Today, as I was sitting in my study, my ten-year-old came in and asked me a thought-provoking question: “would you rather be attacked by a shark or one of the Avengers?”
This was a tough one, as there were convincing arguments for either attacker. In the end, I chose the shark option, because, you can’t beat the Avengers, right?
Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to apply the same criteria – a forced choice – to pick a Wallaby side based solely on players that represented the four Super Rugby sides on the weekend.
Before we get started, a few points need to be made. Firstly, I am a Reds fan, so I will use them as a source of comparison. Secondly, I enjoy the game but I may not have the stats or technical knowledge to back up my thoughts. That being said, here we go.
1. Reds starting front row versus another starting front row?
In all fairness, how can you go past the Brumbies? They would be my starting Wallaby front row. They have the highest try scorer this season so far in Folau Fainga’a, their scrum is solid and they win their lineouts.
We are blessed with good front row stocks at the moment. The Reds are good, but the Brumbies are leading the way so far.
2. Reds second row versus another second row?
A tough one. My choice would have to be the Reds’ starting second row combination. They have current Wallaby forwards in Izack Rodda and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and there is a lot to like about them.
Salakaia-Loto is a better second rower than No.6. I would have Rory Arnold as reserve forward. Luke Jones is a better loose forward, at least that is where I would have him.
3. Reds back row versus another back row?
Another tough one. I like Liam Wright, I do and I would have him in any Wallaby team, but only as as a reserve at this point in his career.
Angus Scott-Young is still young, maybe a future fringe Wallaby in the years to come. Scott Higginbotham is solid, but is running on old legs. I would have to go with the Rebels back row as my starting Wallabies back row.
Overall, the Brumbies back row were very close and were part of a winning team, but I would have Isi Naisarani as my No.8, so the Rebels get the nod. The Waratahs back row got bullied two weeks in a row by much bigger back rows.
4. Reds halfback versus another halfback?
Easy. I think Will Genia is the outstanding choice for the starting No.9. Tate McDermott just over Jake Gordon for the reserve No.9, mainly because Gordon kicked the ball away with just under four minutes to play when the Waratahs played the Blues.
5. Reds five-eighth or another five-eighth?
My heart says Quade Cooper and my head says Bernard Foley. As a Reds supporter, I will go with Cooper starting for no other reason than I like his combination with Genia.
Bryce Hegarty is good, but has a way to go in order to be a Wallaby. Christian Lealiifano was solid, but threw an interception. Foley has his good and bad points as well, but Cooper can bring more to the table.
6. Reds centres versus another centre pairing?
This is another tough one. I would go with the Reds centre pairing. Samu Kerevi is a 12, his attacking abilities outweigh his negatives. Chris Feauai-Sautia may not be the first choice for 13, but they do make a good combination.
The Waratahs centre pairing is solid, but they are better defensively than offensively. The Rebels may have the better 13, but Kerevi is a much better 12 than Reece Hodge, who would make my Wallabies team as a reserve back. The Brumbies centres were good in a winning team but, again, Kerevi is my pick at 12.
7. The Reds back three versus another back three?
Very tough. Queensland’s back three are capable and have talent, but are a long way off Wallabies standard – with the exception of Sefa Naivalu. I would have to go with the Brumbies back three.
They slightly edge out the Rebels in terms of being a better-balanced back three. A solid shout out goes Kurtley Beale. I have quietly written him off over the first part of the season, but he is firming as a strong fullback contender. Good under the high ball and he did well against the Bulls.
Here is my Wallaby team.
1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Angus Cottrell, 7. Rob Leota, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Will Genia, 10. Quade Cooper, 11. Toni Pulu, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Tom Banks
Bench: 16. Anaru Rangi, 17. Taniela Tupou, 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19. Rory Arnold, 20. Michael Hooper, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Reece Hodge, 23. Kurtley Beale
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