They're most clearly not like for like selections. I don't think anyone is expecting Korczyk or Dempsey to make the 23 at any point and they are young up and coming players and Higginbotham is almost 31 and has signed to play in Japan over the offseason.
Simmons and Douglas ahead of Carter isn't rewarding effort and form either
Hasn't Fardy been given an early release by the ARU? So I assume he can't be called back in
Cheika specifically made comments about Timani's fitness at the start of the June series that it wasn't there yet.
He then selected him for the last test in the series because his fitness presumably improved after a few weeks in camp.
Obviously I'm disappointed for Sam Carter.
Who knows, maybe Alan Jones will pick him to captain The Barbarians against the Wallabies in Sydney in October!!!
If so, Mr D, that will be the first reason to support the Baa Baas against our national side. I expect there will be plenty more to come as the test series unwinds.
No way, BR, would never support another team against the Wallabies, just as I've never supported the Brumbies to beat the Reds, even with Sam as captain.
We always want Sam to play well, but our loyalty is "non-transferable"!
Congratulations to the new players that have made the Wallabies squad for the first time.
I also think there are some concerns with the backline.
It's a shame Hunt is out. I think he brings something no other backline player in OZ currently brings. Beale at 2nd 5. Kerevi or Kurindrani at centre? Toss a coin.
Foley
Beale
Kerevi
Is it possible to hide 3 players in defence?
Looks like just another piece of coaching bullshit to me - you know what I mean?
Simmons and Douglas ahead of Carter isn't rewarding effort and form either
Chubby probably believes he can get more out of the players he has stuck with. Maybe a quantum leap in fitness levels is part of that.
If he didn't see what he wants from Carter's efforts in June, he shouldn't look elsewhere?