Australian Troubadour XV

[Bowside]

The inevitable post RWC exodus that occurs as the cream of the south chase big money sabbaticals in Europe creates an interesting opportunity for Australian rugby.

In the past the Irish have assembled a barbarian style XV (the "Exiles") made up of Irish players playing abroad, to play the Irish in warm up games for various tournaments. Such games are designed to showcase talent on offer outside of the 4 provinces.

Considering there are so many Australian eligible players now playing in Europe, I think it would be fitting if such a team was assembled to play a mid week game against the Wallabies on the annual spring tour. The team could be coached by one of our many troubadour coaches such as Chieka, Gaffney or McGahan.

Could the concept work?
Would you watch such a game?
Who would be in your Australian troubadour XV?

Link to the list of Troubadours: http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/fo...ugby+troubadours+2009+10?highlight=troubadour

 

[TOCC]

Unlikely to happen as it would be a exspensive exercise unlikely to draw a big crowd or tv audience, additionally NH clubs are going to be unwilling to release there players for such a match.

To be honest it would be a rather one-sided affair, I think we would struggle to find a team capable of challenging the Wallabies even with a post RWC exodus..

I would like to watch it however, could be interesting..

 

[#1?]

At best this would be an "on paper" academic exercise, like the Old Boys XV vs 1st XV games.

 

[RugbyFuture]

i think it could work, and would be awesome

we can call them "the pardoned"

 

[Bowside]

To be honest it would be a rather one-sided affair, I think we would struggle to find a team capable of challenging the Wallabies even with a post RWC exodus..

I would like to watch it however, could be interesting..

I was also questioning the competitiveness of such a team, but if it was a mid-week game close to the end of tour against a B-grade touring side I think it would be a good hit out.

I think it might pick up a decent tv audience, certainly no less than what fox would expect for a top ITM or Currie Cup game.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Too much rugby is still not enough. I'd watch it if it was on TV, not sure I'd pay to see it live.

 

[Lee Grant]

It's not going to happen but it's one of those things that is fun to talk about.

But who would comprise the notional Oz Expats team (excluding players not eligible for Oz, nor those coming back for 2011?)

Here's a starting point, though I struggled to think of a player in some positions.

1. Ben Coutts *
2. Ole Avei
3. Troy Takiari **
4. Cam Treloar
5. 3M *
6. Luke Doherty *
7. George Smith
8. David Lyons
9. Nic Berry
10. Brock James
11. DHP
12. Junior Pelesasa
13. Ben Jacobs
14. Matt Carraro
15. Paul Warwick

* Haven't seen play in 2010
** Ditto and not sure if he is still playing but I couldn't think of another THP

If Nio Halangahu is not coming back from the RSA and is in Europe or somewhere else, he'd be the hooker.
Didn't consider Gregan or Larkham and am not sure if they are still playing anyway.

 

[RugbyReg]

Wallabies by a thousand.

 

[Lee Grant]

Disagree but the scoreboard attendant may have a problem unless there is a slot for a 3rd number.

The only players in that list who would make the tour squad based on Wallaby tour needs and their present form (i.e. disregarding the future) are George Smith and David Lyons.

Lyons is in terrific form for the Scarlets and different commentators keep rabbiting on about how he has been one of their best acquisitions ever. Smith has been Smith and has even played well at 8.

I would select a third guy in the squad and have him pick his nose and take the water bottles on for the whole tour and nothing else - unless the weather and the ground is wet. Brock James will get us home in games like at Murrayfield last year and at Landsdowne Rd a while back.

Yep, I know his weak points probably as well anybody.

 

[RugbyReg]

David Lyons - how old is he? 30 now? Would've loved to have him back for the Rebels!

Ideal back up for Cliffy, which means PUH-LENTY of game time.

 

[en_force_er]

It would be interesting to see a game every 4 years on the EOYT of the year before the WC between Australia A and Australia Exiles. It could be played as a mid week test. Perhaps 1 or 2 particularly impressive Exiles could join up with the tour group for the rest of the tour or maybe be in the 3N squad next year.

They let the Pacific Island nations and Argentines out of their contracts at this time of year so perhaps they'd let the Aussies out. They've also been known to let Saffas out to play the 3Ns.

I'd love to see James, Carraro and Warwick given a genuine crack and as I've said before I'd love to see Smith being the experianced man riding the pine come WC time incase we need him.

Though, I do doubt such a game would ever happen and we'd all know Aussie A would win handsomely. Nobody could debate that it wouldn't be interesting.

 

[ausss]

Does anyone know if there are new Aussies playing in Europe for the season 2010/2011 (the list above is only updated to last year)? Thanks a lot