I want to pick a team based on who I think could be part of a winning world cup team, but for this year.
In doing so we have to get rid of some people who might seem to be the best now, but won’t win the cup. We need to find who will get us there.
In the past we’ve picked those who weren’t the best at the time, but could get us there; Phil Kearns, Tony Daly, John Eales, George Gregan, Horan and Little. That’s the attitude I’ve adopted. There area a few I’m not 100% sure of and I’ll be looking to see if anyone can take their spots.
Between 92-94 we won 27 of 32 tests, many against South Africa and New Zealand. Recently a commentator said he chose that team over the 99 and 84 teams as the best ever because they made more of the collective talent of the squad than the other teams. These are the people I want – those who can make more of the collective teams. Those who can play well in their positions and make impact.
So here’s my squad
Props
Scott Sio, Toby Smith, James Slipper (needs physical development), Alo-Emile (bench from Rebels – best back of any tight head prop in Australia). I mentioned this to another tight head prop and he concurred).
Hooker
Moore and TPN
Locks
Jones, Douglas, Simmons and Adam Coleman (In my own mind I chose John Eales the first time I saw him off the bench and I think the same about this bloke Coleman).
Back Row
Hooper, Pocock, Mowen (for this year), Fardy, McCalman (worried he’s not big enough) and I can’t find a sixth. I’ve thought about Hoiles (small), McMeniman (injured), Cottrell (good player, bit small)
We could put Jones in the back row and pick Sam Carter (needs a bit, but if he comes on this year as much as last he’ll do fine).
Scrum Half
White, Genia (I’m banking on the coaching staff teaching him how to play 9 again)
Fly Half
Toomua and Leali’ifano.
Inside Centre
McCabe and Kuridrani
Outside Centre
Adam Ashley-Cooper and Jason Woodward (too good a player and goal kicker to leave out)
Wing
Speight, Cummins, Crawford, Mogg (too good a player to ignore)
Fullback
Folau and Beale
Some players worth looking at further
Charles, Carter (but he may get a start as above), McMeniman, Hoiles, Gill, Cottrell, Godwin (definitely a good player, just not sure yet how good), Horne (impressed this year and when he played inside centre on Sat night the team looked better balanced), Rasolea, Tomane, Davies (pace is a most desirable quality).
Missed out
Robinson, Alexander (sick and tired of scrum finishing on the ground), Kepu (walks during play even more than Scott Higginbotham – a world record!), Horwill (can’t get us where we want to go anymore), the other three QLD backrowers all good players but a bit small, Quade Cooper (too difficult to play outside of him), Higginbotham (definitely talented but see comment re Kepu above).
The few times in recent weeks I’ve commented favourable on the Aussie franchises, it’s pleasing to see we’ve got three in the top six. Interesting eh?
