Dumped Wallabies lock Kane Douglas admits he has absolutely no idea where he sits in coach Michael Cheika’s seemingly ever-changing mix of second-rowers.
Left out of Australia’s training contingent for of Saturday’s Test against Argentina, Douglas has been sent back to get some much-needed minutes under his belt in the National Rugby Championship.
Meanwhile, Cheika has picked Rob Simmons and Adam Coleman in the second row at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, with Izack Rodda on the bench and Rory Arnold surprisingly not selected.
It is the fourth different starting lock combination Cheika has used this year, and the eighth since the 2015 World Cup, as he continues to rifle through his options, trying to establish as much depth as possible in Australia’s ranks.
Douglas started in the World Cup final and played under Cheika as the NSW Waratahs won the Super Rugby title the year prior but now finds himself at a career crossroads.
The 28-year-old lost his spot in the Queensland Reds team this year, starting just seven times in Super Rugby as he was overtaken by young guns Rodda and Lukhan Tui — both of whom are now in the Wallabies mix.
“I had a good chat (to Cheika) before I left,” Douglas told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday.
“He just said it would be good for me to play some footy, which I haven’t been doing.
“I probably haven’t asked that question, where do I actually sit?
“They’ve all been playing pretty well so it’s sort of hard for me to put my hand up when you’re not getting too many minutes.
“I don’t know if they’re quicker than me and all the rest, but I’ve just got to play my game, be physical. That’s all I can do.”
Douglas said he had enjoyed watching Rodda and Tui emerge but conceded it did his own Test hopes no good.
“I’ve got a task ahead of myself to try and get a spot back next year or to get back in the Wallabies fold,” he said.
“I’m 28 now — there’s a heap of young guys coming through so you start feeling pretty old.
“I’m hoping I’ve still got some good footy ahead of me.”
Val
Guest
Everybody talks about the Wallabies one step forward one step back in their games. The answer surely lies in the selection and where players stand in Cheika's selections. There is a word called teamwork and all the best teams have it. You choose a team of your best players, settle on combination that know what they are doing in both attack and defence and the team starts to play consistently and hopefully win plenty of games. Then and only then do you introduce new players into the team when opportunity allows. Cheika needs to remember that he has to get the Wallabies winning first!!
Bakkies
Guest
'He came back for family reasons' That was Douglas' reason to Leinster and the Irish media but the reality is that Cheika was after him the moment he left the country on a three year contract. The ARU was negotiating with Leinster for him to get released. It got dragged out as Leinster requested the ARU to pay out the remaining two years of his contract and the ARU refused.
Bakkies
Guest
Houston's talent was noted by Eddie Jones when he selected him in a Wallabies without playing any Super Rugby matches.
Nigel
Guest
Yet he is, the most maligned player in Wallaby rugby yet there he is in the starting line up !! Perhaps u boys ought to question your own ability to identify talent!!
Nigel
Guest
Bizarre selections down under, wonder what if, Letoy was a regular member of the Wallabies at eight?? Instead his talent is only noted os??? Don't get it?? Taqele goes os is a champion winger gets back here, you're nobody?? Check out the Wallaby team we're playing like nobodies, should look at the selections and the selectors perhaps it's a personnel problem both on and off the field!!!
Nigel
Guest
That's how the whole squad feels, that's why we're getting such crap results!! Esp after we lose to the Puma tonight!!!
PiratesRugby
Guest
Yes, if David Pocock works harder he may have a chance of playing at 7 one day.
soapit
Guest
dont disagree with either of you guys.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Not the crime of the century no. But a wise man keeps communication levels high so: (a) players don't get lost in the woods looking for trees, (b) players understand what is required of them (especially if you are sending them off to work on stuff), and (c) conspiracy theories don't start through lack of information, because in the absence of the truth people believe some pretty odd stuff. Players can get on a phone sure, but lets not forget the players in rugby are the young ones and coaches are supposed to be the older wise ones with more experience at these things. In any event, having players feeling on the outer when there is drain to Europe and your depth is poor. Well it is not a good look to my way of thinking.
Paul D
Guest
Maybe he should have pulled his finger out a bit sooner?
Neil
Guest
Actually, Douglas did not come back at Cheika's urging, Ols.. He came back for family reasons. I have always been a big fan of Douglas but would have to say he has been disappointing since his return. Houston came back to play at 8, and has also been uninspiring. Douglas must shake his head, as I do, that Simmons is even considered for a run.
Dave_S
Guest
Fair point soapit, but when you promote and demote people (in any field) you always have 'the talk' with them, if even just a few minutes - the worst thing you can do is leave them wondering and coming to the wrong conclusion. It's poor management practice. At best it's lazy, at worst it's passive aggressive behaviour from a manager.
Markus
Guest
Even his performance in the 2014 Waratahs season is overstated. While it was unquestionably his best ever season, he was still only the third best lock in his team behind Jackpot and Skelton.
Rebellion
Guest
Grow your hair, dye it blonde and play for the Tahs - you'll be guaranteed selection in the Wallabies starting side.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Tui and Rodda weren't even at the Reds at the time in fact.
soapit
Guest
selective quoting for the headline. pretty dodgy stuff roar
soapit
Guest
if you read the article he specifically says its because he hasnt actually asked cheika. perhaps he shouldnt need to but its not the crime of the century. selective quoting on the article headline.
Bakkies
Guest
His performances at the RWC were overstated and he was coming off rehab from a ruck inspecting back injury at Leinster. Beale had a patella injury which is far worse than what Douglas received at the RWC. Just look at the rehab de Villiers did to get back from that (copped a torn hamstring off the bone at the same time his knee went).
Bakkies
Guest
Houston wised up and signed with Bordeaux. Dropped a load of weight and is a different player.
Bakkies
Guest
Cheika got union funds to pay this bloke out of the remaining two years of his Leinster contract while he was in rehab (not that they paid it out in full). Another example of dumb business that the ARU has been culpable of. That aside it is a fair question and he is screwing around with Rory Arnold's head too.