Opinion
There must be something in the water that 7s in Australia are drinking. The logjam of talent at 7 is the depth to be envied and replicated across other positions.
Michael Hooper has locked down the jersey for the Waratahs and Wallabies for over a decade and now towards the latter end of his career battles against worthy contenders to see who will become king of the pride and earn the right to the World Cup.
As a self-proclaimed couch analyst, the qualities I look for in an open-side flanker are you’ve got to be quick to the ball, have flexibility in the hips, Greek god-like back and core strength but also be physical enough to take on bigger forward counterparts.
Fraser McReight forms as an obvious option consistently performing for the Reds and has also generally not looked out of place at Test level – notably with key contributions in last year’s win over the Boks at Adelaide Oval.
His jackalling, link play and hole finding running stands out as key strengths. But, a few do question similarly with Hooper if he possesses the size and physicality to consistently go toe to toe with the maulers around the globe.
Michael Hooper of the Wallabies (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Enter stage left Charlie Gamble who was one of the top performers on that resurgent Tahs team last year. Gamble possesses the bowling ball shape when latched onto the pill that looks immovable to shift, and the ability to hurt people when taking on or protecting the line.
This physicality has seen him spotlight at 6 at times too without looking out of place, something perhaps difficult to be said of others on this list. During pre-season, many pundits expected the Waratahs to take the leap and at least push for the title this year.
There’s a myriad of reasons why, but the Tahs have lacked the physicality, sheer determination and want especially on the offensive side of the ball to string successive phases together for consistent winning rugby.
Many, myself included, had high hopes for Gamble with his Australian eligibility coming into the fold this year, but whether due to injury or lack of playing time competing with Hooper, has not yet been able to recapture the essence that lifted the team as a dark horse and warrant higher selection.
The trio of Rory Scott, Luke Reimer and Jahrome Brown also interchange at the Brumbies effectively as a three-headed Cerebrus to gameplan accordingly. Scott as the defensive tackle machine, Reimer as the stout jacklar and Brown as the all-rounder.
How many other flankers could spiral the ball on a rope like this at pace?
Down in Melbourne, whilst the number of wins and late game fades don’t show it, the Rebels are building a very solid program through a combination of smart recruiting and developing home grown talent. Brad Wilkins, whose stock has been steadily rising all year was named to the first Wallabies training camp and showed he’s got what it takes to be with the elite at Test level in the Australia A series.
Wilkins doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff in the trenches to pilfer turnovers. He secures the ruck, and can help emulate the lightning quick ball (LQB) the world’s best teams play with to bend and break the defensive line before it forms. To put it simply, this guy – he’s just a dawg that all teams need.
The Rebels in 2022 were missable on telly but this year they’re playing with a confidence, flair and panache competing hard in each game.
Christy Doran put together this great profile on Wilkins rugby journey shedding light on his resilience and workman playing style forged through challenges. As they say steel hardens steel, and hard times create strong men.
I’d be remiss not to touch on the oft-forgotten Western Force, with Carlo Tizzano recently joining the ranks and the young blood Ollie Callan elevating through the squad. Solid players at Super level adding to the depth that Australian rugby needs to compete against the Kiwis.
Embodied across all the 7s are non-stop engines when push comes to shove, hands are on knees and the clock ticks towards 80 each flanker plays with a never quit attitude. On any given week, each of these 7’s are more than capable of a man of the match performance.
Australian rugby has had an issue with anointing heirs apparent, and previous wearing of the gold jersey should not solely be used to rule out the best options to win. With the World Cup looming, there’s only a handful of tests to build in the power, smart ball possession way Eddie Jones has touched upon how he wants the Wallabies to play. To win rugby’s crown jewel, Jones has some tough decisions to make at 7.
Deserving players will miss out but when it comes time to draw lines in the sand and the squad list shortens will it be the grizzled experience, the promising link player or the flame haired Rebel that is called upon?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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