In my rather short Roar career, I have a had a decent crack at the Wallabies ‘brains trust’ because of the attacking and defensive structures they employ. In doing so, I have also had a decent crack at their selections.
It’s easy to criticise but it’s much harder to offer solutions and alternatives. I have already put forward my ideas in the 2-4-2 attacking structure and the rush/spread defence, as used by the All Blacks. The one thing I have not touched on is selections.
My guess is that the first response from the Wallabies “brains trust” upon being confronted with the possibility of using different structures would be: “well, show me the players who would be able to play in those structures” (because blaming the players’ skill sets and fitness seems to be their answer to any other problem and criticism they are confronted with).
To start off this debating tornado, I will now select my 15 to take to the 2019 World Cup if the Wallabies were to start utilising these structures right now.
Disclaimer
Before I bellyflop into this debate igniting topic, I just want to clear up a few points.
• It is a catch 22 situation – if you want to use the use the 2-4-2 you need the players with the requisite skill sets and if you want players with the requisite skill sets you need to use the 2-4-2. A genuine, fully committed start will have to made at some point, just as the AB’s did shortly after their disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign.
• When I mention players, it will not only be because of the skillset and ability they possess right now but also because of the skillset they could possess (and have shown glimpses of) given a bit of attention and guidance.
• No overseas players are mentioned because they should be banned a la New Zealand selection policy (which is a whole new topic for debate)
• Some players are a getting a bit on but this is team is purely for competing at the 2019 World Cup – I don’t subscribe to ‘building for the future’, win every match at all costs when playing in the hallowed gold!
The Squad
01. Ben Alexander
I rate his deceptive speed and agility but also his handling skills. More importantly I rate his experience and rugby knowledge for the squad in general and on the side of the scrum which involves most of the skulduggery and dark tactics.
I have never had a problem with his scrumming at loosehead, he has only had his problems at tighthead when moved there for God knows what reason. I remember his early years at the Brumbies when he was a dynamic try scoring machine and I think he can still be that player up to 2019. The haters will keep hating though.
2. Damien Fitzpatrick
My pick to fit the 2-4-2 hooker mould. The glimpses I’ve seen in his limited game time at the ‘Tahs since returning from overseas has shown good speed, handling and ability to identify gaps. Also, can’t fault his throwing from what I’ve seen.
In his late twenties, he has plenty of life and overseas playing experience. I rate his maturity and exposure to different structures and tactics to be an asset in this key position. Jordan Uelese would bench for impact.
03. Sekope Kepu
Our best prop on either side of the scrum, just a pity he is asked to do grunt work all the time by running into brick walls. When he decides to tuck it, and run, he has shown glimpses of just how dynamic he can be. His experience also can’t be priced. Along with Ben Alexander in that middle four-man pod, I can see real damage being done.
(Photo: AFP)
04. Steven Cummins
At 202cm and 122 kegs, he is a very agile, physical and surprisingly trim player. Apart from his skillset, it’s his calmness during the game that impresses me and I think he is one of those players who doesn’t need ‘experience’ to remain that calm on an international stage. I can see his brain constantly ticking over on the field – my choice for captain.
05. Adam Coleman
Been a fan since I first saw him. Our own Brodie Retallick. Just need to remove the unnecessary anger out his game that sometimes clouds his vision – a trait which only started developing under Cheika. From what I’ve seen, especially in his early days, he is a very fast and agile player for such a big unit. Imagine giving this unit licence to roam.
06. Jed Holloway
Been a fan since day one. He is a massive unit with some incredible speed and handling. The All Blacks upgraded their mobility from Jerome Kaino to Liam Squire, we don’t need to upgrade, because we have this guy. I want to see this unit roam the sidelines in the 2-4-2 structure. Also a lineout option.
07. Jack Dempsey
Big call, but not really. Richie McCaw and Sam Cane are not your usual short, stocky, over the ball players and it is not required in the 2-4-2. We all know how good Dempsey is and he has the ability to turn over ball, but more importantly, he is smart and skilful enough to slow the ball down. And for those Pocock advocates – he is too short, immobile and is not agile and dynamic enough taking the ball into contact. Also a lineout option.
08. Isi Naiserani
His talent is obvious and this is largely why he has been picked. My concern is his rugby IQ given the positional and tactical importance of this position. If this can be overcome, there is no reason why he can’t run around the field like Kieran Read, except, Naiserani would be more powerful into contact. Also a lineout option.
09. Jake Gordon
The complete package but have not seen enough of his general kicking game (which would be worked on overtime is it was lacking). Fit, fast, tenacious with an obvious eye for a gap – he is Aaron Smith on steroids. Love this guy’s electricity.
10. David Horwitz
I just plain like what I see and I think he is an unearthed diamond. Played fly half his whole life until Daryl Gibson moved him to inside centre in his debut season and his NRC team decided to play him at outside centre. He is very well conditioned and a very good defender. He also has a very good kicking game both out of hand and at the posts.
The thing I like most is his persistent calmness. I have not seen him take the reins in a playmaking capacity but from what I’ve seen so far I think he will not lack in this department.
Also, strikes me as the type of unselfish player who would be willing to be instructed from outside (from the 13 and 15) as to options and calls a la Beauden Barrett. Duncan Paia’aua missed out very narrowly because I think his kicking game is just that bit below par compared to Horwitz’s.
11. Israel Folau
The closest, and most likely better, thing we have to Rieko Ioane. We all know he is an out and out left wing and a sure bet to win any contest in the air near the opposition try line or from a kick off. Selects himself here. Will need work on positional awareness though.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
12. Andrew Smith
Andrew who you say? Andrew Smith, under-utilised Brumbies inside centre. Standing at 194cm and weighing in 104 kegs, he is the perfect fit for the 2-4-2 inside centre mould.
With the limited game time he got for the Brumbies towards the end of last year he showed what natural instincts and ability he has – very impressed by his running lines and handling. I keep repeating calmness and experience and this bloke has both.
Not seen too much of his work at the breakdown and this would be worked on overtime is found lacking. At 34 he is teetering on retirement but I think, given his obvious physical conditioning, that he can make the 2019 World Cup, no sweat.
13. James Dargaville
Big call you say? I stick to my guns. This guy is the all-round package for the 2-4-2 outside centre and is very unassuming – one of those reliable players that almost never makes a mistake. When I think James Dargaville, I think Conrad Smith.
Strikes me as an unselfish team player who really would put the team first. Also has a very decent fend when going on the outside.
14. Jack Maddocks
The requisite second fullback in the back three. At 194cm tall he is also an excellent option for the cross-field kick close to the opposition try line. His talent and potential is undoubted.
15. Reece Hodge
Solid is what I think when I think Reece Hodge. A fly half but messed around by being played on the wing and in both centre berths. The only reason I didn’t pick him at fly half is because he’s clearing kick is a bit too laboured for my liking, a trade-off for having a howitzer boot I guess.
The ABs are obviously grooming Jordie Barret here but we already have this guy. Can’t fault anything of his, especially his commitment. And most importantly, I could not leave out a boot that can score World Cup winning 3 pointers from 60m out.
I am now at your mercy Roarers, please be gentle
CJ
Guest
Haven't seen most of these players but there seems to have been a massive attrition rate over the years with talented players like Lachy Turner, Joe Tomane, Liam Gill and the Honey Badger (last I heard he was running around in Norway - which is probably lots of fun) never realizing their seeming potential long term as Wallabies like a Ben Smith type of player. Or up and comers at school boy level never being seen ever again on the big stage. Hope there is an end sometime to this trend.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
And he's playing in Wales with the intention to qualify for them by the 2020 Six Nations.
Morsie
Guest
I had to do a search for Cummins as I'd not heard of him - he has played almost zero super rugby, he has signed with an os team and you nominate him as your skipper - nah You have a couple of journeyman centers - nah again .............. but I do like your back row and the possibility of Ben Alexander getting another shot at LHP. This lightweight backrow crap needs to stop now.
Neil
Guest
Tipsy, your remarks about Hooper are uninformed. Look at how close in size and weight he is to the other top 7’s playing. There isn’t much in it and he has the added advantage of speed.
Ernest
Guest
1.Sio 2.Nau 3.P.Emile(currently overseas) 4.Coleman 5.Staniforth(aggressive at breakdown and can steal) 6Higgenbotham(if he plays there wallabies will sought out their cleaning problem) 7.Pocock 8.Machmon 9.Genia 10.Foley 11.kolrolbete 12.Beale 13.hodge 14.Morahan(currently overseas) 15.Falou 16.saliva 17kepu 18.slipper 19.Tui 20.Harrison Goddard 21.Parese 22.conour (currently Overseas) Rest of squad 1.alaatoa 2.Fitzpatrick 3.Simmons 4.Hooper 5.C.Faingaa 6.Phibbs 7.Barnes (currently overseas can still do the job) 8.Suatia(reds)
Gepetto
Guest
I guess we agree that Bernard cannot play 80 minutes of every game. I'll start watching Horwitz in action. If Coach Cheika is prepared to use Hodge at #10 here is a good argument for Horwitz now that Cooper has been exiled forever.
Jacko
Guest
Fionn I just dont get this "he plays as a 14 not a 15" talk...He is the fullback....he defends there, attacks from their and positions himself there most of the game. There is even much debate about his kicking from FB so I get confused as to why you ...and the writer of this articl, call him a wing. I watched every test he played last year and most of the complaints against him are his lack of kicking and his lack of positional play outside of set piece. His SR position is different but not his test position. I, and I think many others based on what is written here and elsewhere, would LOVE to see him as a winger...but that is not where Cheika puts him
Fionn
Guest
Taylorman, even assuming your statement of you can't compare a winger with a fullback is correct, as has been analysed very closely, Folau spends most of the time playing at 14, not as a 15. Rather like your 'Pocock can't be analysed as a 7 because he played 8', you make little sense, as what matters is the role the player performs, not the number on the jersey. Brodie Retallick or Malcolm Marx were the two best. Definitely not Barrett after his efforts in the Lions series.
Jacko
Guest
I think the best player on the planet last year was Brodie but as you say he missed a few matches
taylorman
Guest
In saying that, I actually had Itoje and Folau as even prior to the AI's and thought not going probably cost Folau any chance, as it did Brodie. I was very surprised Barrett got it and Id say an all NZ panel wouldnt have awarded it to him. It seems the judges may have been swayed by the good things and dont necessarily look at the poorer things. If Folau or Itoje had been voted, either would have deserved it. Ioane was just a tad too raw for this award and has really yet to be tested, though the Lions tied him up a bit at times in the series.
taylorman
Guest
Geez all this comparing players out of position. You cant compare Folau and Ioane as wingers 'because thats really where Folau plays'. No. Wrong. They have already selected two wingers, one has 11 and one has 14. Its the same as comparing Pocock to McCaw at Seven. Oh, Pocock really played as a 7. They had Hooper on the field! And he was certainly doing '7 things'. So gee, must be easy when there are two of you. And where then is the 8 with two 7's on the field. Perhaps when Oz pick their players and play them in the right positions theyll be able to compare with their opposites. Last time I checked the current numbering in terms of positions is the most efficient way to put 15 players on the field based on the roles of those positions. Yet Oz seem to think they can kind of 'shift everyone around' and then...claim theyre better than players with other numbers on their backs in different positions. Play the game as its meant to be played, then perhaps compare...
Jacko
Guest
Also Folau has 32 tries on 62 games...Ioane has 11 tries in 8 games including 4 v Aus in 3 games...Is it still about trys?
Jacko
Guest
Fionn Ioane went on the EOY tours....It was Ioane getting all the attention....Sorry but I NEVER said Folau went on the EOY tours Surely judging a players ability is done on more than 10 tests?? So Folau has a crap SR season by your own words...doesnt go on the EOY tour...that means he had maximum 10 decent games...Ioane was a rookie...had such a great SR season...in a crap team...that he got selected in the ABs ahead of a legend....was voted international rookie of the year...made the top 5 internation players list....and was openly discussed by UK experts as the best talent seen for years and what has scoring trys got to do with being a great player? After all the Bus has scored many more trys than Ioane yet who has the jumper? Rather than agree to disagree I think I will agree we will never agree about this
Fionn
Guest
Folau didn't go on the EOYT, Jacko, and all the NH commentators were saying that it was very good for the NH teams and very bad for Australia. They were right. Are we basing international level or international form or on SR form? Nonu was poor for years in SR and great for the All Blacks. The Waratahs were an abysmal team that was abysmally coached (even worse than the Wallabies). Thankfully, his form picked up in the internationals and despite playing fewer games than Ioane and for a much worse team than Ioane he still scored more tries than Ioane. Folau never really looked ordinary for the Wallabies, which is why he was nominated for the player of the year. Anyway, I'm happy to agree to disagree here.
Jacko
Guest
Fionn in another article you say Folau had an abysimal SR season wirth the Tahs....Well Ioane's SR season earnt him a position in the ABs at the expense of the BUS so I reckon that would have had to have been regarded as good. Also I recorded all the post Nov tour shows from the UK and the show after the awards were given was particularely interesting as all the EXPERTS rated Ioane as the best they had seen for a long time....I am sure they wernt all NZers and Im sure they are bigger than some infinitesimal minority outside NZ. Maybe you are right in saying that Folau plays wing mostly anyway??? Well that could be the biggest issue Aus rugby has, as in no one knows where they are supposed to be playing, and this senario clearly made Folau look very ordinary at times but at other times it was Folau himself looking very ordinary all on his own. As I said to Tipsy just below.....It is easier to standout in a lower quality team As you say...we will agree to disagree
Fionn
Guest
Folau plays primarily as a winger despite wearing the 15 jersey anyway. Nick also demonstrated how that wasn't completely Folau's fault and he largely blamed it on Genia's defence. Anywya, it was a great step by Ioane but Folau scored heaps with great steps too, so I don't see how that proves anyway. I think you'd be in an infinitesimal minority outside of NZ in thinking that Ioane is better at this stage due to his issues in positioning and under the high ball and his relatively less dangerous running, Jacko, but we can agree to disagree. If injuries don't wreck his career then he may certainly be better than Folau, but only time will tell.
Jacko
Guest
Tipsy the flip side of that is that Folau can stand out in a lower quality team. Ioane has to stand out in the best.
Jacko
Guest
I'd say Ioane is definately better at this stage, and based on views in the NH I'd say that most outside Aus (and many within) would agree. Yet again Fionn you put Folau at winger...He is a fullback, and probably 3rd or 4th choice in the world at his position. Ioane is a winger and the best one in the world according to the IRB and many other judges As I said...You have Folau...and all his deficiencies and I will take Ioane, and all his deficiencies, as at least Ioane knows where he should be on the field...Something Folau lacks...at least Ioane plays instinctively...something Folau is STILL not doing despite playing in his 5th(??) season. Folau is a great athelete...but is NOT a natural rugby player...and it shows up on the field quite often....Including when Ioane beat him fair and square in a one on one at the line. Many things can wreck a career but if Ioane has a normal career re injuries etc then how much better will he be at 28 than Folau is now?
PeterK
Roar Guru
I agree wallabies should emulate the scots and irish. Note neither play with the same structures or style of the ab's. They both play games that suit their best players. Australia does not do this instead they select players for a predetermined game plan.
Woodsie
Guest
My bad. I was on......the apple cider. You’re!!!