After the continuing Beale drama & loss to Argentina Wallaby supporter morale has been at a low. We’ve seen articles about lasers, shambles, lessons & even a 2 part series analysing the use our bench (part 1) (part 2). This article will go through the changes in terms of selection I would make in order to restore some dignity for Bledisloe 3 & hopefully improve Wallaby levels of hope in the build up to the match.
Selection Pool
I’m going to keep this as realistic as possible and refrain from selecting overseas based players, or players under injury or discipline clouds. In saying this I am banking on the return to fitness and/or selection of Quade Cooper, Rob Simmons, Paul Alo-Emile.
Assumed Not Available
Stephen Moore (knee), Tatafu Polota-Nau (ankle), Nathan Charles (pectoral), Scott Sio (ankle), Wycliff Palu (head), David Pocock (knee), Dave Dennis (knee), Peter Betham (ankle), Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder), Kurtley Beale (allegation inquiry pending), Matt Toomua (head), Ben McCalman (shoulder), Henry Speight (hamstring).
The Twenty-Three
- James Slipper – Not only our best loose-head, this guy has a phenomenal work rate for a big man and an amazing set of hands. I think he will become one the most capped international props of all time. If you disagree with this selection, please stop reading now.
- Saia Fainga’a – This guy upped his game against South Africa and then didn’t seem to back it up against the Argies (mind you no one really did). His assured lineout throwing and ability to complete tackles quickly I think is his major point of difference to any other options.
- Sekope Kepu – Our best known tight-head scrummager. Not blessed with the hands or effectiveness as Slipper, but he works hard and as soon as he’s leaves the field the, Aussie chance for parity or dominance in the scrum goes with him.
- Rob Simmons – Rested from last game due to concussion Simmons should be back in the fold. He is undoubtedly our best line out option and caller. Simmons has been well disciplined recently and with a bit more timing in his attacking contact and backing of his leg drive he could improve into the player we know he’s capable of being. (replacement: 5)
- Will Skelton – Often criticised for his assumed lack of fitness (training fitness and match fitness are completely different things just ask G.Smith). Skelton’s starting debut against a near full strength French team is enough to show he can be effective. Skelton is needed to soak up defenders close to the ruck with pick and drives and draw and pass when he links with the backline. This team will have 3 more legitimate lineout options in 4,6,8. (replacement: 4, 8)
- Scott Fardy – G&GR player of the year in 2013 Fardy has obviously been listening to your feedback for him to lift and has in the past couple of games. Key steals and better discipline have seen a rapid rise in his G&GR player ranking. I would like to see him back his leg drive more. (replacement: 4,5,8)
- Michael Hooper (c) – Although he’s coped a lot of criticism this guy has been our best player this year, just because he is as good as a BOD with ball in hand doesn’t mean he isn’t doing his job as an openside flanker. In saying that I would like to see him get substituted on occasion, if the situation calls for it.
- Scott Higginbotham – Benefiting from the selection of Skelton Higginbotham has proved recently he’s a better starter than impact player. His ability in the lineout as well as his genuine pace and ball skills sees him get the nod. (replacement: 6)
- Will Genia (vc) – Genia’s strength, accuracy and deceptive pace make him an almost automatic selection when fit in my books. Confidence is a funny thing in sport and I think that’s all he’ll be lacking to again become one of the best 9’s in the game.
- Quade Cooper (gk) – Cooper’s accurate long passing game is key to unlocking this back line and he already has a strong partnership with Genia. Much of a muchness at goal kicking, Cooper possesses a better tactical kicking game than Foley. (replacement: 12)
- Adam Ashley-Cooper – A solid player capable of just about anything, does everything that’s asked of him. This will be Adam’s 100th test match and hopefully a historic victory. I remember prior to the 2007 a young AAC busting through three All black tackles to score on the left wing. (replacement: 13, 14, 15)
- Christian Leali’ifano – A player who has been in all the wallaby squads this year but has failed to make the 23 recently. His brumby combination with Tevita outside him is an obvious benefit as well as the fact inside centres can put their super rugby form away and play out of their skins in test matches (Nonu). Like Genia a bit of confidence and not having to goal kick could be the medicine he needs. (replacement: 10)
- Tevita Kuridrani – Apart from Slipper one of the easiest selections to make. In form and strong, looking more and more like Morty every time I see him.
- Joe Tomane – Tomane has great hands but has struggled recently to get touches. This is where I think Coopers long passing game will be most effective as Tomane tends to pull defences as wide as possible and they wont be able to leave space for him with Cooper in 10. See the Cooper-Tomane-Lilo try against Wales in 2013 if you’re questioning his catching ability. (replacement: 11)
- Israel Folau – Israel looks like he’s stuck in third gear at the moment. Still beating a lot of tackles but not having the impact on the game I’m sure he’d like. With a little bit more space and confidence I’m sure he’ll return to the score sheet.
- James Hanson – Gets the nod over Mann-Rae, Hanson is younger and has more experience. Although he needs to have worked on his lineout throwing since the last South African test. (replacement: 2)
- Benn Robinson – The fat cat has been covering for Slipper well and is one of only a few pick and drive experts still in selection frame for the wallabies. (replacement: 1)
- Paul Alo-Emile – I put both Kepu and Higginbotham in the same starting team so its only fair if I let B.Dwyer choose a replacement prop. Gets the nod over Alexander as I don’t like to see scrums collapsing for the last 20mins of test matches. Why not give this guy a go, he certainly looks the goods in Super Rugby and NRC. (replacement: 3)
- James Horwill – Too slow to start Horwill gets the nod over Carter as the second lineout caller and his proven ability to play tight off the bench. (replacement: 4,5,6)
- Matt Hodgson – We need this guy to come on for Skelton around the 55min mark and Fardy (or Horwill) to move to lock. Too many times this year and previous ones we’ve forgotten that the 2nd fetcher can be used most effectively against tired less mobile packs. Obviously he can be a straight swap for Hooper and we don’t get left with Ireland2011 again. But please bring him on he was in such good S15 form. (replacement: 6,7,8)
- Nick Phipps – If quick ball off the bench is required he can provide. I still wish his passing was more accurate though. (replacement: 9)
- Bernard Foley – Another player who can provide a real impact off the bench running against tired legs. He can also make clutch difficult attempts at goal. (replacement: 10,gk)
- Rob Horne – Solid all year his wicked left foot step got us over the line against south Africa. Horne’s ability to play most positions and cause less disruptions in the backline means he’s unlucky that Tomane is starting ahead of him. (replacement: 11,12,13,14)
Summary
I have tried to make a balanced team capable of beating the All Blacks next week. Higginbotham was fortunate there weren’t any piano removalists available to help Skelton get more than one foot off the ground at any stage. Carter was unlucky to miss out, but I feel the Wallabies haven’t got the balance right at the present and they need to earn the right to spin it wide. Soak up some defenders, get the ball moving forwards, then who better to give it to than QC.
What do you think?
Have I scored a 5 pointer? or only a measly but rare NRC penalty? Who would you have chosen?
