I always find conversations like this quite an interesting insight into the Aussie rugby mentality around players and selection. From memory, Wright had a decent season at full back as a rookie. Had on a bad game that happened to be in the Final, but then again, the Brumbies were awful in the final and the game plan was even worse, and we never looked like winning. For the Wallabies he was ok, had some good and bad moments and in comparison, to other Full backs like Willy Leroux, and even some Kiwi players, make the same mistakes and poor decision offset with some good things and the benefits you get in attack. So, all up, the decisions around Wright, who is essentially a Rookie at full back is the usually Aussie thinking of if they are not God like, or error free, then cut them.
The fact that if you add in that this rookie (in position), who was picked over more hyped and more experienced players who have played Full back in in Australia and was only cut due to the genius of Jones, really highlights that we may be using some perverse criteria and twisted metrics and facts to get to frankly silly decisions.
So, let’s look at this on balance. The comparison that is occurring is between Debrezceni who is on his second go and has never really solidified a starting position and didn’t play much as full back, versus a player who has one year in a position who then ended up in the international cauldron and had a few bad games.
I didn’t know if it’s a cultural thing, but I really hope one day Aussie rugby will get a better sense of balance and perspective around players.
Sometime the perspective is right in front of you. Kellaway was safe at the back for the Wallabies and the RWC, but beyond that did what? May be Wrights willingness to take more risks may have created more for the Wallabies, as in between the errors he created some good attack. Given time, most player get better at decision making and that is still possible. But alas, here we are and the essential have him cut from playing full back and replaced by an uncredentialled option.
Personally I will take him at full back knowing Larkham will suck the life out of most attacks, we will need ever “lucky” option we can get.