It doesn’t matter what Bill Pulver, or any other member of the ARU says, Michael Cheika is not only the best possible Wallaby coach, but there are no contenders among the Australian Super Rugby sides – and never again will a foreigner be in charge of the Wallabies.
That doesn’t mean Cheika has an open book, but he’s heading in the right direction.
Pulver and co should concentrate on lifting the club rugby status in NSW, Queensland, and the ACT to what it was pre-professional, a vibrant sea of quality footballers who attracted solid club support week in, week out.
Horses for courses – Pulver and co. do their job, and let Cheika do his.
So rather then point the finger of scorn at Cheika for his six wins from 15 starts this year, recognise a fact of life. He hasn’t the cattle, especially where it counts – between the ears.
And Cheika is doing a great job in achieving depth in his squad, even if the quality isn’t street smart, there’s no caviare from sows ears.
Yet there are 45 who have pulled on the coveted gold jersey in the last two years, creating depth rarely seen.
Take the five best-performed Wallaby teams since World War 2 – the 1947-48 tour of Britain, Ireland, and France, the 1963 Wallabies in South Africa, the 1984 Wallaby Grand Slam champions, and the Wallaby 1991 and 1999 Rugby World Cup wins.
Here’s Cheika’s problem.
Pick the best team out of those tours, and only David Pocock and Israel Folau of the current players would rate a mention – just two.
Will Genia is a superb footballer, but even he would happily salute Ken Catchpole, Nick Farr-Jones, John Hipwell, and Cyril Burke.
But that’s it, three at a pinch to be in a combined side over 71 years.
The key to the following combined selections is their automatic ability to see what’s in front of them, and react accordingly and instantly.
There was no Plan A, Plan B, or Plan C on either of those tours – there was an overall plan that was left to the individuals natural ability to play it as they saw it – ‘rugby brains’ best describes their thinking:
1 – Jon White (1958-85 – 24 caps) – The prince of props whose scrummaging and general play was right off the top shelf.
2 – Peter Johnson (1959-72 – 42) – The best hooker-forward I’ve seen, and in the days of amateurism was a pure pro.
3 – Topo Rodriguez (1984-87 – 26) – Played 13 Tests for Argentina before he migrated to Australia, couldn’t speak a word of English on arrival, but his propping language was respected worldwide.
4 – John Eales – captain (1991-01 – 86) – There’s no argument he’s an all-time great lock, an inspirational captain, and a champion goal-kicker. He had everything.
5 – Rob Heming (1961-67 – 28) – In the days before lifting in the lineouts was legalised, he was the supreme lineout jumper who could easily clap his hands over the crossbar from a standing start.
6 – Simon Poidevin (1980-91 – 59) – The red-headed terror terrorised backlines for his entire career, highlighted by legendary confrontations with All Blacks Cowboy Shaw and Andy Haden where a lot of blood was spilled.
7 – David Pocock (2008-current – 66) – He is so talented Cheika has used him at six and eight, but his best work is at open-side flanker where he’s world class.
8 – Col Windon (1946-52 – 20) – He was such an all-rounder he could play anywhere in the back three with his dangerous running, and ferocious defence.
9 – Ken Catchpole – Vice-captain (1961-68 – 27) – The greatest half-back in history with bullet passes to supports 20 metres away, always in front and naval height, as well as being a superb defender, and a sensational reader of the game.
10 – Mark Ella (1980-84 – 25) – The greatest pivot of all-time who scored a try in each of the four 1984 Grand Slam successes, he was mercurial and could find holes in Fort Knox. He retired at 25 after 25 caps, what a tragic waste.
11 – Brendan Moon (1978-86) – One of the very best finishers to pull on boots, very quick with a side-step-swerve either way, poetry in motion.
12 – Tim Horan (1989-2000 – 80) – Player of the tournament when the Wallabies won the 1999 Rugby World Cup as well as being instrumental in winning the 1991 World Cup, a probing penetrative centre with devastating defence.
13 – Trevor Allan (1946-49 – 14 – A powerhouse attacking and ballistic defending centre who wore headgear, became the youngest Wallaby captain at 19 when Bill McLean broke his leg early on the 1947-48 Wallaby tour of Britain, Ireland, and France.
14 – David Campese (1982-1996 – 101) – Australia’s greatest winger with a famous goose-step that left opponents grasping at thin air, scored a world record 64 Test tries until it was beaten by Japan’s Daisuke Ohata who played against Tier 3 countries.
15 – Israel Folau (2013-current – 51) – Imagine this sensational footballer chiming into a backline of Catchpole, Ella, Horan, Allan, with wingers Campese and Moon. Every game would be Christmas for Folau, and the Wallabies He’s a wasted talent at the moment, the current crop doesn’t know how to utilise him, bring back Kurtley Beale in a hurry.
Bench
16 – Phil Kearns (1989-99 – 62) – a huge man for a hooker, but his strength and speed around the park made him a force to be reckoned with.
17 – Ewen McKenzie (1990-97 – 51) – Melbourne-born and Scotch College-schooled, he became an institution as a Wallaby prop, very quick over the ground for a big bloke, and a strong scrummager.
18 – Andy McIntyre (1982-89 – 38) – Instrumental prop in the Wallabies winning the Grand Slam, his scrummaging was strong as well, while his general play often won possession.
19 – Steve Cutler (1982-91 – 40) – A long and lanky lock, he copped a hiding every game he played but never shirked his lineout nor general play duties, very much the team man..
20 – George Smith – (2000-09 – 110) – Very hard to leave him out of the starting lineup, he was an 80-minute footballer who featured every game in attack and defence.
21 – Nick Farr-Jones (1984-93 – 63) – An inspirational 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper whose sole purpose was lighting fast service from set and general play to support solid defence.
22 – Michael Lynagh (1984-1995 – 72) – Was the world points-scoring record holder with 911 when he retired. and vice-captain of the 1991 World Cup side, at home at either fly-half or inside centre, a superb footballer.
23 – Matthew Burke (1883-2004 – 81) – Another points-scoring machine with 878, and an integral part of the 1999 World Cup winning side, at home in either the centres, or fullback.
In 23 Wallabies, 13 captains – Trevor Allan, Col Windon, Ken Catchole, Peter Johnson, Mark Ella, Simon Poidevin, Michael Lynagh, Nick Farr-Jones, Phil Kearns, John Eales, Tim Horan. George Smith, and David Pocock.
What a side.
piru
Guest
Badge old habits die hard :)
Ray
Guest
very narrow minded view you have ,look at Ireland a kiwi coach. you australians wonder why you cant win many games you spend more time making up excuses why you lost than looking at how to find a way forward.theres heaps of teams winning that have overseas coaches.one prominent rugby player from australia said allblacks wont beat the wannabies this year because most allblacks will be two tired from playing in the super rugby final haaaha lol.
Redbull
Guest
How the starting spot is given to Folau while Burke is on the bench shows just how deep and disturbing the man love for him really is
Bobby
Guest
As an AB's fan absolutely lv reading these comments.And if the comments are anything to go by no wonder Cheika's confuse about game plans and team selection.Sooner the Wallabies improve the better for rugby in general.
Wowbadger
Guest
Piru! you still bouncing about these boards causing ish ;)
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Piru, I agree. I believe that the Wallabies would be better with DHP at the back & Folau on the wing.
Robertthebruce
Guest
"Pulver and co should concentrate on lifting the club rugby status in NSW, Queensland, and the ACT to what it was pre-professional" - this can only happen if there is a focus on players aged between 11 years and 16 years. During these early teenage years as bodies mature the basic skills can be honed and made instinctual. There are unfortunately a significant number of kids playing the game at U15 level that don't even understand the rules let alone have the skills let alone play the game in any properly structured approach. Getting as many kids into the game in their early teens, providing them proper coaching and holding them through to their late teens/early 20s is the best way to ensure good quality rugby at a 1st grade level - IMHO.
piru
Guest
Dagg is a far better fullback than Folau, and he's not even the best NZ 15 atm.
piru
Guest
Impressive given he only has one eye
piru
Guest
John it doesn't bother me at all that he came from league It bothers me a little that he came from AFL and can't kick, but it would be a nothing issue if he weren't playing at 15. I actually quite like him, he seems like a nice bloke, and he is a brilliant athlete. He's just not a fullback. He's not a club fullback, let alone an international one. He's about the same as DHP under high balls - when he's in position. He's definitely not the 'best in rugby'. You can keep harping, but you're getting ridiculous.
piru
Guest
passes better kicks better reads better better 15
Rugby is Life
Guest
Obviously you haven't watched the replay. Watch Folau not trying to clean up Kepu's pass. No urgency no rugby instinct. http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2016/12/03/13/48/england-australia-twickenham-match-report Its clear from your comments that the Folau is without flaw or peer. In which case you can believe what you want whilst those that understand the nuances of rugby can think otherwise.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Ben Smith is a superior fullback to Folau. He is as good as Folau under the high ball, has a much superior kicking game, is a better defender & defensive organiser, better support player & offers his teams a 2nd playmaker option. I would rate Dagg as a good a player as Folau, he does everything Folau can do & can drive teams back with his boot. Folau is good but he is not the messiah to full back play you make out.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Like the best centre in the Wallabies who hasn't played a single minute at centre then.
Buk
Guest
key point right there - they keep on winning so don't need a foreign coach contrast that to their cricket team which I believe has had foreign coaches Plus Wayne Bennett helped out their league team at one point
John
Guest
Wrong again RIL. Folau didn't cost Australia the Ireland game - he had laid on two tries before failing to pass for a third, and we scored under the sticks 3 minutes later instead of in the corner. A blessing, seeing as Foley's placekicking is worse than Folau's field kicking. Phipps cost us the England game - he was rightfully criticised for that incident and his overall game because he wasn't up to it. Dagg, McKenzie, Halfpenny and LeRoux are not in the ballpark. Smith is - wonderful player - yet inferior in more factets to Folau as he is superior. DHP, silly comment. Kellaway, you've lost the plot. Lastly, not questioning Burke's achievements as part of an all-conquering Wallabies team. Great player as well, just not as good as Folau. Folau best fullback in Wallabies history (already) - take it up with David Lord, he wrote the article!
Rugby is Life
Guest
Mate Folau is a good athlete. But his rugby nous is just not there. He costs us in games constantly. But they don't show up in statistics. Lost the Irish game by not passing. Probably cost us the English game he could have dived on Kepu's useless pass, Had he done so the try would not have been scored. . That is the instinctive play of a a rugby player. Everyone gave Phipps stink over that one but he was interfered with and wasnt able to properly adjust. No one says why didn't Folau dive on the ball. The problem I have with all the statistics you quote is that they don't include his bad positional play. As an early roarer commented if he can't kick he isn't a fullback. When as he ever put up a high ball for himself or his wingers. We pay a big price for not having a decent kicker in the full back slot. There are 3 NZ Fullbacks you could easily put in front of him. Probably 5. Smith, Dagg, McKenzie, Barrett, then Leigh Halfpeeny from Wales, Willie Leroux from South Africa. All these guys can read games. The dont get there by weight of numbers they contribute to their teams by the way they play the game. I would pick DHP in front of Folau every day and even Andrew Kelloway gets picked in front of him at 15 in the Tahs. (Apologies to Andrew Kelloway who is a very talented footballer). When you rely on all the stats you quote on Folau to it is clear you are not seeing all the things that aficionados of the game. I have no doubt Folau is a nice guy, a decent footballer, much more talented than I, although I would be happy to pack down in the front row against him any day as that takes a different set of skills. But I digress. Folau isn't even the best fullback in Australia and certainly not the best ever. For what its worth Mat Burke was part of a team which Won - not runner up -in a World Cup, Beat the British and Irish Lions Then he was Was the Wallaby of the year in 1996 Was SMH player of 1996 and 1998 Was the fourth highest pointscorer in World rugby at the time of his retirement. (How many goals/field goals does Foloau have?) Played in the 2006 World XV and was Picked in the Barbarians in 5 different years. THe Waratah's Player of the year award which has not been won by Israel Folau is called the Matthew Burke Cup! And he had to fight with Chris Latham for the fullback spot.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Believe that John has surpassed 'fanboi' & achieved 'nut hugger' status.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Fekitoa is ineligible for Australia Terry.
John
Guest
And yet he was the first.