2010 Wallabies End of Year Tour (EOYT)

[Lance Free]

Just a reminder:

"Qantas Wallabies named for 2009 Spring Tour
October 09, 2009 - 10:00am
Story by: ARU
Rocky Elsom will captain the Qantas Wallabies for the 2009 Spring Tour

Seven uncapped players have been included among the 35-man Qantas Wallabies squad announced today for the 2009 Spring Tour, among a travelling party which also includes a new captain, Rocky Elsom, and vice captain, in Berrick Barnes.

The Qantas Wallabies Squad for the 2009 Spring Tour, incorporating Australia’s first Grand Slam attempt in 25 years, is:

Player Position Super 14 Team Age Test Caps

Ben Alexander Prop Brumbies 24 13
Adam Ashley-Cooper Fullback-Wing Brumbies 25 32
Berrick Barnes** Inside centre-Flyhalf Queensland Reds 23 21
Kurtley Beale Flyhalf/Fullback NSW Waratahs 20 Uncapped
Richard Brown No 8/Loose Forward Western Force 25 11
Luke Burgess Halfback NSW Waratahs 26 19
Mitchell Chapman Blindside Flanker Brumbies 26 Uncapped
Mark Chisholm Lock Brumbies 28 43
Quade Cooper Flyhalf Queensland Reds 21 7
Pekahou Cowan Prop Western Force 23 3
Ryan Cross Centre Western Force 30 15
Dave Dennis Lock NSW Waratahs 23 Uncapped
Matt Dunning Prop Western Force 30 43
Rocky Elsom* Flanker Brumbies 26 44
Will Genia Halfback Queensland Reds 21 6
Matt Giteau Flyhalf Western Force 27 73
Matt Hodgson Loose forward Western Force 27 Uncapped
Rob Horne Centre NSW Waratahs 20 Uncapped
James Horwill Lock Queensland Reds 24 19
Peter Hynes Wing Queensland Reds 27 17
Digby Ioane Wing/Centre Queensland Reds 24 4
Sekope Kepu Prop NSW Waratahs 23 2
Richard Kingi Halfback Queensland Reds 20 Uncapped
Salesi Ma’afu Prop Brumbies 26 Uncapped
Drew Mitchell Wing/Fullback Western Force 25 37
Stephen Moore Hooker Brumbies 26 41
Stirling Mortlock Centre Brumbies 32 80
Dean Mumm Lock/Loose-forward NSW Waratahs 25 15
James O’Connor Fullback Western Force 19 10
Wycliff Palu No 8 NSW Waratahs 27 31
David Pocock Flanker Western Force 21 11
Tatafu Polota-Nau Hooker NSW Waratahs 24 18
Benn Robinson Prop NSW Waratahs 25 26
George Smith Flanker Brumbies 29 105
Lachie Turner Wing/Fullback NSW Waratahs 22 11

(To'omua and Morahan were replacements)

* = captain
** = vice captain

Confirmed Tour Schedule

DATE MATCH

Sat 31 Oct Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks Bledisloe CupNational Stadium, Tokyo

Tue 3 Nov Qantas Wallabies v Gloucester Kingsholm, Gloucester

Sat 7 Nov Qantas Wallabies v England Cook Cup Twickenham, London

Sun 15 Nov Qantas Wallabies v Ireland Lansdowne Cup Croke Park, Dublin

Sat 21 Nov Qantas Wallabies v Scotland Hopetoun Cup Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Tue 24 Nov Qantas Wallabies v Cardiff Cardiff Cit Stadium, Cardiff

Sat 28 Nov Qantas Wallabies v Wales James Bevan Trophy Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

 

[Paradox]

I see no benefit in bringing Mark Chisholm with us. He isnt performing and he isn't the future. Bring Douglas or Kimlin or even Hocking instead.
He will probably still end up going though.

Problem is he is still better than Mumm which is why Mumm was dropped. Horwill is badly needed.

 

[cyclopath]

Problem is he is still better than Mumm which is why Mumm was dropped. Horwill is badly needed.

I agree.
I accept Chis may not be the future, but I don't think we currently have the luxury to go right down that path. As well as blooding newbies, we need to get some momentum of winning going, and I don't want to see another Scotland 2009 this EOYT.

 

[Slim 293]

Chis certainly strengthens our scrum...

Sharpe is playing well in every other aspect of his game but he's a lousy scrummager, and Mumm has just been lousy (which really disappoints me based on his Super 14 form in recent years)...

I'd like to see Kimlin given a shot because he would've been more heavily involved in last years EOYT and possibly this years tests if he hasn't of gotten injured, but he may be a bit underdone with only one John I Dent Cup to his name...

I'd like to see some newbies given a shot but only starting with the midweek club matches...

 

[Hawko]

Assuming they take a 31 man squad:

Ben Alexander
Ben Robinson
James Slipper
Ben Daly
Salesi Ma'afu
S. Finger
Steven Moore
Mark Chisolm
Dean Mumm
Rob Simmons
Scott Higginbotham
Rocky Elsom
Ben Mcalman
Dave Pocock
Richard Brown
Matt Hodgeson

Luke Brugess
Will Genia
Quade Cooper
Berrick Barnes
JOC (James O'Connor)
A Finger
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
Lachie Turner
Drew Mitchell
Kurtley Beale
Peter Hynes

Maybes:

Another Hooker?
Peter Kimlin

Richard Kingi
Matt Tommoua
Rodney Davies
Christian Lealiifano
Pat McCabe
Nick Cummins

Injured:

Tatafu Polata-Nau
Will Chambers
Wycliff Palu
Digby Ioane
James Horwill
Rob Horne
Cameron Shepard
Dan Vickerman

Left at home for recovery/soul searching:

Matt Giteau
Nathan Sharpe

Who does everyone else think deserves a spot on the spring tour?

I would rest Rocky and make Sharpey captain. Chisholm drops out. I'd be inclined to take Douglas and leave Mumm at home to get some strength work into him so he can be more effective at the ruck. I'd take the Fuse and leave Maafu behind but Dingo won't and I'd find space for Weekes for the future. Agree with most of the rest. Of the maybes I wouldn't take Cummins and I'd put Kimlin in his S15 franchise for conditioning after such a long lay-off.

 

[jason]

Agree that Douglas needs to have a run/Mumm have a rest. Dunno what all the love for Simmons is over Kane, but he was one of the standouts for the Tahs this year and definitely deserves a shot.

 

[Joe Blow]

I understood that TPN, Horwill and Palu all may be a chance to make the tour? Couldn't take them cold but If Sharpe stays at home then either Horwill or Chis need to go.
I reckon Sharpie should go to get a look at the NH lineouts, even if they take an extra lock and Sharpe does not start every test..

McCalman and Houston as the #8s is a good call but Deans will take Brown for sure.
We need to have a very good tour to ensure some momentum going into a RWC year

 

[fatprop]

This would be my 35

LHP
Ben Alexander
Benn Robinson

THP
Salesi Ma’afu
James Slipper
Tim Fairbrother

Hooker
Tatafu Polata-Nau
Steven Moore
Saia Fainga'a

Lock
James Horwill
Mark Chisholm
Dean Mumm
Nathan Sharpe

6
Rocky Elsom
Scott Higgenbottom

7
Matt Hodgson
David Pocock

8
Wycliff Palu
McCalman

9
Luke Burgess
Will Genia
James Stannard

10
Quade Cooper
Matt Giteau
Matt To'omua

12
Berrick Barnes
Anthony Fainga'a
James O’Connor
13
Will Chambers
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Mitch Inman

Wing/15
Digby Ioane
Rodney Davies
Drew Mitchell
Lachie Turner
Peter Hynes
Kurtley Beale

 

[Gooch]

I'd like to see Douglas go over, I think he would fit in and show even more improvement in being with the Wallabies, and we all know Robbie loves to build depth. I'd like to see To'omua as well but don't know whether we need another inside back, maybe McCabe would give better cover out wide.

 

[RugbyReg]

good squad fp, but I reckon there's close to 5 or so players there who are no chance.

Chambers is definitely out. I thought TPN and Cliffy were the same. Davies is back, but hasn't played a lick of footy, so I can't see them taking him above the likes of McCabe or Cummins. In fact the Com Games would have been a good 'trial' for Rocket. I'm pretty sure Big Kev won't make it either. He may be 'fit' but no footy since the crusaders game can't be what you want going into this tour.

 

[fatprop]

good squad fp, but I reckon there's close to 5 or so players there who are no chance.

Chambers is definitely out. I thought TPN and Cliffy were the same. Davies is back, but hasn't played a lick of footy, so I can't see them taking him above the likes of McCabe or Cummins. In fact the Com Games would have been a good 'trial' for Rocket. I'm pretty sure Big Kev won't make it either. He may be 'fit' but no footy since the crusaders game can't be what you want going into this tour.

I just used the Injuries thread as the baseline

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/forum/threads/5666-Wallaby-Injuries/page2

 

[RedsHappy]

good squad fp, but I reckon there's close to 5 or so players there who are no chance. Chambers is definitely out. I thought TPN and Cliffy were the same. Davies is back, but hasn't played a lick of footy, so I can't see them taking him above the likes of McCabe or Cummins. In fact the Com Games would have been a good 'trial' for Rocket. I'm pretty sure Big Kev won't make it either. He may be 'fit' but no footy since the crusaders game can't be what you want going into this tour.

I agree, a bloody good set of picks fp.

I would advocate very considerable 'experimentation' vs at least Italy and the mid-weekers. Pre-RWC, take 40+ players as needed to really assess further talent. We must not stint on cost at this key juncture. Crucial we beat France and England, and bet them into the ground, we can afford to risk losses with all the others.

I think Davies is a far better 'developmental' bet than Cummins. He should go. Luke M could come into consideration as well. Digby I'm sure has said he's out until S15. I know you'll disagree: but, to your 'hardness of forwards' request, I still advocate that Van the Man must be given a trial, and Laurie Weeks was unjustly discarded in my view and should be given another chance somewhere.

Finally, I would take Baxter and Waugh for, at least, some bench use after 50+ mins, these old heads and hard minds could be of great value in 2011, they are also walking mentors and educators of real quality for the young studs.

 

[en_force_er]

This is what I think the squad should be (based off Fatprops with a few changes):

LHP
Benn Robinson
Ben Alexander (covers TH, which is good because it means Ma'afu doesn't get the starting 3 jersey out of necessity)

THP
Salesi Ma’afu
James Slipper
Tim Fairbrother

Hooker (NOTE: TPN is still injured)
Steven Moore
Saia Fainga'a
Damien Fitzpatrick

LOCK (NOTE: Horwill is still injured)
Mark Chisholm
Dean Mumm
Rob Simmons
Peter Kimlin

BLIND
Rocky Elsom
Dave Dennis (covers lock)

OPEN
Matt Hodgson
David Pocock

8-MAN
Ben McCalman
Richard Brown
Scott Higgenbottom (can cover 6)

SCRUM-HALF
Luke Burgess
Will Genia
James Stannard

FLY-HALF
Quade Cooper
Matt To'omua

INSIDE
Berrick Barnes
Anthony Fainga'a
Christian Lealiifano

OUTSIDE
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Peter Hynes
Mitch Inman

WING/FULLBACK
Drew Mitchell
Lachie Turner
Kurtley Beale
James O’Connor (covers 12)
Rodney Davies

TOTAL: 33 Touring

RESTED:
Nathan Sharpe and Matt Gitteau.

SQUAD TALKING POINTS:

• A couple of these selections (Standard, Inman and Lealiifano) are quite left of field. These blokes are great rugby players who would really excel on a EOYT for different reasons, Stannard, because he is a great leader and great team players; Inman, because he is the big hard ball running outsides centre that Australia needs and with this tour he could become that man sooner rather than later; and Lealiifano, because he is a great prospect and can be the 2nd 5/8 option Robby loves.
• As for the restings, Sharpe looks to be carrying a bucket load of niggles and could really use the recovery that some extra time would give him and Gitts just looks unhappy. Both great reasons for a resting and it will really help their 2011 Super 15 and WC form.

 

[farva]

I quote like that squad enforceer. But I dont think Stannard should go. We need a development option in the halves, and I dont think that player is Stannard. Turner and Kingi are our up and coming halves, and with Turner injured, I think Kingi should get the run.
Resting Giteau is a good move. His heart doesnt seem to be in it at the moment. A rest now might get him back on track before the world cup. A firing Giteau could do wonders for us next year. But I am not sure that resting Sharpe is a good move. We need an experienced lock to mentor the youngsters. So I would swap him in for Chisholm. Somehow room needs to be made for Kane Douglas as well.
I dont know much about Ben Tapuai, so I will fall back on better judgement as to whether he has done enough to get a shot.
Mitch Inman is a good player to bring with us, especially with Chambers and Horne not available. Id give him a run against the mid week teams to see what he is capable of. But we are a little short on genuine 13s right now. Cross has fallen off the pace a lot this year, as has Sir Stirling.

 

[en_force_er]

Stannard is only 27, if he really thrives we could almost squeeze 2 WCs out of him. Now, I'm not saying we will, just that we owe it too Australia to see if the potential is there. He certainly is well thought of by the players he has played with and is often in leadership squad/captaincy roles.

I think we'd be doing ourselves several favours with resting Sharpe. Firstly, we NEED someone to step up and become a genuine line-out general. Sharpe is too old to play 80 mins even when he is in good knick. Basically, not bringing Nathan will force someone to take on this role.

I think Taps is a good option because anyone that watches him play knows he is a great prospect but in retrospect I should have listed Christian Lealiifano instead. I think I'll go change that now.

 

[Crow]

No love for Weeks? I'd like to see him get a run.

 

[fatprop]

No love for Weeks? I'd like to see him get a run.

Has he been playing in Brisbane?

 

[Crow]

Has he been playing in Brisbane?

Was THP for UQ in the final a week ago.

 

[Ignoto]

Has he been playing in Brisbane?

From memory he's been playing with Uni (and played in the Grand Final in which they won).

 

[Slim 293]

I can't find the article now but apparently Palu, Horwill, Polata-Nau and Alexander are all now looking like being possibly available for the EOYT...