2. Wallaby Watch
Another week, another round of injuries. Now it looks like Timani and Higginbotham will be out of the series, joining TPN, Pocock and Smith. This is disappointing but inevitable. Blokes are going to get injured and it would be impossible to go into a series injury free. Higgers’ injury is most annoying as he was in career best form and banging down the selectors door like no other back-rower. But life goes on, and luckily our depth at six and eight is OK. Palu, Mowen and Dennis are all capable alternatives even though they aren’t in Higgers-type form.
As for Timani, I can’t help thinking this will force the hand of Deans into making a selection decision many of us thought he should have made in the first place. I feel for Sita and rate him as a player more than most, but at the same time I didn’t think he was in our top trhree locks. I don’t think we will lose anything from not having him there.
There are a few players we simply cannot afford to lose, though. Genia, Moore, Horwill, Robinson and Ashley-Cooper are five that spring to mind. It looks like they will be taking the field on the 22nd, which is a good start. We have good depth in all other positions and so shouldn’t be too concerned by a few injuries. The Lions will also pick up a few on their trip around the country.
You would suggest the starting pack is largely settled, with key questions in only three spots. The first is tighthead, where Slipper, Alexander and (the longshot) Kepu are competing. At blindside breakaway you have a battle between Mowen and Dennis, and at seven it’s between Gill and Hooper. I expect Deans to side with experience and pick Alexander, Dennis and Hooper. I would pick Slipper, Mowen and Hooper.
In the backline the picture looks far less clear. In reality only two spots are secure – Genia at nine and AAC at 13. The debate over 10 has been done to death so let’s leave it for now. Please. It looks to be between Lealiifano and Horne for the 12 jersey, and between Barnes and Folau for the 15 shirt. Folau, Cummins and Tomane will fight for the wing jerseys. But watch out for Kurtley Beale, who I think will feature somewhere as well.
Time will tell, but I reckon we are in a pretty good spot at the moment with multiple viable options in each position. I can’t wait for the series to kick-off!
