Re: My Wallaby 22
Given that the wallabies (and the Brumbies) have not won squat for the last few years - with George Smith ("the king/legend/best ever") playing - I suspect that the ABs and SBs will be pretty happy.
It is not only Smith's fault (often he was the best Wallaby on the field), but our opponents won't be losing sleep over facing him.
Maybe I was a little harsh on George, as he has not become a terrible player. He is just not the number one when it comes to the most important (in my opinion) aspects of loose forward (especially open side flanker) play: gaining and retaining possession. In that area Waugh is superior. Smith's kicking and passing is better than Waugh's, but those skills are not enough to tip the balance. Dunning kicks better field goals than Robinson, but that doesn't make him a better prop. One other aspect I failed to mention is the number of penalties Smith gives away, as opposed to Waugh (well that is certainly my impression -maybe I'm wrong on that one. Are there printed statistics on that?).
I will consider consulting my psychiatrist over my preference for Waugh - he's helped me so much already with my violent tendencies.
Yes, Smith has often been voted the best. That means the majority believed him to be the best. At one time the majority believed the world to be flat. I'm sure everyone can think of similar examples - most people think Lote Tiqiri is brilliant too!
Quade Cooper....he, like the Queensland team, reminds me of islander teams (of all levels): when the going is good, and there is loads of time and space, he looks good. When there is hard graft to be done, when there is someone constantly in his face, when things aren't going too well, he falls apart. He has great skills. He has great confidence in himself. He has loads of hair styling products. I think he needs a bit more time in S14 before he is ready to step up.
Ashley-Cooper: which test was the one where he kept dropping the high ball? maybe I'm just remembering multiple tests. I'm not saying he is useless, just not in the top 30.
Cameron Shepherd injured? Shame. I guess that will bring Hynes into my 15.
As far as evidence goes, I can say that I have seen at least 3 S14 matches every week, and highlights of every game every week. Naturally, I would almost never miss a Wallaby match. But, as a wise man once told me, people often see the same events from different seats in the stadium or theatre - and for that reason they see different things.
As a general rule when considering Wallaby selections, I would go for a core of Waratah forwards (especially the front row), plus a smattering of the other teams in the backs.
