- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
I first took notice of Kyle Godwin in the Australian squad at the 2012 IRB Junior World Cup in South Africa.
Liam Gill skippered the side that finished a very disappointing eighth, even though there were some promising players like Allan Ala’alatoa, Seam McMahon, Jed Holloway, Nick Frisby, and Godwin in the lineup.
Zinbabwe-born inside centre Godwin made his presence felt so much in South Africa the Force signed him, and he’s been there ever since with 52 games to his credit.
Rumour has it Godwin’s about to become a Brumbie, and with respect for the Force, Godwin playing with far better teammates in Canberra will do his career a power of good – he is very talented but lost in a losing side like the Force.
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika thought so early in his career by naming Godwin among the 13 backs he selected for the 2014 end-of-year tour.
The other 12 backs were Israel Folau, Adan Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, and Nick White.
The side beat Wales 33-26, but lost to France 29-26, Ireland 26-23, and England 26-17 – and all of those 12 backs got a run.
But Godwin didn’t get one minute, even among the three losses.
Was he invisible?
Cheika named Godwin in the current Wallaby squad, but he didn’t get a run against the Springboks.
Drew Mitchell did and what was the point of that selection when Mitchell hadn’t played for months through injury?
It was an ideal time to blood Godwin, but the moment was lost, he’s still invisible.
Godwin’s still there for the Puma game in Perth on Saturday night and another chance of his long-overdue first cap.
Michael Cheika, tell Kyle Godwin he’s now visible, his bridesmaid status has been lost and he’s part of the real world.
The relief will be palpable to the 24-year-old, there’s only so many games you can sit in the stands, selected but seemingly unwanted where it counts.
Cheika’s not likely to make any changes to the 23-man squad after beating the Springboks last week following six straight losses.
But slotting in Godwin and Lopeti Timani onto the bench will make a stronger squad with the Pumas a far tougher proposition than the Boks. (Click to Tweet)
Timani will add power to the pack, Godwin more thrust in the backline – and both will be first cappers looking to the future.
The Wallabies could then start looking more positive, and settled.
And that would be a welcome change.