So who has played their last test? and who will struggle with the cattle back?

[Scarfman]

Rocky gone?

Well, maybe. Brown is dependable in a Xavier Rush mode. Palu blows hot and cold and is injury prone. Mumm is a long-term wallaby but might play lock as much as 6. McM actually lost some ground for me on this tour. When he was nothing but promise, I let my imagination run away. He is a good 6 and a terrible lock.

I see every reason to hope for Elsom to be around.

 

[RugbyReg]

from those who played under Deans this year, I reckon the bolded ones are the ones under pressure to play again next year:

Matt Giteau
Stirling Mortlock
Ryan Cross
Peter Hynes
Adam Ashley-Cooper
James Horwill
Drew Mitchell
Lote Tuqiri
Rocky Elsom
Berrick Barnes
Stephen Moore
Benn Robinson
Nathan Sharpe
Mark Chisolm
Digby Ione
Lachlan Turner
Quade Cooper
Luke Burgess
George Smith
Al Baxter
Wycliffe Palu
Phil Waugh
Hugh McMeniman
Dean Mumm
Matt Dunning
Richard Brown
Sam Cordingly
Timana Tahu
Ben Alexander
Cameron Shepherd
Tatafu Polata-Nau
Dan Vickerman
Stephen Hoiles
Adam Freier
Brett Sheehan
David Pocock
Sekope Kepu
James O'Connor

 

[naza]

Anyone who thinks Stirling Mortlock is under pressure is a clueless muppet who knows nothing about rugby. Mortlock is the best back in Australia by a country mile. The rest of our backs are lucky to be playing S14.

And Palu ? Who is questioning Palu ? He's the best no8 we've had other than Loane. Palu is a superstar. We would have won the Wales test with Palu. Without his go-forward and intimidating explosiveness we were a rabble. Who is going to fill his place ? Brown - the blown up openside ? :lmao: :lmao:

 

[Pfitzy]

On the bright side - at least its better than only having Hoiles as the other option 8)

Mortlock does his job and does it well[edit} - when he's not dropping the pill, that is[/edit]. He should be doing it from outside centre, but Barnes keeps getting crocked. Hopefully Cooper or Beale come along next year so we can get a bit of depth around the playmaking channels.

 

[The Chosen]

Anyone who thinks Stirling Mortlock is under pressure is a clueless muppet who knows nothing about rugby. Mortlock is the best back in Australia by a country mile. The rest of our backs are lucky to be playing S14.

And Palu ? Who is questioning Palu ? He's the best no8 we've had other than Loane. Palu is a superstar. We would have won the Wales test with Palu. Without his go-forward and intimidating explosiveness we were a rabble. Who is going to fill his place ? Brown - the blown up openside ? :lmao: :lmao:

Could not agree more re Mortlock. Has had to play all tour @ No.12, when he is undoubtedly best 13 playing. Just look at his tackle count- you know it when he is not there. One of the best tries of the year was his one in Durban. I believe he is good for at least another b2-3 seasons

 

[Spook]

Don't understand the criticism of Morty. I thought he was superb on tour. Showed the bash as well as some nice hands (2 tries courtesy of slick Morty hands). Played a huge part in the wins over the Saffas this year. A great role model for Aussie sport.

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

I don't think anyone is really criticising him per se, but more thinking that's he's 32 in May, will be 34 and a bit by 2011 and would have to seriously be thinking about retiring in the next year or so.

I think he's been great this year, apart from a few dropsies, but he's taking a lot of knocks and his battered body must be on its last legs.

 

[fatprop]

I don't think anyone is really criticising him per se, but more thinking that's he's 32 in May, will be 34 and a bit by 2011 and would have to seriously be thinking about retiring in the next year or so.

I think he's been great this year, apart from a few dropsies, but he's taking a lot of knocks and his battered body must be on its last legs.

If he wasn't stuck at 12, he would be fine.

On Palu, his biggest crime is playing wounded, he finished the S14 with a the crook shoulder, but still played well, then played through a load of the test series with the same injury.

 

[Spook]

Oz could do with some more quality 13s.

 

[Scarfman]

I don't think anyone is really criticising him per se, but more thinking that's he's 32 in May, will be 34 and a bit by 2011 and would have to seriously be thinking about retiring in the next year or so.

I think he's been great this year, apart from a few dropsies, but he's taking a lot of knocks and his battered body must be on its last legs.

Exactly.

10. Barnes
12. Giteau
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

Don't see the problem.

 

[Scotty]

Apart from Barnes only being able to play 4 games per season.

I think Mortlock will be there, as skipper next year, but I am 80% certain that he will lose the captaincy and probably his position in the squad in 2010. I want a forward as our next captain.

 

[RugbyReg]

I don't think anyone is really criticising him per se, but more thinking that's he's 32 in May, will be 34 and a bit by 2011 and would have to seriously be thinking about retiring in the next year or so.

I think he's been great this year, apart from a few dropsies, but he's taking a lot of knocks and his battered body must be on its last legs.

If he wasn't stuck at 12, he would be fine.

On Palu, his biggest crime is playing wounded, he finished the S14 with a the crook shoulder, but still played well, then played through a load of the test series with the same injury.

exacery.

 

[Spook]

Morty's career is definitely not going to last until 2011. However, I thought he was gone a few years ago but bounced back from his injuries.

 

[fatprop]

Morty's career is definitely not going to last until 2011. However, I thought he was gone a few years ago but bounced back from his injuries.

He does seem to be getting a few head knocks these days.