Wallabies assistant and Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has backed halfback Joe Powell to make his Wallabies debut against Fiji.
Will Genia is likely to be the starting No. 9 for the first of the Wallabies’ three June Tests in Melbourne on Saturday, with Powell a good chance to earn a spot on the bench.
The in-form Powell is one of two uncapped halfbacks in Michael Cheika’s 34-man squad, with Waratahs rookie Jake Gordon brought in to replace his injured teammate Nick Phipps.
Asked if Powell was a good chance to play against Fiji, Larkham said: “Yep, I think so.”
The 23-year-old put in another strong Super Rugby performance on Saturday night despite heavy dew making handling difficult during the Brumbies’ conference-clinching win over the Melbourne Rebels.
“It was really tough conditions and it doesn’t get any tougher for a halfback with greasy ball,” Larkham said.
“From lineout not too bad, but a couple phases in and certainly from scrums the ball is as slippery as a cake of soap so he did a fantastic job distributing and defensively worked really well around the paddock.
“Nothing different to a normal game for Joey really.”
Powell is among eight Brumbies who will go into camp with the Wallabies in Melbourne on Sunday evening.
Winger Henry Speight is expected to be in the Wallabies starting XV while an injury to Samu Kerevi has put centre Tevita Kurindrani into contention.
“There’s obviously going to be a couple of selection meetings in the next couple of days and I’ll be pushing as hard as I can (for Brumbies players),” Larkham said.
Speight was replaced late in Saturday night’s game with the Brumbies in complete control.
Larkham admitted keeping the 29-year-old and Tevita Kurindrani fresh for Saturday’s game against their native Fiji was a factor in taking them off in the team’s third game on as many continents in three weeks.
“In terms of our travel those two have played big minutes all year so it was an opportunity for some of the guys who are nice and fresh,” Larkham said.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I think Larkham has made a bit of a blunder here. By pushing for his Brumbies players to get a start, he is actively showing bias, the enemy of selecting the best team. Larkham should be pushing for the best players available. Perhaps we need Stiles and Wessels as assistant wallabies coaches to balance the selections. Wessels at least could help out with the defense.
R2D2
Guest
Truly lack of HBs in Oz , but also FHs...a major weakness and there is no light at the end of the tunnel...there is just nothing out there at the moment.
Hugo
Guest
Agree, Jimbo.
Fionn
Guest
Genia is still pretty young, mate, and is looking to come back to SR anyway by all accounts. You're right though, between Louwrens, Powell, Gordon and Ruru thinks are looking pretty good in terms of halfback stocks.
Rebellion
Guest
I agree with you completely that Genia should not be drafted back. I think the Tahs are blessed by the departure of Mumm & Skelton (and TPN last year) and I think the Reds need to think beyond yesteryear. The worry around the country is flyhalf. How can Foleyand Cooper not feel entitled when no one else has put their hand up in years. I'm not sure if Dwyer still has the knack but he and Eddie Jones were masters of spotting talent in the club ranks
Highlander
Guest
Isn't that the wrong starting position for a national coach?
Jimbo81
Guest
If Phipps starts any match this season, I will switch off. Ditto Mumm. Moore starting is bad enough. I don't feel good about Foley either or Folau at FB. Just seems like repeating the same mistakes over and over - we can ill-afford another 2016!
Fionn
Guest
Even better than that, provincial coach that is also assistant-national coach backs one of only two halfbacks originally included in the squad to make a debut. I'm shocked.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Gill is only on a short contact and will be back for the RWC. Both the Force and The Blues realized that Smith is a threat and actively shut him down. It may seem like Smith had a sub par game, but it took 2 defenders to do it. A contribution like that is hard to spot and even harder to measure. Wouldn't Ginea get one of these Miracle ARU top ups gifted to the Reds and Tahs? There is no point paying out his Euro contact, that would be money wasted, wait 12 Months. There is also collateral damage to think of. Look at what Happened to Reidy. He was developing nicely last year and then Moore showed up and he only got a handfull of minutes each week and lost his form. Ginea would overshadow the already flailing Friz who finally looks like he is back on the path and Tuttle.
Jameswm
Guest
Provincial coach backs own player to do well. This is news?
Rebellion
Guest
Agreed. I'm against the 60 cap rule but while it's in place I'm for Genia being brought back as long as Powell is given every opportunity to win the starting role. On a super rugby level the Tahs are on the right track shedding some of yesterday's heroes and the Reds should follow suit. Only Higginbotham has been a noteworthy contributor from the old brigade - probably because he has unfinished business at Test level. For that reason they'd be mad not to chase Gill but shouldn't break the bank for Genia imo.
gatesy
Roar Guru
As far as I am concerned, Phipps is past his Use By Date. Powell is the comer. Phipps is the goer. End of story.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Agree stuff Genia and Phipps bring in. The new blood Powell, Latu, Banks and Hanigan. Get rid of the old.