starter.

20. Michael Hooper
Still a world class flanker, but he’s also a more than capable replacement if aback is needed off the bench.

21. Nick Frisby
A live-wire half who won’t be involved in a running verbal battle with any referee.

22. Matt Toomua
Has fly-half and centre qualifications, providing his concussion run-ins cease.

23. Reece Hodge
Can play fly-half, centre, wing, and fullback, and is a quality goal-kicker from any range, especially long.

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