It’s a World Cup year and the Wallabies have everything to prove.
They have slumped again to a dire world ranking of No.6 as they face the Rugby World Cup in ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ come September.
Despite the public calling for Michael Cheika’s head, the maligned Rugby Australia organisation are sticking with him in the hope of delivering them the Web Ellis Cup on the November 2.
The Australian public lacks belief but we must collectively shift to hope.
This one word needs to be the starting point for the Wallabies to rebuild momentum to once again be great.
We need to hope that the Wallabies can finally get their set pieces right.
We need to hope that Folau can burst through a gap in the All Blacks’ backline to score under the posts in the World Cup final.
Each fan needs to hold on to the hope that Michael Cheika can pull off a miracle and lead Australia back to rugby royalty.
Michael Cheika needs to pull off a miracle. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
With this hope, we can avenge the pain, loss, blood, sweat and tears of the last few years.
The Wallabies are coming off a horror 2018 season, winning just four from 13 Tests.
There is intense competition for all 31 spots in the squad and each jersey is crying out for someone to put their name on it.
A well picked side is the crucial ingredient to bring back hope to the Wallabies.
The Wallabies require experience if they are going to bring home the Web Ellis Cup.
It all starts with the front row. A good set piece front row that consistently puts their bodies on the line in both offence and defence.
Scott Sio’s 53-Test cap career and 91 per cent tackle success rate in 2018 demonstrates this unequivocally. He is the man for the tight-head prop and No.1 jersey.
Tatafu Polota-Nau is on the back end of his career at 33 and has a deep history of injuries. He still has more in the tank. He, along with Sekope Kepu, bring much needed experience in the side with over 180 Test caps between them.
They are both up front in offence and will help mentor and develop the younger front-rowers on the reserve bench.
They are both calm and collected at set piece which allows the explosive backs to make match-winning plays off the back of their success at the line-outs and scrums.
Taniela Tupou, Allan Alaalatoa and Folau Fainga’a will be good fresh legs to come on and finish off the match and will thrive off the experience of the starters.
The men taking up the two positions in the second row are quite obvious: Izack Rodda and Adam Coleman.
They have both proved themselves to be reliable targets for Polota-Nau in the line-out and their size will aid a big shove in the scrum. Both are good ball-carriers doing their best to get across the advantage line and good up front in defence.
Rob Simmons slots in to the bench to take over from one of the two towards the end of the match.
The back row has the ability to prove that they are the world’s best by a country mile.
David Pocock and Michael Hooper are certainties in the back row, but the third member is questionable.
David Pocock is a certainty in the back row. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Pocock needs to start at open-side flanker. He is the best player in the world at the breakdown and is quite possibly the hardest-running player too.
He constantly puts his body on the line and off the scrum the opposition is going to have a hard time trying to get him out of the ruck.
Hooper pushes to blind-side flanker and young Isi Naisarani is the Wallabies best choice at No.8.
Jack Dempsey is the next best option, who will be explosive coming on late in the matches either in the back row or at No.8.
Although Naisarani is not eligible for selection until April, his performances in Super Rugby should interest coach Cheika into selecting him. Standing at 195 centimetres he will be a much needed third option in the line-out for Polota-Nau.
Will Genia will all but certainly get the nod for the No.9 jersey from Cheika. He is on another level compared to other halfbacks in Australia.
The next best person for the job is young Jake Gordon, who has done an extremely good job at the Waratahs, and edges out Nick Phipps.
Here is the real controversy. Going against the opinion of almost every rugby fan in the world, Quade Cooper should be the Wallabies’ No.10 for the World Cup, purely on hope and belief.
The Wallabies need change and Bernard Foley is better off the bench to come on and finish off the match.
My crystal ball sees Cooper having a stellar Super Rugby season and proving everyone wrong.
A year in exile playing in Brisbane club rugby has finally given him the kick up the arse that he has needed his whole career.
His chemistry with Will Genia has been proven for years and will only develop more throughout the season with the Rebels.
Quade Cooper should return to the gold jersey. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
I hear the doubters getting loud at this point and sure, he can make some really dumb decisions on the field at times.
His X-factor to ignite a match winning play from nowhere though is what fuels my hope.
If in form, he can provide the much needed direction and play-making creativity the Rebels and Wallabies so desperately need.
Matt Toomua and Samu Kerevi form the centres pairing.
Toomua at No.12 means there is a second first receiver on the field at all times. If needed, he can move to No.10 and direct the forwards around the field.
This allows Cooper to drift out the back looking to swing it wide to Folau looking for line breaks. Toomua will help straighten up the attack and he has proved himself in defence.
Kerevi will run the ball hard and straight looking to penetrate the opposition’s defence. He is a good option at the set piece for a hard-running crash ball, allowing Cooper to look to swing wide off the next play.
On the wing, Cheika should select Reece Hodge and Marika Koroibete.
Koroibete will provide the blistering pace out wide for Folau to link with near the touch line.
Reece Hodge is a must have. Not naturally a winger although he has played there before, he consistently puts his body on the line in offence and defence.
His kicking game is exceptional and will give Captain Pocock an option for the posts from over 50 metres out.
No doubt at all about selecting Israel Folau at fullback. Safest hands under the high ball in world rugby and possibly the best attacking player in the world.
It will be exciting to watch Folau and Cooper link together to ignite special plays that will certainly see the Wallabies get themselves on the board.
Kurtley Beale gets my selection in the No.23 jersey, hopefully igniting some attacking flair late in the game to get some points on the board in the dying stages.
An experienced side with everything to prove come September in Japan.
Both strong in offence and defence, this side can definitely bring home the Web Ellis Cup to Australia in my opinion.
This side has the potential for greatness.
The hope of watching David Pocock lift the Rugby World Cup on November 2 is what makes me believe in the Wallabies.
They can do it.
Wallabies match-day squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
1. Scott Sio
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Izack Rodda
5. Adam Coleman
6. Michael Hooper
7. David Pocock (captain)
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Matt Toomua
13. Samu Kerevi
14. Reece Hodge
15. Israel Folau
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. Taniela Tupou
18. Allan Alaalatoa
19. Rob Simmons
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Jake Gordon
22. Bernard Foley
23. Kurtley Beale
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
G'day RG, I watched a replay of the Tahs match last night and agree re: K.Hunt. He was really good and as you say he literally was a wrecking ball. I would like to see him or S.Kerevi at #13 more though Reds need Kerevi at #12 as DP has lost form and the centre pairing of Kerevi and CFS at OC is BIG, fast and they play well together. And Hunt is a Tah, so odds-on in the WB side. :)
Lionhearted
Guest
Cooper at 10 !!!! - the AB's will be delighted if that happens
AP
Roar Rookie
You can't start Hooper and Pocock. Only one on the field to start with and play a proper blind side.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Same, Same but different. Looks like Cheikaball 2.0. I like Sio as a player around the park, but he has a history of not being able to hold up his corner of the scrum. At world cup level, in the grind, set piece and Defense are key, counter attack from mistakes made under that pressure is where the points tend come from. Which brings me to Folau, Cooper and Hooper. For all their X-Factor, both Folau and Cooper Quaterback, hiding in defense, which gets exploited by the opposition. Dual 7's Compromises the set-piece, the lineout in particular, Hoops is not as good as Poey when the going get's tough. Unfortunately I think your list is going to be pretty close to reality, a reality that I won't have to watch because it won't be able to get out of the pool. the 6 nations Grand Slam Champions have to be favorites and A full strength Fiji are formidable. I am not even sure we will beat Georgia with that lineup. 6 Needs to be Cotterel or Dempsey, 8, Higgers Naisarani or Jed. Deegan at 10, and that is only because the bar is so low, I think CLL is good but not good enough. Tamooa could be the answer. But with Hoops out, we would need him or Hunt defending their own 12 channel. I have no room for poor defenders. Banks or DHP at 15. Hodge, Banks or DHP at 14, Niavalu at 11 (He can cover 13 and 14 if things go bad).
Rugby Geek
Roar Rookie
TF you and I could drink together as I mostly agree. However What is stark to most Tahs fans is that Snorter Hunt is shaping up to be a cracker 12 in D and straight running. He created a turning point which sent the second string Saders to the sword. with a crash ball that sent a player to the bench and an offensive tackle which sent all things a drift in my inner coach feelings and sent another player to the bench! While ever his form is there so should he. TK & Kerevi are great but as a pair its a no. Kerevi is a 12 and TK has to earn his spot at 13. Too many young'ns on the scene. Also Meakes has been putting his hand up and needs to be given a train on spot this season.
Crash Ball2
Roar Rookie
Yes PK mentioned the same thing. I thought he was coming into eligibility though apparently this is incorrect. Also forgot about Slipper who would be miles ahead on form currently anyway.
frisky
Guest
Pockcock is too injury prone to be captain. Hooper is too small for #6. QC should come on rather than startin the hope that he can bring some X factor to take advantage of tiring legs.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Kerevi passes heaps?
BK
Guest
I think the other problem with Kerevi is that he doesn't pass. Very similar to TK as well. Sure they are strong runners but the ability to off load is imperative. I like Meeks, Hogde, Hunt and English. Even AAC, at least they are looking to make the break and keep the ball alive
JamesK
Guest
I hope I'm wrong, however will we get out of the group, much less qf/sf or finals? If we get to the semi's will that be seen as good enough?
MitchO
Guest
If Naivalu finds form I'd have him over Korobeiti as the strike winger. He seems to have a pretty good defensive brain. Defended okay at 13. If Quade plays 10 then in principal having Kerevi and Kuridrani in the centres is a good blend of attack (Kerevi) and defence/sheer muscle (TK). Heck I wonder if it'd work with Foley even because Kerevi is more dangerous than the last time KK in the centres was tried. Folau for all his sins needs to be somewhere in the back three. That leaves two spots. Our shape looks good with DHP at 15. I like DHP, mostly agree with the criticisms of him but ultimately think DHP is a test class competent fullback. He's not a finisher but can get the go forward happening to empower another. Be nice if Banks ever some minutes to show what he can in test rugby but otherwise our back three would be a bit too slow with DHP and a Hodge type winger. With the forwards I'd consider a Brumbies heavy pack at least for part of the game because their lineout drive and their defence to the other teams lineout drive is very good. That gives Arnold a leg up. He offers a lot in the lineout. I love Coleman's toughness but he's gotta be under pressure because Rodda seems a similar player, Arnold gives better lineout and Lukhan gives better ball carry.
Russ
Guest
How is JP Smith eligible for the Wallabies this year ? I was told he doesn't meet the criteria till 2020.
Reedy
Guest
Dempsey is terrible. Not test standard. Too weak in contact and lazy at the ruck.I wouldn't have him near the test 23.I`d play more abrasive and bigger blokes like Jones Lukhan even Naisarani in front of him.
Azza
Guest
The same mistake will be made by Cheika. Playing favourites and protecting his badly underperforming mate will continue. If Quade had been elevated to the first choice 5/8 role in 2017 we would have had a world class player in the position for 2 years and a decent back-up in Leleifnao or Toomua.The on-going preference for Foley has been the worst error made by Cheika as coach.
Jock the sock
Guest
Might just beat Georgia
DonWan
Guest
Honestly, Kerevi has all the talent but Meakes/toomua are smarter footballers. I'd even throw i Hunt before Kerevi. 1 Sio 2 Faiangaa/TPN 3 Kepu/Alaalatoa 4 Rodda 5 Coleman 6 Dempsey/Jones/Higgers 7 Pocock (c) 8 Naisarani 9 Genia 10 Cooper (vc) 11 Hodge 12 Meakes/Toomua/Hunt (In that order) 13 Kurindrani 14 Folau 15 DHP/Banks (DHP cause he is a smart footballer and incumbant) 16 Faingaa/BPA/TPN/Damien Fitzpatrick 17 Slipper (Shown his value at LHP this year) 18 Alaalatoa/Tupou (Tupou is a better finisher. Alaalatoa Can start/finish.) 19 Salakaia-loto 20 McCafferey 21 Gordon 22 Foley 23 Hunt/Toomua/Hodge/Banks/DHP (In no particular Order)
Luis
Guest
If 19 to 23 are the reserves, the Wallabies will not even get out of the pool stage.
Zee-Unit
Guest
Why do we always have to have Foley and Beale in the Wallabies? Is it because one is called the " Iceman" and the other has " X Factor " ? They are both useless. You wont win a World cup with those two ever. Hooper has left out as he can play only one position and terrible at that. If a team was picked now from over the past few 5 weeks it would be. Note :Pocock is locked in as he always performs in a gold jersey, Hooper does not. 1 Sio 2 Faiinga 3 Kepu 4 Coleman 5 Rodda 6 Naisarani 7 Pocock 8 McCaffrey 9 Genia 10 Cooper 11 Naivalu 12 Kerevi 13 English 14 Folau 15 DHP 16 BPA 17 Sio 18 Thor 19 Higginbotham 20 Jones 21 McDermott 22 Hodge 23 Maddocks
Frank
Guest
Kerevi or Kuridrani is a tough call!
TC
Guest
Hahahhahahhahahahahahhaahhaha....nice one Wizard. You should do stand-up at rugby functions.