There is something to like about this team if you consider what it is for, most likely. Haven't read the other comments deliberately so here are some thoughts:
• Don't know the reason of picking Alexander, a poor THP (and not a very good LHP either) at 3, and Kepu, the best Oz THP in Super rugby at 1. Maybe it's last man standing, or collapsing, or maybe it's just to give Kep a refresher at LHP. Good to see him fit enough to start a test match - apparently.
• It's interesting that Hanson is judged to be Oz 4th string at hooker after Moore and TPN. Many of us would have had Charles there but it was foreshadowed in the 40 man training squad. Well done James.
• Good to see Timani starting. The Reds locks were not chosen to start for obvious reasons but who knows: his rise in ability in Super rugby could continue at a higher level. He is not rated by many on this forum and it's unlikely that he will be one of the 4 RWC locks. Horwill and Sharpe are givens, but he will contend with Simmons and Vickerman for the other two spots. Timani's selection in the 22 could signal the end of Mumm's immediate prospects though.
Deans probably likes his hard nosed yet athletic play and indeed, he reminds me some of the rising England lock Courtney Lawes.
On the other hand he could be a complete flop as he was for the Brumbies and Force.
• It's good to see Rocky fit again and hopefully, long term. He played well in his one Super match and one hopes he can get a sequence of healthy games. Looks like Higginbotham is the shadow for 3N and not Mumm; good on you Scott.
• There will be a ding dong battle between Hodgson and Robinson to be Pocock's back up. Looking forward to the contest.
• The Brumbies nexus of 10. Giteau, 12. McCabe and 13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (although AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) played wing mostly and McCabe only a few games at 12), is a good choice. We would be interested in what Giteau's instructions will be but hope that he does more ball playing than running.
As we all thought: McCabe is a serious contender to be a permanent back-up 12/13 though to whom at 12, we are not sure. Saw him at Rat Park on Saturday and he said he wasn't allowed to play against Gordon. It was obvious then he was in the 22 but wished him good luck anyway. Perhaps now we can exlude JOC (James O'Connor) from that centre mix, though who knows?
• Good to see Gerrard back in the fold. To play the old record: he should always be in a Wallaby squad for use in unsavoury weather and ground conditions to use his booming boot.
It's nice to look at the apparent clues and see what underlies selections but sometimes one is best advised to read tea leaves or throw the bones.
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