After the Wallabies’ performance at Yokohama on the weekend, I’ve hit a state of nervous optimism, mostly stemming from the form and depth of our back three.
When Israel Folau announced that he was to take a break until the start of next season, it launched a barrage of opinions about how best to rearrange the backline.
We couldn’t have the same setup that won so much favour after an outstanding performance against the All Blacks in Brisbane, so what was the answer? Kurtley Beale to 15? Or maybe Reece Hodge? Karmichael Hunt or Samu Kerevi at 12?
While the answers to these questions still remain unclear, an outstanding performance against Japan without our first-choice, John Eales Medal-winning fullback has made it clear that serious weapons are developing out wide.
Granted, the lessened impact of Folau’s absence is perhaps more attributed to the backline’s ability to adapt, as well as increasing individual skill sets, but it is an indicator that the Aussies are no longer solely reliant on Folau as the main attacking weapon. An exciting proposition considering the World Cup is looming.
Take a look at the players who have played on the wing or fullback so far this year:
Henry Speight
Dane Haylett-Petty
Curtis Rona
Eto Nabuli
Sefanaia Naivalu
Marika Koroibete
Reece Hodge
Israel Folau
Kurtley Beale
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It’s also worthwhile mentioning the younger players that Michael Cheika is introducing to the international scene, mainly Izaia Perese, Jack Maddocks and Tom Banks. Furthermore, Hunt should also be included in fullback considerations.
That’s now 13, high-quality outside backs for Cheika to choose from to form Australia’s back three for the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Haylett-Petty and Naivalu have had their international season cut short due to injury, while Rona and Nabuli have had limited opportunity on the wing, purely because of outstanding depth.
Although this is a luxury, one substantial problem arises from this golden crop of outside backs – who should take the positions for the World Cup?
Despite popular opinion that Folau should move to the wing, he best serves his country at 15. Rock solid under the high ball, improving positional awareness, the ability to find open space, and his Super Rugby club ensures that Folau will have the custodian’s duties for as long as he chooses to stay in the Wallaby camp.
AAP Image/Joe Castro
Moving Folau to the wing makes even less sense considering the world-class finishers that should be available, mostly Korobeite and Naivalu. With pure speed and strength, these two flying wingers will have another year to tone their game in gold before unleashing at the World Cup.
A successful, injury-free 2018 international season will be the most critical aspect of the development and cohesion of this trio. In particular, during the June Test series against Ireland, Folau, Koroibete and Naivalu could build on their individual moments of brilliance and form the best back-three combination in world rugby.
The opportunity is certainly there.
Naivalu has had an unlucky run of injuries, but a glimpse of his speed in the June internationals showed what the Wallabies lacked so dearly.
Koroibete continues his rapid rise, searching for more work on the field and improving his understanding of the international game. His defence is fantastic and constantly overlooked because of his devastating running game (not that it’s really a problem). Like Folau, sparing disaster, Koroibete should have done enough to secure his place on the team.
Off the bench, Hodge or Haylett-Petty would be ideal, as they can perform exceptionally in all facets of the game.
Not only will this be the most potent, dangerous back three in the world, but the competition spawned from the player depth will ensure the Wallabies hold that title for the foreseeable future.
twoilms
Guest
You couldn't have all three of Koro, Naivalu or Folau in a backline. It's all hard running and nothing else. Folau stays at fullback whilst one of DHP or Hodge covers the fullback/winger role most teams now utilise with either Koroibete or Naivalu the out and out power finisher.
Fionn
Guest
I dunno, I feel that Dagg has been really overrated the last few years. Not as good under the high ball as he once was and so much less threatening and dynamic in attack than Milner-Skudder. The only area I really see him ahead of Milner-Skudder (at least the 2015 version of NMS) was kicking. You've got to remember that Dagga was left out of the RWC squad for a reason.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Reds Fan, I have made my piece with the termination of the Force, as much as it pains me I am now a closeted Rebels fan. Wessels and his Western mercenaries will win the conference and, unlike your team, will beat the Kiwis and Saffas a few times for good measure. It may be over for the Force, but the ARU has a good chance of being dragged down too, their own concrete block chained to their neck. Unless of course you think the Australian government is toothless and can't or won't do anything to your beloved ARU. They are in the cross hairs of the same large caliber sniper rifle that swept Soccer Australia clean. I will be sure to tell you to "Get Over it" when funding for your team is restricted and you have to release a number of prestige players. If you don't think it will happen, look at the potential liability to the WA government and potential of a damages claim to be paid to Rugby WA. The Imperium Cash Grab was a shrewd business deal by Cox but there is a genuine chance that the board will be made accountable for the funds mismanagement. Taxpayers aren't keen on their money being gifted to insolvent Kiwi companies.
Jesse Langley
Guest
People seem to forget that beale cant catch a bomb. it should be; 9 genia 10 foley 11 korrebeti 12 beale 13 hodge 14 falua 15 DHP
Jumbo
Guest
Mckenzie is leading most stats in the rugby championship aswel.
Jumbo
Guest
Jordie barrett will be starting fullback i suspect.
Jp
Guest
More aussie optimism i see..
Rebellion
Guest
Hard to go past a fit and in form back three of Savea, Ioane & Ben Smith Oz could be Naivalu, Koroibete & Folau. Would be a great contest until a tactical aerial assault is launched to test the players who don’t have the natural union instincts in this element of the game Not much between them in a running game that is for sure Centre I see as being the only ‘potential’ weakness in the AB’s since Nonu & Smith retired
Redsfan1
Guest
Force are gone. Get over it.
Dave
Guest
JOC is coming back to Australia for 2019 is he? Otherwise very confused. That list of names is the weakest we have had since the game went professional. Consider our previous world cup campaigns; 99: Burke/Tune/Roff 03: Rogers/Tuqiri/Sailor - not the greatest, but would take over today's, plus lots of talent like Latham/Burke/Roff not required or subs. Tons of depth. 07: Latham/Tuqiri/ AAC(Mitchell sub) 11: JOC/Beale/Digby - makes a mockery of today's back 3 15: Folau/AAC/Mitchell Lets calm down with the hyperbole, and not confuse size with talent.
Cuw
Guest
u mean Savea NMS Smith ? i say Savea Dagg Smith was better.
Fionn
Guest
All fair points. That said our backline is normally one of the 2-3 best in the world, it is just that our forwards are often inferior to all the rest of the tier 1 opposition. In talking about the back three as a unit I suspect the All Blacks' back three in 2015 is one that won't be topped for a long, long time.
Cuw
Guest
FIJI perhaps ? take ur pick Wings Vereniki Goneva Patrick Osborne Josua Tuisova Timoci Nagusa Full back Kini Murimurivalu the problem with ur back 3 is - only Folau is a proven player over a few years. the other 2 have had their moments this year. and moments they were. the Fijians have been playing neat rugger for years, with pace power and sublime skills - its just that they have very little prep as a national team. Tuisova was the world 7S player of the year ( maybe 2015 or 16). Osborne is a NZ squad player. and they have not even selected Nandolo !!! i was hoping to see the French backs go at the all blacks - but it is not to be. the list of injured includes Virimi Vakatawa , Noa Nakaitaci , Remi Lamerat and Camille Lopez. but major damage is in the pack with injuries to Bernard Le Roux, Fulgence Ouedraogo , Kelian Galletier ,Yacouba Camara, Damien Chouly, Charles Ollivon and Loann Goujon.
Jacko
Guest
Yeah that may well be right Fionn but I struggle to work out a criteria for the judgement. 3 players could be the best individually but not work together but 3 not so good individuals can work together brilliantly. To me a back 3 is about who works best as a combination. Individually all of those players would make a world top 10 in their positions but where in that top 10 is the question. Reiko Ioane is rated pretty high but he has his failings in working with his team mates and Naholo is only now becoming a player who can properly work to involve his team mates ( 2 brilliant offloads in the Baabaas game) yet those two would also definately make that top 10. Folau is now a proven talent and korobeite looks to have the goods but has only had a few games. Beale is world class etc but if they dont work together as a combo then the individual skillset is wasted. Its like saying Ben Smith is the best player in the world then getting him to play hooker...he would not look like the best player in the world. if the article said..."1 of the best back 3 in world rugby" then yes I agree but if England beat Aus shortly then does England have the best 3 backs? Are these guys now the best 3 because they won the last game v the ABs? Some of the PI countries have some amazing backs but the lack of team success doesnt allow them to get the credit they deserve Its a tricky question let alone a Statement.
Uncle Eric
Guest
You haven't seen a lot of McKenzie then Rhys?
Cuw
Guest
@ Old Bugger basically there are 2 incumbent 10 s for NZ. i guess they are givens - unless injured. then there are the 10s who will play in super rugger. that is DMacs competition. as for Delany - he was good in Miter 10 and is replacing MartyMac who went to chiefs. i have a feeling he is there for leadership on and off field - just like Bateman. i read somewhere that Bateman got an award for off field contributions - from crusaders. at same awards where Bridge was the best newbie. also am thinking the coach may be expecting Mounga to be with all Blacks - thus playing with Hunt/ Delany. Chiefs let Donald go - but he played more at 12 in miter 10. but then teams can always offer short term injury replacement contracts :)
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Peter, I Submitted 2 separate articles, The Editors rejected them both. I had no choice in the matter. Given the selective Reporting from ARU outlets, silence from Roar staff writers and the rejection of my second article, I fear that there may be active censorship on the matter. I got the impression that there may have been related to legal advice, unsubstantiated opinion on this site has never been much of a problem. From the roar editor when I suggested a re-write from my original: "I'd put the chances of it getting published at around 50-60%"
piru
Roar Rookie
The deafening silence from The Roar over this inquiry is concerning. I would have thought it very pertinent to the game of rugby in Australia.
Fionn
Guest
I don't think is true, Jacko. Who has a better back three than 11. Koroibete, 14. Hodge, 15. Folau at present? Other than the All Blacks I wouldn't say anyone. England are close but I don't think are quite there. Wales perhaps, but while Halfpenny is extremely solid he doesn't have the brilliance of Folau. Liam Williams is world class, but George North isn't in the form he once had from what I've seen.
Old Bugger
Guest
cuw I don't understand what you're saying.....?? But, you forget Mike Delany added some weight, for the elder brigade in the M10. Seems the Saders see something there, for next year.....??