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The Roar

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Was the NRC final the antithesis of Wallaby rugby?

Perth Spirit have won the 2016 NRC grand final. (Image: AJF Photography)
Roar Guru
23rd October, 2016
5

On Saturday night, at Scully Park in Tamworth, Perth Spirit’s Pigs put on an impressive rugby display against a tough opposition.

Australian coach Michael Cheika has stated publicly that he is closely monitoring the NRC for emerging talent.

So what might his takeaway be from from this game?

All the wash-up from Bledisloe Cup 3:
» LORD: Nick Phipps shines
» Eight talking points
» What changes should the Wallabies make?
» DIY player ratings
» Read the match report
» Re-live the action with our live blog
» Watch the highlights

What I saw was Spirit’s mobile Back five – Kieran Stringer, Bryn Stunder, Richard Hardwick and Ross Haylett-Petty combining with captain Heath Tessmann to dominate the lineout, the mauls and the breakdown. This is a style of play that helped Australia to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final.

Combine this with Wallaby reject Luke Morahan and some of the Force faithful and the tries eventually began to flow.

I am a geographically a Western Force supporter but that didn’t prevent me from seeing the talent in the Eagles game. Sam Figg, Kyle Godwin, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson and others make it a close tussle, keeping us entertained right up to the final siren.

So who should the Wallabies coach take back to his squad?

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Pocock-esque, second string open side flanker and man of the match Richard Hardwick?

Brynard Stander, a quality, modern number 8?

Luke Morahan, a wing/fullback with surgical skills like Israel Dagg and Ben Smith?

Heath Tessmann, who is a fetching hooker?

Samm Figg, an abrasive blind-side?

Ross Haylett-Petty who excels at protecting rucks and swatting lineout ball in the evening mist like a mountain gorilla?

Luke Morahan is the only one with the maturity, skills, discipline and experience worthy of a gold jersey today, but it was great to see the emerging talent.

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That shouldn’t stop the coaching staff from looking for more experienced players with the skills demonstrated in the cracking season finale.

For me, it is more about “what” the selectors and coaching staff can take away – the player selections and focus for the game plan.

This game had everything that is absent from the recent, aenemic, Wallabies performances.

A forward pack with a well stocked larder of hard men that can run, jump, drive, tackle and steal – all players with a balance of both attacking and defensive skills.

Agile back lines capable of sharp ball service, tactical kicking, attacking angles and the ability to take down tough opponents.

There we no passengers, every player stepped up and did all facets of their respective jobs, this can’t be said for several players in the Wallaby run on side.

I think it is time for Coach Cheika and his minions to, quoting fellow Roarer, Marto, take off the ‘Blue Monocle’ and have a good hard look at the player selections.

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Are they the best Australia has to offer in that position?

Do they have a balanced skill set that doesn’t require another player to cover their deficiencies?

Are they in form and match fit?

Do they have the discipline for international competition?

Do they have the Fitness to go 80 minutes if they have to?

I found myself watching the NRC final and thinking to myself sardonically, wouldn’t it be great if the Wallabies had a true jackal like Hardwick starting at number 7.

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