Hawko, couldn't agree more with this. Volavola is an oustide back, and isn't in the top handful. I honestly don't see him being much use other then injury cover around the back.
Horwitz should be there to get some experience, because in about 2 years time i think he could be right about on the mark as the go to 5/8 option
Regarding hookers …… Roach isn't quite big enough (Yet), holmes is ordinary and has shown he can't cut it, Latu might be ok, and will likely be the gamble, but due to no development of our hookers, look at our current situation.
Volvo - Agree, he is an outside back who can play flyhalf from the bench, if needed, but probably won't be unless there is a butcher's bill. And as you indicate, Horwitz should be in the EPS – and be 3rd string flyhalf.
He won't be too young. Even if Horwitz had played in the early rounds this year, he still would have been three months younger than KB (Kurtley Beale) was when he ran on for the Tahs back in the day. And arguably more important than age, if he has to run on early in 2014 he would have had that priceless year playing for the Sydney Academy, 1st Grade for Randwick and in Argentina recently.
It would be good if we could have a backup hooker who is an old stager but there are not many that you would pick from Sydney club rugby.
I have just seen a replay of the first NSW Baas v. Argentina match and Latu did a fair job as hooker. Some of the fiddly throws to the front of the lineout for a run from the front didn't work out, and a couple were lost by good attacking Argie moves, but he can throw straight.
Also he has had two years in the Oz U/20 team as a starting LHP; so that helps his CV. He is a big, tough player, and mobile as we saw in the 2nd Argie game backing up on the inside of Horwitz, which lead to a try.
Luke Holmes is an experienced hooker who will play his best until he drops and is a good team player, but I'd rather see a younger bloke who may have Wallaby potential in the backup spot, especially if he is strong enough and big enough to shift people, and is mobile – even if he has to learn of the job.
We can't be certain of who will get the remaining spots, including EPS berths, but we can be sure that the Argentina tour has helped Cheika to assess a few players better than if it didn't happen.
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