DPK
Peter Sullivan (51)
The problem with the 'go with experience' selection mode is (at least) twofold.
One, that is not what RD has been consistently doing as a core selection mode. If it was, surely Baxter would have been included, and potentially other experienced front-rowers available but not considered in a hugely important part of the team make up.
Two, what if, as in Giteau's case, the recent component of that 'experience' has correlated with declining performance excellence in pressure games against the best sides (in both kicking and back line play). [+ just a btw, it's unarguable is it not that Baxter delivered a much better 2010 S14 than Giteau.]
These are two very different situations (Baxter vs Giteau), and IMO they aren't really comparable. The backline is not the pack, and vice versa.
Combined with the rest of the inexperience, this makes sense. However if I was a coach I wouldn't be hesitant to drop my worst performing member of my backline, particularly when it was proven to me (vs England) that his possible replacement fit into the side better.
I agree Giteau is in some shocking form, but you need the old heads in there and I think Deans is only selecting Giteau because of this.
A question, if Mortlock wasn't injured, would he still be being selected for the same reasons Deans is selecting Giteau?