I can't help it if Deans chose some players that he should not have chosen. I'm really pissed that MMM is probably going to miss out but Dave "invisible" Dennis is included. The players I've listed are simply those players I would like to see on the field. I appreciate that might not make for the most balanced squad.
BTW - Beale is a test 10 and 15 so he provides the ideal cover for those positions. McCabe and Horne can both play outside centre (who else do we have that is a better outside centre option than those two?).
Beale I would love, but under the current circumstances is not ideal and I think should not (I would say can not, but he probably will so obviously he can) be chosen. See other thread.
McCabe I can't justify either. He hasn't played much 13 at a Supe level to be considered a real option there, unlike Horne, and has been willing but really uninspiring in his few hitouts for the Brumbies. The fact that he's consigned to the Brumbies bench speaks volumes.
Burgess over White, can't agree. Would love to see White's exposure at test level, it should have happened last year before his knee op. Burgess has only been closing games in France, and his form isn't nearly as good as White's.
13 is a real hole for the Wallabies after AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) currently. I would say that the backup is Horne, although not playing at 13 this year and being uninspiring last games there for the Wobs. Looking at the starting 13s for each province, there's not much other choices. The next one is probably A. Finger. We just have to hope that AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) stays uncrocked. I like Inman and he is in good form now and offers more with ball in hand over A. Finger, but Inman is still raw at a higher level and still has a few questions over how he would go against the Lions. Kuridrani has been OK for the Brumbies, but is still very green.
If George Smith would only available for the third test (he is due to be reaccessed end of June) and that's still a maybe then I can't see how he can be included in a limited 31-man squad. The inclusion of both Hooper and Gill has pretty much ruled out Smith's inclusion to me. 3 open sides in a squad of 31 doesn't work.
1 more lock will be chosen out of Douglas or MMM I think.
I reckon the a more balanced makeup of the 6 will look like:
1) Prop
2) Hooker
3) Lock
4) Halfback
5) Back utility / flyhalf
6) Back utility / fullback
If Deans follows this, then putting on my Mad Dingo hat, Deans will probably bring in:
1) No idea (Palmer maybe)
2) Hanson (although Deans may opt to not take a 3rd hooker, he's crazy like that)
3) Douglas (Douglas deserves to be there, and I would've loved to also see MMM make it)
4) Burgess (disagree with this selection - should be White)
5) McCabe - cover 12/13 (disagree with this selection)
6) Beale - cover 10/15 (disagree with this selection)