The completion of the Super Rugby season has left an empty feeling within me.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the season; I did. I think the blame for this feeling nearly entirely falls on the shoulders of the three-week Test break endured during June that disrupted the flow of the fixtures.
This break occurred so close to the finals that it seemingly halted momentum of some teams, specifically the Hurricanes and Rebels, who both endured below average runs home. Not only that, but the Crusaders had already established themselves as the premier team in the completion by that point.
Did anyone think they were in fear of not claiming another crown? Respective Hurricanes and Lions coaches Chris Boyd and Swys de Bruin summed it up well by stating that the Crusaders were “20 points better than the next best team” and “in another league”.
Lingering over all of this, however, was the anticipation for what is sure to be a stellar Rugby Championship in the eyes of this gold-tinted, starry-eyed supporter. Therein lies the real reason for this depleted disposition that drastically needs remedying.
Hours spent combing through articles, reports, match highlights and bizarre underdog comments from New Zealand coaches has me asking myself a lot of questions and generally psyching myself up for the upcoming series with these key points occupying the majority of the thoughts.
1) What does Matt Toomua coming back mean for Rugby AU?
Probably the highlight of the last few weeks and a source of promise and confidence for a lot of fans is the immediate return of former Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua. Despite him shifting his allegiance further south to Melbourne, his comeback is the dose of inside-back the Wallabies need.
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How many games have been played and squads announced where there has been only one genuine flyhalf named? This doesn’t even need to impact the ‘what-if’ scenarios if Bernard Foley got injured, but think of the lack of pressure if you’re training with more than 30 other blokes and you’re the only specialist in your given position.
Motivation should not always and does not need to be extrinsic, but having an in-form Toomua, comfortable at No. 10 or 12, breathing down your neck can only be a good thing for the squad.
The issue lies in where to put the new-again talent. Does he slot straight back into the starting team? I would think not. Foley and Kurtley Beale already do a great job as our inside backs most of the time, plus Toomua comes over without any recent Test match rugby experience to boast.
His benefit really does seem destined for the pine as he covers two positions with aplomb and gives the option to move around others to add a bit more hard-line-running and tactical kicks to the Wallabies attacking structure.
I would be remiss to not mention his defensive prowess either. It’s his firm stance on obliterating anything that comes within grasp that should have most people’s mouths watering. How nice does it seem to be able to name a backline that defends in its listed channel? What was once a pipe dream can now become a reality, but that will be covered more in the third point.
2) How do you choose between incumbent and rising star?
Talking of replacing an incumbent with a ‘new’ face, there has been a fair bit of talk about what to do with all of this young rising talent and if anyone gets usurped because of it, or if you trust the seasoned veteran. The key areas where this is most applicable is at prop and hooker.
Up front there has been a lot of discussion surrounding whether Sekope Kepu is still the best tighthead in the country. He has been a long-serving warhorse for the Wallabies and Waratahs and has been called upon for his reliable scrummaging and damaging around-the-park antics for several years, yet threat for his spot has been conjured by Taniela Tupou, the Tongan Thor.
Imagine most of the enterprise you get with Kepu, but add in an extra 10kg, some lower centre of gravity, some harder running and a Herculean ability to drive through scrums. He may be young and still learning the ropes, but he is more than capable in his brief appearances in the green and gold so far and it seems only a matter of when, not if, he takes the starting jersey as his own.
Tucked inside the tighthead looms arguably the hardest selection, as evidenced by the four hookers named in the 36-man squad. At the moment there is the never-say-die Tatafu Polota-Nau trying to keep three hungry, young and inexperienced rakes at bay in the form of Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Folau Fainga’a and Tolu Latu.
It seems likely to retain Polota-Nau despite his age and prior injury woes and this makes sense. His 82 Test caps provide experience and expertise that simply can’t yet be matched by the combined ten caps that the other three share. Who starts though? Who gets left behind?
The only uncapped player in Fainga’a seems destined for the stands if he’s to be at the grounds for the first Bledisloe Cup match. Paenga-Amosa was given a go against Ireland and, although held his own for most of the key areas, wasn’t remarkable or dominant.
Latu showed patches of greatness and his rucking ability is immense, however he started just one game for the Waratahs all year and it was his worst performance as he got outdone by a Marx-led Lions pack.
I’d look to be starting Tatafu Polota-Nau with Latu comes off the bench, but the part of me that says that also desperately wants to find room for Paenga-Amosa who seems to have the most capacity to claim that jersey as his own one day.
How long can Tatafu Polota-Nau hold his spot? (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
3) Do our centres really get that much worse without Kerevi and Kuridrani?
The short answer is yes. If Kerevi hasn’t been the starting 13 then Kuridrani has been and visa versa. This has been the way of the Wallabies since 2015 or thereabouts. It’s a lot of experience in such a vital position to be without for this series, yet I don’t think it’s going to play as big a part as other pundits may have you believe.
The replacement for the vacant slot should be filled by Reece Hodge. Curtis Rona, Sefa Naivalu, Billy Meakes, youngster Jordan Petaia and established, superstar fullback Israel Folau could fill the void, but I don’t want them to and nor should anyone else.
The idea of Rona looked promising at the start of the season, but his form quickly declined and he became the most pedestrian part of the Waratahs backline very quickly. Sefa Naivalu and Billy Meakes suffered the fate of a star-studded backline causing too many positional changes to ever get much of a look.
Meakes got a few attempts to impress, but the shuffling of Tom English and Hodge meant it was too hard to really express what he could offer from the outside channel. Naivalu had that issue on top of not being able to outdo Marika Koroibete or Jack Maddocks for a coveted wing spot and so it’d be out of left field to say the least if he were selected to start.
Petaia offers x-factor and youth over the others, but is still so green and untested that a baptism of fire against the All Blacks to start his Test career would seem destined to discourage rather than set the foundations for someone who could be a genuinely fantastic long-term option further down the track.
Lastly, the idea that has also been largely speculated is the positional shift from fullback to centre for Israel Folau. He’s played in the position before and is a tried and tested freak no matter where he slots in, but to move someone who is already one of the best in his positions seems a backward step to fill a short-term problem. You don’t need to renovate the whole house for one crack in the plastering.
Hodge adds an ability to sniff out a hole as well as Kuridrani, can defend better than Kerevi and his kicking ability isn’t even close to rivaled by either, so the qualities he offers the team make him a standout for mine. Yes, we lose experience, but we gain access to trialing someone who actually looks like a genuine 13 and this may be just the situation Hodge needs to show the rugby-world on the biggest stage what he can offer.
All of these points have occupied a decent portion of the brain for the time being, but theory is never as good as practice. With that being said, bring on the first round of the Rugby Championship as these burning points get realised and speculation becomes confirmed or denied.
Realist
Guest
Would drop Hanigan, Paenga-Amosa, Robertson, Simmons & Nic Phipps (of course) from the 28 I’d also swap Maddocks for Rory Arnold. Want to see Maddocks get a shot but certainly not against the All Blacks. If Arnold played lethargically (which he can be prone to do) I would drop him for the entire Rugby Championship
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
We know the guys playing well in northern hemisphere club games can make the difference. Mitchell/Gits/AAC were all brilliant in the 15 RWC. I expect MT to be the same.
Brett McKay
Expert
For the sake of a quick update, Cheika trimmed the Wallabies squad down to 28 today as the they reassemble in Homebush to commence final Bledisloe preps.. Trimmed from the initial Wallabies train-on squad: Forwards - Ainsley, Arnold, Fainga'a, Timu Backs - Meakes, Naivalu, Petaia, Rona Updated 28-man squad for Bledisloe 1: Forwards Allan Alaalatoa (23 Tests, Brumbies, 24) Adam Coleman (23 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26) Ned Hanigan (13 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 23) Michael Hooper (c) (82 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 26) Sekope Kepu (94 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 32) Tolu Latu (7 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 25) Brandon Paenga-Amosa (3 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22) David Pocock (69 Tests, Brumbies, 30) Tatafu Polota-Nau (82 Tests, Leicester, 33) Tom Robertson (21 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 23) Izack Rodda (7 Tests, Queensland Reds, 21) Pete Samu (3 Tests, Brumbies, 26) Rob Simmons (85 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29) Scott Sio (46 Tests, Brumbies, 26) Lukhan Tui (7 Tests, Queensland Reds, 21) Taniela Tupou (4 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22) Backs Tom Banks* (uncapped, Brumbies, 24) Kurtley Beale (74 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29) Israel Folau (65 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29) Bernard Foley (58 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 28) Will Genia (90 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 30) Dane Haylett-Petty (21 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 29) Reece Hodge (27 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 23) Marika Koroibete (11 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26) Jack Maddocks* (uncapped, Melbourne Rebels, 21) Nick Phipps (64 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29) Joe Powell (4 Tests, Brumbies, 24) Matt Toomua (33 Tests, Leicester/Melbourne Rebels, 28) *denotes uncapped
Cheikmate
Guest
I notice on another sports site that Cheika's just named his 28. I think it's going to trigger some new psych therapy sessions for me, cos Hanigan's in, and so is Simmons and Phipps, while Rory Arnold's been dumped for no known reason, and so has Timu, so that means Pooper's already cemented in, which all opposition have worked out now, and even though Hooper's not yet fully tested his injury. With that ridiculous $6m Hooper deal, we're screwed now until he retires in 10 yrs time, even IF Cheika leaves after the WC next year. In 50 years of supporting Aus rugby, I don't ever recall a period of more constantly stupid decision making by people in important positions, particularly in direct comparison to the thinking and running of the game in NZ and other countries. Rugby expertise and intelligence seem to have been eradicated virtually entirely from all things RA now. Meh.. maybe I'm the dummy..?!
Neil
Guest
I don't think Simmons should be anywhere near the squad, Connor. Don't think I could face watching him pushed backwards yet again by Retallick and Co. He is simply to soft in defence, carries etc. Time to move onto the next generation.
StuM
Guest
Toomua. Was terribly average before he left. Goes away. Comes back. Roar lemmings en masse tout him as the Messiah returning home. Odd, but I hope you're all correct.
Openside
Guest
Having been an avid follower of the Roar for many years now, I figure its time to post a reply or opinion. 100% agree with your post and team selection Fionn. Only comment would be to confirm Gordon over Powell. As a Hooper fan its a shame to see him on the bench, but after 5 weeks out injured, the starting side in the first game in the Bledisloe is not the place to make your comeback. If Cheika picks this side, the Wallabies will win (only just) the first Bledisloe in Sydney.
Connor33
Guest
Fionn, I’m pretty much with you with this team, including Hooper for this game. But, I just worry that the game will be won in the forwards. 6:2 would support that. Do you start Simmons— set piece is set and then have Arnold and Rodda coming off the bench. The tragedy of this would mean Banks loses his spot. I think the NZ game will open up as that game could be an extension of the first where backs may be more important, hence Banks. 5:3.
Neil
Guest
Good article, Mitch. Also agree with your team, Fionn, including the Hooper suggestion.
Tuc Du Nard
Guest
Toomua really cover for Foley or Beale, Maddocks or Banks for the outside backs spot. And that's if they go 5,3 split. Phipps... I think Maddocks could be a 10/10 cover as well but not this year.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Mitch, a good read. Some good points. Looking at the AB Team, if the Wallabies are not at their top game, I think they will be road kill!!
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Toomua never has been a No. 10 of international standard and he is not an International standard No. 10. For injury in a game, okay. As a starter no! And I will do an Irish Jig, and I am of German ancestry, if Cheika leaves Hooper on the bench. But I am not betting on it.
Tuc Du Nard
Guest
Thanks for the article. Agree re June test window. Pity you can't have the tour after SR and have that leading into the RC. Would almost replicate a RWC -ok a long world cup -10 games. Would that work? So agree about Jordan. Think he should get a bench spot maybe v Pumas or end o year tour. With Toomua back, Maddocks and Banks all fighting for the backs bench spots atm.
Fionn
Guest
Actually, he played at 10 during the 6N and played exceptionally well. There were even calls for him to stay at 10 afterwards. The Brumbies' most successful period was with him at 10 in 2013, and Toomua played well at 10 for the Wallabies in 2013. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/whisper-quietly-toomua-play-10-tigers/ And Beale will be playing as first receiver a lot anyway, as is the current system with Foley and Beale. I don't know for a fact that he will play better than Foley at 10, but how do we know until it is tried?
Val
Guest
I like Toomua as a player but he does not really answer the No10 position as he is a much better 12. His UK career is much like that of Matt Giteau who was also not a great No10. When Giteau went to France and played outside Wilkinson his game went to another level and he became a superstar at 12. The same applies to Toomua who excelled at Leicester playing 12 outside another English international George Ford and his form at 12 won him the Supporters Player of the Year award. Toomua certainly can play 10 and brings different strengths to the position than say Beale but he isn't the long term answer or a genuine contender to Foley. Lets not burden him with unrealistic expectations.
Hugo
Guest
Real good read, Mitch. Toomua returning means a better defence but he's not going to displace Beale nor should he. If Foley has a mediocre game, and if he's below 80% from the tee, then Toomua could replace him at Eden Park. FIONN, I like your lineup but as Hansen says, he's had to leave out some very good players from his squad. And looking at his squad, he's included some very good players. IMO, several are better than their Aussie counterparts. Dane Coles (replacement: Liam Coltman), Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock. Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams (replacement Ngani Laumape), Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith. As a betting man, I'm thinking that the ABs will gell faster than the WBs in the first half, and do their fast-finish number in the second half.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Toomua was never of international standard. . If anyone is better than Kepu we are indeed lucky . Kuridrani is a 13 , Kerevi is not , nor is Hodge . It would be interesting in defence with Toomua and Kerevi rushing up out of the line or with Hodge wandering around out of position with Hooper . Let’s try Rona . I like your side .
Machooka
Roar Guru
Fionn... your last para, regards Hooper coming on off the pine, is a most likely event methinks. Or at the very least one that Cheika would be seriously considering. Good read Mitch... many thanks. Enjoyed.
Fionn
Guest
I really enjoyed this article, mate, and totally agree about the June international break killing the momentum unfortunately. In regards to your three points I agree that Toomua is destined to wear the 22 jersey if he makes the team at all in the first test. However, I do think that with his defensive abilities, long pass and kicking game he offers something that neither Foley or Beale do, as well as being a decent runner. How do Toomua's skills compare to Foley speed, running and support game, along with his goal kicking? Only time will tell, but Cheika needs to give him a shot at some point. The midfield defence just looks a bit flimsy to me. I think you're being a bit harsh to BPA, I think he played well, but agree TPN should start, probably with Latu off the bench. This would be the team I'd pick for Bledisloe 1 1. Sio 2. Polota-Nau 3. Kepu 4. Arnold 5. Coleman 6. Tui 7. Pocock 8. Timu 9. Genia 10. Foley 11. Koroibete 12. Beale 13. Hodge 14. DHP 15. Folau 16. Latu 17. Ala'alatoa 18. Tupou 19. Rodda 20. Hooper 21. Powell / Gordon 22. Toomua 23. Banks We've not yet tried Hooper coming off the bench as an impact player. I'm perfectly willing to accept that with Tui playing the Pooper does not weaken the line out overly, but with Hooper coming back from injury it seems the perfect time to test him coming off the bench, even if we change back next week. I'm not averse to Hooper starting and Timu or Tui off the bench though.