The incumbent(s):
Stephen Moore (ACT): Gees it hurts to write that “ACT” after Moore’s name, but that’s another story. A few years ago, whilst he was still playing mind you, Jeremy Paul named Stephen Moore the best hooker in Australia. Well Squeaka is now proving JP right. And by some margin. Despite his rosy red cheeked baby face, Moore is now very much a senior player in the Wallaby line-up. His lineout is almost spot on these days, and he is the best scrumming hooker in Oz. Add to that a high work rate and strong running game and its easy to see why many were labelling Moore as one of the best hookers in the world last year.
The likely candidates:
Tatafu Polata-Nau (NSW): Finally is showing the maturity and full potential many proclaimed he had. The lineout can still be wonky, but it is a lot more consistent than previously. His scrummaging, in a strong Waratah pack, seems first class, thanks in no small parts to his immense strength. And around the field TPN is just a freak. His tackling is missile-like, and just as destructive, whilst his running and passing game belies his size. A wonderful player to watch and, because of the gap to the next best hooker, Tatafu staying in form and injury free is vital to Wallaby success.
The Roughies:
Adam Freier (NSW): This is one of the key concerns for Robbie Deans. Freier is the 3rd best hooker in Australia at the moment and he’s not even playing. Injured and “out for the season” I am unsure as to whether this means the Super 14 season or whether it stretches to the tests as well. Regardless a prolonged period on the sideline won’t be good for his game. Still battles with the stigma of being a little forward, but his combative style belies his stature and should be an example to any young forward running around today.
Sean Hardman (QLD): Is really a roughie due to the complete lack of depth elsewhere in the nation. Has had his best season for a number of years, but still is really no more than serviceable. Highly dependable in lineouts and scrums and just adequate elsewhere. Tai McIsaacs is probably on the same level at the moment, but is committed to coaching in Japan next year, so can’t be considered. Who else is there?
What is Deans looking for?
Like every position in the tight five, it is set piece assuredness that is most sought after here. Taking it a step further for the hooker, he really needs to be a forward leader. He needs to lead the scrums, and although he may not call the lineout throws, he is the most critical component. But the most important thing Deans is looking for in this position, as alluded to above, is depth. After Moore and TPN, the cupboard is bare. Freier? Injured. McIsaacs and Hardman? Aging battlers. Faingaa, Holmes, Ulugia, Edmonds? Just not up to it. Fitzpatrick? Quite possibly down the line, but not just yet.
Who is the answer?
The combination of Moore and TPN is a fantastic pairing of set piece solidity (most of the time) and general play ability. Both play a similar game with similar attributes, which enables a compatibility of game plan. The decision, though, is made a hell of a lot easier by the fact that two states have no test quality hookers among either of them.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2851 https://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=2851">12 Comments
Yep agree.
In the latest Tah’s game I thought TPN was the best back – Moore doesn’t risk that but mainly because there is some competition for the title with the Brumbies!
If TPN’s throwing can hold up in a test then that would be excellent for Australia.
Imagine; fat cat LHP, TPN hooker, Alexander THP. Dare to dream?
Bit harsh on Hardman there. He is very good in the set piece and works hard around the park. I wouldn’t be too worried with him running out in the Wallabies 2 jersey. Certainly well ahead of Frier at the moment.
Yeah anyone but Frier, I know he’s good, just not world class and he’s had his chance.
Another reason to pick Moore (as if it was needed) is that he looks like Mortlock. When they’re both around the ruck oppositions must think they’re seeing double.
Gagger we all want that front row, but having Alexander on the bench to replace robinson is pretty good too. Maybe one of them can play no 8.
Yeah, TPNs gotta throw and Alexander needs to scrum, but a man’s gotta have dreams….
I don’t like Taffy as a test hooker, he is too inconsistent and doen’t do the work in tight.
Sad thing is, as back-up to Squeeky, there is no-one else.
An injury to either of them and we are fucked.
Well done Noddy, and a big heads up for all the work you have done on this site compared to the rest of us lazy buggers.
I must confess that I am disturbed that TPN’s throwing to lineout has gone backwards to the bad standard of 2007. The Waratahs have lost 31 lineouts on his throws this year – the worst thrower/lineout loss stat in the Super14.
To me it’s unaccountable. And as you indicate: he can’t be a dud scrummager these days because of how well the Tahs scrum.
A pity, otherwise he is a dynamic player.
I don’t think TPN was ever such a bad thrower, he had a bad game or two and he started to believe the press. He just always looks nervous doing it, you just hope he’ll eventually relise it’s not really that hard. That being said, he can’t be overlooked to be Moore’s backup, his excellent general play and surprisingly competent scrummaging make him a potent weapon against a tiring opposition.
At the moment though I still wouldn’t start with him even if Moore was injured, but who then? It’s a bit of a worry…
I remember fellow Scarfers making fun of me for years for my fervent support and admiration of Moore. None of them believed. This is typical of the Scarf’s Spin It Wide brigade. They were more interested in debating who would do Polota-Nau’s lineout throwing for him.
Queensland didn’t rate Moore either. Explains why they are where they are.
Now he’s an automatic Wallaby selection, the first player picked, truly world class, and on track to lead us to world cup glory in 2011.
Pity that Elsom guy still hasn’t worked out. Everyone just keeps calling him MoM ‘n stuff but he really doesn’t quite cut it.
Squeeky is b far the best hooker in Aus and deserves the 2 guernsey. On a side note, everyone is aware that Mooney sold him to the brubmies for some girly faced fucker (and his brhter) who destroys the Reds set piece when he comes on….yep/ ok just making sure people are aware.
TPN is an incredible ball runner, and inredible tight defender…
but is he a hooker? not that i have seen. the tight work is not so great on a consistent basis, he doesnt have as complete a skill set as Squeeky, and the debate about whether or not he is a bad LO thrower, is not so much just based on LO wins and loses, but the work he forces his jumpers to do as well..they cover for his throws a lot at all levels…theres probably a chance he will throw well ito this lineout, but theres a spot of doubt……when you are a hooker, you gotta have 100% onfidence you will win, and a misthrow is a surprise, not an “oh well he sometimes does that” when you are talking about an int hooker.
I dont think its his falt, i feel sorry for him because he has always been chosen on skills OHTER than the core skills of a hooker….poor bastard…
but eveyrone is right, who else is htere? Hardy, Squat before i throw Frier, girl head Faingaa etc, just arent there are they…
and heaven help us if Dunning gets a chance at Hooker, after all, he is often the 3rd string in the squad…and it kills me….
dont belvei it…oh yeah, its true…he even practises his throwing…i coudltn think of anything that would make me vomit more.
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