With the midway point of the Super Rugby season behind us, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will have a keen eye on the competition as he prepares to select a squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
After Round 10, Australian rugby had a healthy glow following wins to the Reds, Brumbies and Waratahs, the latter of whom overcame the conference-leading Rebels in a tight contest.
The joy of the Waratahs and Brumbies was short-lived: respective losses to the Sharks and Jaguares in Round 11 had fans sitting back down with an exasperated sigh as quickly as they had leapt to their feet.
But are these results a genuine concern for Cheika, or should he be confident he still has enough time to select the best possible squad for the World Cup?
Roar rugby Expert Brett Mckay joined us on the Game of Codes podcast to discuss what the latest round of Super Rugby means for the Wallabies and the key positional dilemmas for Michael Cheika as the 2019 Rugby World Cup draws nearer.
Listen to the discussion:
Round 12 will see the Reds take on the Sunwolves at home, while the Rebels will travel to Wellington to play the Highlanders. Meanwhile, the Brumbies will face the Blues in Canberra before the Waratahs are hosted by the Bulls in Pretoria.
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Fionn
Guest
But I like your optimism about the potential for the team Brett!
Fionn
Guest
Brett, did you seriously say Adam Ashley-Cooper? Why would the Waratahs contribute most of the forwards? The Tahs’ forward pack is horrendous other than Hooper. The forwards at the Brumbies, Reds and even Rebels have played well. What is wrong with a 79% kicking rate - huh???
Sack
Guest
Which craft?
Brizvegas
Guest
He maybe worried if the polynesian contingent support IF
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Cheika will be the first to tell you he isn't worried.
Lano
Roar Guru
witch-craft?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
But it is fair to say that the Super sides are not Cheika’s responsibility. The last five years of selection and tactical craft are.
KFar
Guest
"Ok guys, the plan is, pass it to Izzy....ohh hang on...."
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Ow.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Yes.
Bobwire
Guest
Yes he should have concerns. He should be concerned when he watches the Kiwi teams play. Their skill level is so much better, not one Wallaby would make an All Black team. He however won't be concerned, he's selected the bulk of his team, the same old names, those that drive posters into a frenzy , he's got a plan which is so good an alternative one to fall back on is not required. The only fly in the ointment for MC is that when he settled on his team and tactics, there was no one who could have any input- now there are two other blokes, it may force a re think which could be advantageous to the Wallabies
Lara
Guest
Pls read this after Bobby’s brilliant comment.
Lara
Guest
Err...what was the plan again? That’s right retain Gray at all cost n punt Larkham long n depth.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Who needs Plan B or C when Plan A works. No problem at all !!!
Bamboo
Guest
RA would be chuffed with the savings in travel costs with such an approach. "No flights necessary Raelene. Most are within driving distance"
PeterK
Roar Guru
No concerns since he has worked out who is in the team before the comp started. It means his players won't get injured and he has more time to train them his winning way (actual results don't matter, nor how the opposition play or who they select).
Locky
Guest
Chekko is not concerned at all. He will blame the super rugby coaches if no teams play in the finals. He will say they are not fit enough and procede to make the players pound the pavements of Coogees hills everyday and he will have them playing around with giant elastic bands and lifting dumbellss instead of having fair dinkum full contact opposed training runs . Chekko will have have plan A but no plan B or C.