I love how tough so many players are making picking a Wallaby 22. There is more depth this year, which is terrific, but in the end 22 players win the game. Anyway, my picks:
1. Alexander 2.Polota-Nau 3. Weeks
4. Sharpe 5. Mumm
6. Higgers 7. Pocock
8. Elsom
9. Genia
10. Cooper
12. Giteau 13. Hynes
11. Ioane 14. Mitchell
15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
Bench: Moore, Robinson, Douglas or Chisholm, O'Young, Giteau, Chambers, Davies
I'll go through the more controversial selections:
Robinson for Weeks. Robbo seems off the money this year, through carrying an injury I think, and with Alexander playing LH (and well) Weeks deserves first crack. Robbo does deserve bench time though and a chance to re-stake his claim to a starting spot.
Higgs at 6. Some would say Rock should play flank but Higgs has been good this year. Rocky to go 8 on attacking scrums and 6 on defensive scrums. This would allow Rocky to do what he is best at on attack and defense and give Higgs the chance to step up. You heard it first here.
Hynes at 13. Certainly outlandish but he has played 13 in his younger days and I think you want your Mr.Reliable defending at 13. Realistically it doesn't matter who ends up where on attack with 3 possible fullbacks, 3 possible OCs and 2 possible 5/8s in the side. This flexible back line would play well into Deans' high tempo playing style.
So, what do you guys think?