Thank god that disaster of a Barbarians game is over. Let’s start getting keen to watch some real rugby again.
The Wallabies’ 34-man Spring Tour squad was announced on Sunday and the Australian rugby-loving public now has Tests each weekend of November to look forward to, Tests that actually have meaning and purpose. Not like last weekend, which was an unnecessary and underwhelming showcase that turned into an extremely costly spectacle.
In announcing his squad, Michael Cheika assured us that he will be picking his strongest starting side available for every Test. He certainly has the talent to choose from, selecting a squad that is both experienced and youthful. Here are the winners and the losers from the European tour squad announcement:
Winners
Ben McCalman: The 49-Test veteran has had a very unlucky couple of seasons. With a number of injuries keeping him from appearing regularly on the rugby field since the end of 2015, McCalman played just two games for the Perth Spirit before being selected on the bench for the Wallabies last weekend. He made a strong cameo with several bustling runs up the field, and, with a season-ending injury to Jack Dempsey, found himself in the touring squad like that. Pity it’s not that easy for the rest of us.
Jack Maddocks: The youngster from Melbourne has had an outstanding season with the Rising in the NRC (despite his team’s record) and is fully deserving of a call-up. Cheika has picked him as one of two development players, so he is unlikely to get any proper game time, however, the nimble-footed fullback will gain valuable experience being with the national squad for the month-long tour. Side note: Maddocks is just 20 years old, apparently he received confirmation of his selection while at a mate’s 21st.
(Loryn Ettridge/Rugby Australia)
Curtis Rona: The rugby league convert was briefly in the Wallabies’ starting line up for the first Bledisloe Test and then shifted to the bench just as quickly. He received a second call-up against the Barbarians and had a solid game. Solid, not standout. Rona’s best contribution was a decent run in space and a handy offload to Duncan Paia’aua for his second try. Hopefully, he gets a longer opportunity to impress in a gold jersey during the tour.
Losers
Tom Banks: Similarly to Maddocks, Banks has had an outstanding season in the NRC. At fullback, Banks has lightning speed and has added bulk to his frame, making him a sure bet as a future Wallaby. Surely Cheika must have flipped a coin between these two young fullbacks. Unfortunately for Banks, it landed in Maddocks’ favour.
Duncan Paia’aua: A safe option to fill the stocks at flyhalf? Paia’aua did not have a standout game last weekend, however, he played with a sense of assurance and measure along with scoring two opportunistic tries. He reportedly prefers to play at inside centre, but a no.10 jersey would be a lot more appealing if it was gold.
Rory Arnold: The towering Brumbies lock suffered an injury prior to the Barbarians game and now requires surgery that has ruled him out of the Spring Tour as well. He had several strong performances for the Wallabies throughout the June and Spring Tests series, however, he was relegated back to the NRC to make way for younger talent.
Australia has a great crop of locks coming through at the moment, but unfortunately, Arnold can’t catch a break.
Weaknesses
It’s hard to go past the lack of depth at 9 and 10, the most critical positions in the backline. If Bernard Foley does go down, what options does Cheika have that don’t completely re-arrange a backline that is only just starting to click? Granted it is a hypothetical, and it is worth appreciating that Foley is one tough bugger, but surely all bases need to be covered.
Any hope for Quade Cooper came tumbling down after his high tackle attempt on Israel Folau (and the expletive-ridden tirade from Cheika afterwards). This is why Paia’aua was so unlucky not to get picked. Fullback is really not the position we need to invest in – it’s flyhalf.
Similarly, our halfback stocks are worrying. Will Genia is having an outstanding run of form, which hopefully continues, but this has lulled us into a false sense of security.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Nick Phipps and Joe Powell can get the Wallabies home in the last ten minutes of a game, but not so much from the starting siren. While Powell is still young, he has a lot of developing to do before securing a Wallaby jersey for the long term.
Strengths
Regardless of the results this series, Cheika is ensuring the Wallabies will be set for the future. The average age of the forwards is 25.7, including the outliers of Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau at 34 and 32 respectively. For the backs, it’s 25.6.
This shows the Wallabies have a good young core which should be set beyond the next World Cup Japan. You’ve got to commend Cheika for his vision. His inconsistent and sometimes strange selections this year may not have won him much fan favour, but he is setting the Wallabies up for a strong era.
The tour
The end of year tour schedule is perfect for the Wallabies, and for the fans, who get a rare opportunity to see Australian rugby talent go up against that of the Northern Hemisphere. On November 4th, Australia plays Japan in Yokohama, Wales in Cardiff on the 12th, England at Twickenham on the 19th and finally they play Scotland at Edinburgh on the 26th.
The game at Twickenham will provide an opportunity to snap a four-game losing streak against England which dates back to the first game of the infamous 2016 June Test series.
The Test against Scotland, the last of the tour, is the perfect finale to a tumultuous season. The loss to Scotland in June hurt, and the Wallabies’ performance in Edinburgh will be the perfect measure of just how far they’ve come in 2017.
2017 Wallabies Spring Tour squad
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa (19 Tests, Canberra Vikings, 23)
Adam Coleman (18 Tests, Perth Spirit, 26)
Blake Enever* (uncapped, Canberra Vikings, 26)
Tetera Faulkner (3 Tests, Perth Spirit, 29)
Ned Hanigan (9 Tests, NSW Country Eagles, 22)
Michael Hooper (c) (75 Tests, Sydney Rays, 26)
Sekope Kepu (87 Tests, NSW Country Eagles, 31)
Ben McCalman (49 Tests, Perth Spirit, 29)
Sean McMahon (22 Tests, Melbourne Rising, 23)
Stephen Moore (125 Tests, Queensland Country, 34)
Matt Philip* (uncapped, Perth Spirit, 23)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (78 Tests, Perth Spirit, 32)
Tom Robertson (15 Tests, NSW Country Eagles, 23)
Rob Simmons (78 Tests, Queensland Country, 28)
Scott Sio (39 Tests, Canberra Vikings, 26)
Lopeti Timani (9 Tests, Melbourne Rising, 27)
Lukhan Tui (3 Tests, Brisbane City, 21)
Jordan Uelese (2 Tests, Melbourne Rising, 20)
Backs
Kurtley Beale (67 Tests, NSW Country Eagles, 28)
Bernard Foley (vc) (52 Tests, NSW Country Eagles, 28)
Will Genia (vc) (85 Tests, Melbourne Rising, 29)
Reece Hodge (20 Tests, Melbourne Rising, 23)
Karmichael Hunt (3 Tests, Brisbane City, 30)
Samu Kerevi (14 Tests, Brisbane City, 24)
Marika Koroibete (4 Tests, Melbourne Rising, 25)
Tevita Kuridrani (54 Tests, Canberra Vikings, 26)
Billy Meakes* (uncapped, Perth Spirit, 26)
Izaia Perese* (uncapped, Queensland Country, 20)
Nick Phipps (58 Tests, Greater Sydney Rams, 28)
Joe Powell (2 Tests, Canberra Vikings, 23)
Curtis Rona (2 Tests, Perth Spirit, 25)
Henry Speight (17 Tests, Canberra Vikings, 29)
Development Players
Jack Maddocks* (uncapped, Melbourne Rising, 20)
Liam Wright* (uncapped, Queensland Country, 19)
Fionn
Guest
You'd have Faletau as the skilled 8 above Mafi and Hughes over Vunipola as the power 8, or is that just because Vunipola is injured? I must admit I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard Hughes might not be playing against the Wallabies at Twickenham then felt awful when I heard that he was. Still, will be good to watch him play. Going to the Fiji-Wallabies game in Melbourne was an incredible experience just to watch him play. It was like nothing I've ever seen. Since then I've made it a special goal to watch him play as much as possible. I love him. I don't get to watch as much European club rugby as I'd like, but hopefully I get a bit more time over the summer.
Cuw
Guest
for me there are 2 outstanding 8s atm - if i select today : power 8 - Nathan Hughes skilled 8 - Toby Faletau as for Nakarawa - i have been saying this for a couple of years - that peeps need to look beyond super rugger and 4 nations and even XVs rugger. I was fortunate enuf to see him play in Sri lanka on a short contract circa 2014 or 15. he can play anywhere from 4-8. he was dope :)
Fionn
Guest
Yep, fair argument, same thing as trying to compare Nakarawa with an Etzebeth or Retallick. Depends on what you are after. That being said if I was picking a world 15 I would find it hard to look past Mafi (for what it is worth I do wonder if there is a team in the world that Nakarawa wouldn't start at lock for—the man is incredible).
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I was specifically picking on the poms, I should have said that. I like the Scots and the Welsh, and not that it is relevant, the Irish, they know how to put together a mobile pack and know how to use it.
In brief
Guest
Average ball in play time in the Aviva premiership is now at an all time high of 38 minutes, tackles are close to 500 per match, there are more rucks too. Ball in play is also increasing every year in Top 14 which has the highest off loads and the pro 12. So I doubt games will be slug fests. Scotland play a fast game, Wales appear to have ditched Warrenball and we all know what England is capable of.
cuw
Guest
@ FIONN: u shud expect something new this time. coz there is no Doctor Roberts to get the ball everytime and run straight.
Cuw
Guest
if Roc plays u have a different threat - think like the other Roc , who played or NZ :)
Fionn
Guest
Cuw, I would never wish an injury on anyone. That being said, I wouldn't be unhappy if we didn't have to play against Elliot Daly at Twickenham :)
Fionn
Guest
Halfpenny is a better kicker than anyone in Aus. Hasn't really meant a lot since 2008, Cuw :P . They are the one team in world rugby that we have the mental edge over, and they're not playing very well. Now if Robbie Deans was coaching Wales rather than the Barbarians then I would be seriously, seriously worried.
Ed
Guest
Currently no one has Mailman.
Ed
Guest
We do have a winning record against England - boosted by our success in the amateur era. Amateur - played 19: AUS 12, ENG 7 Professional (from 1996) - played 29: ENG 15, AUS 13, one draw.
Cuw
Guest
@ Fionn on what basis can u call someone the best ? i dont think its that easy to define , unless someone is just way over everyone else. have u seen the plethora of 8s in the European scene - like Parrisse , Faletau , Hughes , Picamoles , Wry , Denton , Strauss , Lee, thor , Lakafia, Vito , Goujon , etc etc. there are so many that someone like argie ISA plays as a blindside flank for Toulon - and the way i recall most peeps thought he was the best 8 in super rugger and 4 nations in 2016 :) Billy and Mafi are both very good 8s . but there the comparison ends - becoz their playing styles are like chalk and cheese. Billy is a power 8 - someone like Sione Lauaki for NZ. Mafi is a skilled 8 - like a Read or Parrisse.
Cuw
Guest
one thing that is fact - 1/2penny is a better goal kicker than Foley or anyone else auzzy have in their squad :) and they also have Rhys Priestland who is in cracking form. in fact a couple of weeks back Todd Blackadder went on record saying he hoped RP will not be picked by Wales , becoz he is kicking Bath to victories. how ironic they managed to lose at the death by a kick at goal :)
Cuw
Guest
TO EACH ITS OWN. Alex Goode is not even in the squad. :) i wonder if peeps have seen Liam Williams' twitter handle. " Professional bomb-disposer for Saracens and Wales " :P
Cuw
Guest
given the rate of injuries , i dont think anyone will be able to predict who will be in the England team on match day. this will be also true for auzzy as well. latest news is that Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni has replaced Wasps’ Elliot Daly (injured). i am not sure if the squad players are available for Aviva matches or not.
Cuw
Guest
Thirteen New Zealanders have been named by coach Robbie Deans in his 26-man Barbarians squad to play the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday. Barbarians squad: Forwards: Ruan Ackermann, Dominic Bird, Willie Britz, Sam Carter, Simone Favaro, Ben Franks, Dillon Hunt, Steven Luatua, Atu Moli, Kwagga Smith, Ruan Smith, Adriaan Strauss, Akker van der Merwe, Jacques van Rooyen, Luke Whitelock Backs: Vince Aso, George Bridge, Richard Buckman, Mitchell Drummond, Robert du Preez, Andy Ellis, Richie Mo'unga, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Julian Savea, Nic Stirzaker, Harold Vorster
Cuw
Guest
the year end tour matches Week 1 3-Nov-17 19:00 PDT (UTC-07) BC Place, Vancouver Canada v Māori All Blacks Referee: Kurt Weaver (United States) 4-Nov-17 14:40 JST (UTC+9) International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama Japan v Australia Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand) 4-Nov-17 15:00 GMT (UTC+0) Twickenham Stadium, London Barbarians v New Zealand Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales) Week 2 10-Nov-17 19:30 WET (UTC+0) Thomond Park, Limerick Barbarians v Tonga Referee: Frank Murphy (Ireland) 10-Nov-17 20:45 CET (UTC+1) Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux French Barbarians v Māori All Blacks Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan) 11-Nov-17 18:00 GET (UTC+4) Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi Georgia v Canada Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales) 11-Nov-17 15:00 CET (UTC+1) Bruno-Plache-Stadion, Leipzig Germany v Brazil Referee: David Wilkinson (Ireland) 11-Nov-17 15:00 CET (UTC+1) Stadio Angelo Massimino, Catania Italy v Fiji Referee: John Lacey (Ireland) 11-Nov-17 14:30 GMT (UTC+0) Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Scotland v Samoa Referee: Nic Berry (Australia) 11-Nov-17 15:00 GMT (UTC+0) Twickenham Stadium, London England v Argentina Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa) 11-Nov-17 17:15 GMT (UTC+0) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales v Australia Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand) 11-Nov-17 17:30 WET (UTC+0) Aviva Stadium, Dublin Ireland v South Africa Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand) 11-Nov-17 20:45 CET (UTC+1) Stade de France, Saint-Denis France v New Zealand Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia) Week 3 14-Nov-17 19:30 CET (UTC+1) Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon France XV v New Zealand Referee: Luke Pearce (England) 18-Nov-17 15:00 CET (UTC+1) King Baudouin Stadium (Annex 2), Brussels Belgium v Brazil Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys (England) 18-Nov-17 15:00 CET (UTC+1) Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence Italy v Argentina Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa) 18-Nov-17 16:00 CAT (UTC+2) Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek Namibia v Uruguay Referee: Egon Seconds (South Africa) 18-Nov-17 14:30 GMT (UTC+0) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales v Georgia Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France) 18-Nov-17 15:00 GMT (UTC+0) Twickenham Stadium, London England v Australia Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand) 18-Nov-17 16:00 CET (UTC+1) Estadio Nacional Complutense, Madrid Spain v Canada Referee: Ian Tempest (England) 18-Nov-17 17:00 CET (UTC+1) BRITA-Arena, Wiesbaden Germany v United States Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand) 18-Nov-17 18:00 EET (UTC+2) Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest Romania v Samoa Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland) 18-Nov-17 17:15 CET (UTC+1) Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse, France Japan v Tonga Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland) 18-Nov-17 17:15 GMT (UTC+0) Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Scotland v New Zealand Referee: Matthew Carley (England) 18-Nov-17 17:30 WET (UTC+0) Aviva Stadium, Dublin Ireland v Fiji Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) 18-Nov-17 20:45 CET (UTC+1) Stade de France, Saint-Denis France v South Africa Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales) Week 4 25-Nov-17 18:00 GET (UTC+4) Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi Georgia v United States Referee: Pierre Brousset (France) 25-Nov-17 15:00 CET (UTC+1) Sparda-Bank-Hessen-Stadion, Offenbach Germany v Chile Referee: Dan Jones (Wales) 25-Nov-17 15:00 CET (UTC+1) Stadio Euganeo, Padua Italy v South Africa Referee: Romain Poite (France) 25-Nov-17 16:00 CAT (UTC+2) Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek Namibia v Uruguay Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa) 25-Nov-17 14:30 GMT (UTC+0) Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Scotland v Australia Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France) 25-Nov-17 15:30 CET (UTC+1) Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium, Villajoyosa Spain v Brazil Referee: Sean Gallagher (Ireland) 25-Nov-17 15:00 GMT (UTC+0) Twickenham Stadium, London England v Samoa Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland) 25-Nov-17 18:00 EET (UTC+2) Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest Romania v Tonga Referee: Tom Foley (England) 25-Nov-17 17:15 GMT (UTC+0) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales v New Zealand Referee: Wayne Barnes (England) 25-Nov-17 17:30 WET (UTC+0) Aviva Stadium, Dublin Ireland v Argentina Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France) 25-Nov-17 20:45 CET (UTC+1) U Arena, Nanterre France v Japan Referee: Luke Pearce (England) 25-Nov-17 TBC Parc des Sports Et de l'Amitié, Narbonne, France Fiji v Canada Referee: Matthew Carley (England) Week 5 2-Dec-17 14:30 GMT (UTC+0) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales v South Africa Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Yup. Fat forwards trundling to the scum, feigning ankle injuries. Not sure where you got your 30 minute game stat from , but that is the same number I came up with using the fast forward button.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Gordon was injured, (ankle I think) for a while and dropped off the radar. He was certainly on the rise until then. Can easily see Beale doing the last 20 minutes at 10. I don't think he has the composure to do it for the full 80 if there is a more permanent injury.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
The NH game style is: Roost the ball 80m (they recognize the value of a kicker). Monster the Opposition in the line out Attack the ball carriers and rucks forcing a knock a turnover or a clearing kick Back to a scrum or line out with their own feed, inside the opposition half . In defense: Attack the breakdown Lie all over the ruck and trap or slow down the attack Launch the loosies into the gain line to stifle the attack Rinse, Repeat. To manage this, the Wallaby Line out needs to be well staffed, 3 Primaries and a decent secondary. With Dual 7's that means the 6 must be a primary, and in the absence of Fardy or RHP that leaves *Cringe* Ned Flanders. Pooper lovers out there, realize that this is one of the toxic waste by-products from that experiment, it was the same story with Mumm. We might Might get away with 2 Dogs: Big Dog McCalman and Mad Dog MacMahon, but against England, Itoge at 6 will stress all 3 primaries making it difficult to win their own ball. The Welsh tend to have a tall 6 and competent 8 like Felatau or Moriarty which won't make it easy either.. Similar problems in the ruck. The big NH packs push through light weight protectors. Scots, Boks and Argies have already shown up this weakness. Scrum is an issue, NH front rows are well drilled in the dark arts of forcing the opposition to collapse. Loose head, even with Sio has been an ongoing problem.