Wallaby Blindside/Number 8 watch

[Ali's Choice]

You'd assume they'd take 6 backrowers (they usually do dont they?). Palu, McCalman, Elsom, Higginbotham, Pocock, Hodgson
Id love to pick Robinson, but Hodgson's versatility might come in handy. Plus, assuuming Pocock stays fit, Hodgson/Robinson will only get game time against the minnows

If Deans goes for the usual backs/forwards split of 14/16 in a 30 man squad, then I can't see how he can select six loosies, without having to sell himself short by taking just three locks. IMO he will select five loosies, opt for four locks with one of these locks being Dean Mumm, would can cover blindside flanker if required. In saying that, Deans could opt for a 13/17 backs/forwards split, but IMO that would be unnecessarily risky.

 

[bazzamacca]

Higginbotham - is unproven at test level, but he has earned the right to be given an extensive run in the pre-RWC tests. Backrowers with 5 tests under their belt going into a RWC are not ideal, i must say. Higginbotham didnt really perform on the last EOYT, I note.

Samo - yes, he has test experience. I think he has a harder nose to his play than prior to going to Paris, where he didnt really perform. He must be 30 plus, and is enormous and extremely athletic. His attitude has been pretty good this season and last. Depends how Palu shapes up[ fitness-wise, but I wouldnt rule Radike out of RWC considerations and agree he would be an interesting bench prospect, covering 4568.

Elsom - I suspected he was carrying injury last EOYT and am happy for someone of his experience to recover fully, so am not overly concerned by his SupeRugby absence. Deans is probably cotton-wooling him.he is the most talented and important forward we have.

McCalman - good for the Kiwis as a bit of 7 in him as well. Excellent at the breakdown. Half a game between him and Cliff at 8 - or at least until Cliff runs out of puff.

Palu - wtf with the injuries. Perhaps being cotton-wolled, too.

Overall, Wallaby forwards should be Tah dominated - clearly the best pack. Kepu, TPN, Robinson, Elsom (Tah 2012), Vickerman, Palu.


All the best

Baz

 

[tigerland12]

I've always just gone on the assumption of the 13/17 split. If it was only a 14/16 split then someone like Higginbotham or McCalman might miss the cut. But i think its a bit early to start talking about splits, cause if we do its gonna do my head in! haha

 

[Viking]

Samo would be perfect for the bench. He covers 4,5,6,8. And the impact he will bring is perfect for the last 20-30minutes of a game. Plus he has loads of experience. But I'm not sure about him starting. Im all for Higgers starting though, with his pace and physicality he has so much more potential then the others and recently he is closely meeting that potential.

 

[bazzamacca]

In saying that, Deans could opt for a 13/17 backs/forwards split, but IMO that would be unnecessarily risky.

Given the number of utility backs in the Wallabies contender ranks - Giteau (9,10,12) , JOC (James O'Connor)/Gerrard (everything), Iaone (13,14), Barnes (10,12), Shepherd (11,15) - the 13/17 split is highly probable.

 

[Ali's Choice]

I've always just gone on the assumption of the 13/17 split. If it was only a 14/16 split then someone like Higginbotham or McCalman might miss the cut. But i think its a bit early to start talking about splits, cause if we do its gonna do my head in! haha

LOL. Fair call. In saying that, I've always assumed that a 14/16 split was the norm. Certainly that's the mix Graham Henry took to the RWC in 2007, and on last year's EOYT when he took a thrity man squad in an attempt to replicate a RWC scenario. A 13/17 split is risky considering you've got to pick 3 halfbacks. Unless of course Deans is comfortable enough to select Giteau as the 3rd scrumhalf?

 

[Ignoto]

Higginbotham - is unproven at test level, but he has earned the right to be given an extensive run in the pre-RWC tests. Backrowers with 5 tests under their belt going into a RWC are not ideal, i must say. Higginbotham didnt really perform on the last EOYT, I note.

Overall, Wallaby forwards should be Tah dominated - clearly the best pack. Kepu, TPN, Robinson, Elsom (Tah 2012), Vickerman, Palu.

From memory Higgers barely got a go in the EOYT after having a great season at the Reds (plus he picked up a big injury at the second last/last round of the super 14) and when used in the EOYT he was given 5 minutes?

In regards to you're comments about the Wallaby forwards being dominated by the Tahs, you've named three guys that should be included. Palu has barely been able to complet 50 minutes in a game!

I really don't understand why there is a huge fascination about Palu? Prior to last year he wen missing every second game (and that was co-incidentally when we needed him the most) and now everyone acts like he's some Kefu godsend?

Palu was in great form last year, however his current form has been lacking, more importantly why are we wanting a 50 minute player? We need players who can go the entire 80 minutes + the over time!

Theres no way in hell I want the wallabies carrying a forward who can only offer some good form over a partial time over the match, what happens if theres an injury to our 6 early in the game costing us Palu's replacement? We're essentially screwed after Palu runs out of breath!

 

[Ali's Choice]

Given the number of utility backs in the Wallabies contender ranks - Giteau (9,10,12) , JOC (James O'Connor)/Gerrard (everything), Iaone (13,14), Barnes (10,12), Shepherd (11,15) - the 13/17 split is highly probable.

If Deans is happy for Giteau to potentially be playing halfback during the RWC knock out stages, then a 13/17 split is definitely do-able. In saying that, I can't see the point in taking any risks when Deans can go with three specialist 9s, run with a 14/16 split, select five loosies and have someone like Dean Mumm covering blindside flanker if needed. Why risk a half back injury ruining your RWC campaign for the sake of picking a 6th loose forward, who will get next to no playing time at all?

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

Take out Sharpe when we're up against a good scrum.

Troll much?

 

[bazzamacca]

LOL. Fair call. In saying that, I've always assumed that a 14/16 split was the norm. Certainly that's the mix Graham Henry took to the RWC in 2007, and on last year's EOYT when he took a thrity man squad in an attempt to replicate a RWC scenario. A 13/17 split is risky considering you've got to pick 3 halfbacks. Unless of course Deans is comfortable enough to select Giteau as the 3rd scrumhalf?

4 props (three of whom can play THP), 3 hookers, 4 locks, 6 backrowers (two of whom are pinch locks).

i wouldnt be totally averse to taking a third hooker who can play prop and drop him in all the shitty pool matches as an injury preventative - john ulugia? i say this under the current impression replacement squad members are not permitted. if replacements permitted ulugia should not be permitted to wear any gold apparel in 2011 (at least).

 

[tigerland12]

13 backs: Genia, Phipps, Burgess, Cooper, O'Connor, Barnes, Giteau, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Ioane,Beale, Turner, Mitchell (Morahan/McCabe ect), Shepherd
Thats pretty effective.

 

[Ali's Choice]

4 props (three of whom can play THP), 3 hookers, 4 locks, 6 backrowers (two of whom are pinch locks).

i wouldnt be totally averse to taking a third hooker who can play prop and drop him in all the shitty pool matches as an injury preventative - john ulugia? i say this under the current impression replacement squad members are not permitted. if replacements permitted ulugia should not be permitted to wear any gold apparel in 2011 (at least).

That mix looks great, so long as Robbie Deans feels he has enough coverage in the backs, especially halfback. Personally, I'd be loathe to pick Giteau as the 3rd halfback. I'd go with a 14/16 backs/forwards split, select three specialist halfbacks and take just five loosies. As I said previously, is it worth risking your RWC campaign on a scrumhalf injury for the sake of carrying 6 loosies? The 6th of whom will play barely any rugby. IMO, you pick 3 halfbacks, 3 hookers, 4 props and 4 locks, and then fill the rest of the sixteen available squad spots in as best you can so that you have at least two players covering every position.

 

[bazzamacca]

If Deans is happy for Giteau to potentially be playing halfback during the RWC knock out stages, then a 13/17 split is definitely do-able. In saying that, I can't see the point in taking any risks when Deans can go with three specialist 9s, run with a 14/16 split, select five loosies and have someone like Dean Mumm covering blindside flanker if needed. Why risk a half back injury ruining your RWC campaign for the sake of picking a 6th loose forward, who will get next to no playing time at all?

Having seen Gits play 9 in Cardiff - M o M - I fully endorse his ability to play 9 at intl level. He was originally a 9 and would be the best halfback in the world had he not inflated his ego from 9 to 10 and 12.

The sixth backrower? Apparently replacements for injuries are not permitted. I may be wrong and am happy to be corrected but I am reasonably sure the most number of injuries occur to backrow and centres. Again, given the utility value of the limited number of backs Deans would have play for the Wallabies, we will see a 17/13 split.

 

[Ali's Choice]

The sixth backrower? Apparently replacements for injuries are not permitted. I may be wrong and am happy to be corrected but I am reasonably sure the most number of injuries occur to backrow and centres. Again, given the utility value of the limited number of backs Deans would have play for the Wallabies, we will see a 17/13 split.

That's not what I have heard. I will try and find a link that confirms either way. As far as I have heard the teams can request replacement squad members with 24 hours notice, on the condition that the player they are replacing can take no further part in the tournament.

 

[Bilby]

Well GC what do you know of Vaea's performance...have you checked his stats....for a rookie 8 he is doing a fantastic job.

 

[bazzamacca]

This is an unhelpfully parochial bored.

No brumby should make the RWC squad except Giteau. The Brumbies should be disbanded as they make no contribution to Australian rugby through $, home grown players of tv viewership.

The Reds nearly lost to Tah 2nd XV.

The Waratahs are the toughest ****s in Oz rugby.

 

[bazzamacca]

That's not what I have heard. I will try and find a link that confirms either way. As far as I have heard the teams can request replacement squad members with 24 hours notice, on the condition that the player they are replacing can take no further part in the tournament.

Look if thats the case I thing we should concentrate on getting the best players in the squad. Thanks for that.

 

[JimboJoe1006]

13 backs: Genia, Phipps, Burgess, Cooper, O'Connor, Barnes, Giteau, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Ioane,Beale, Turner, Mitchell (Morahan/McCabe ect), Shepherd
Thats pretty effective.

I would take Gerrard over Shepherd - he offers another element to the Wallabies, an element which may be very important in WC-style rugby in Auckland weather! Horne is on-track for a WC recovery as well, and will have to make the squad, perhaps at the expense of Turner, or more likely as the 14th back.

Genia; Burgess; Phibbs; Cooper; Barnes; Giteau; JOC (James O'Connor); AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper); Horne; Ioane; Mitchell (Morahan); Beale; Turner; Gerrard

 

[tigerland12]

I would take Gerrard over Shepherd

Yeah there is a few spots up for grabs, especially the reserve wing/fullback where anyone of Morahan, Gerrard, Shepherd, McCabe and turner could get in. I dont know if horne will have enough chances to prove himself before selection would he? When is he expected to be back?

 

[JimboJoe1006]

Yeah there is a few spots up for grabs, especially the reserve wing/fullback where anyone of Morahan, Gerrard, Shepherd, McCabe and turner could get in. I dont know if horne will have enough chances to prove himself before selection would he? When is he expected to be back?

Not exactly certain, but pretty sure he won't be seen in the sky blue again this year. However, I assumed from Nucifora saying "every incumbent Wallaby at this stage of the season was in a position to be fit for the World Cup" (http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2011/05/injury-toll-wont-hurt-wallabies/) that he will be spotted in bright yellow! Deans' has shown alot of faith in Horne and expected he wont need too much game-time to ensure selection (not that I agree with that policy!)