Close Menu
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Blues
    • Chiefs
    • Crusaders
    • Fijian Drua
    • Highlanders
    • Hurricanes
    • Moana Pasifika
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Six Nations
  • Women’s
  • Sevens
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Friday’s Rugby News.

June 13, 2025

The Dropped Kick-Off 156 – The Wright Decision

June 12, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – week 2 finals and weird stats

June 12, 2025
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
Latest News
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • The Dropped Kick-Off 156 – The Wright Decision
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – week 2 finals and weird stats
  • 2025 Super Rugby Semi Finals — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • Hump Day News – in from the side
  • Tuesday’s Rugby news
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #73: things get a little bit unpredictable.
  • Game Review: Brumbies v Hurricanes Super Rugby finals – 7 June 2025
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – finals, the new season
  • Talking Teams Podcast Qualifying Finals
  • Yowie on the Loose: Super Finals and other news oddities
  • The North remembers.
  • The Knocked Back Knock-On 155 – Not a Rant but a Whimper
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News – 3 June 2025
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #72: the final round of Super Rugby Pacific – blowouts, and the Tahs blowing chunks!
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the last round
  • Talking Teams Pod Week 16
  • Yowie on the Loose: Rugby News wrapped-up like a beef wellington
Green & Gold Rugby
0 Shopping Cart
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies

    Tuesday’s Rugby News

    February 25, 2025

    G&GR readers hate Australians?

    February 23, 2025

    Schmidt extends Wallabies tenure through TRC as search for head coach successor begins

    February 6, 2025

    Tickets on sale for blockbuster Wallaroos and Wallabies home Tests

    February 5, 2025

    Tuesday’s Rugby News, 4 February 2025

    February 4, 2025
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Blues
    3. Chiefs
    4. Crusaders
    5. Fijian Drua
    6. Highlanders
    7. Hurricanes
    8. Moana Pasifika
    9. NSW Waratahs
    10. Queensland Reds
    11. Western Force
    12. View All

    Brumbies lob first grenade.

    March 19, 2025

    Hoodoo Gurus: Brumbies beat Blues.

    March 8, 2025

    Super Rugby Women’s Team List: Trial Match v Queensland Reds

    February 5, 2025

    Brumbies and Raiders combine for ANZAC weekend fixtures

    February 4, 2025

    Sotutu Returns to Boost Blues for Highlanders Clash

    February 19, 2025

    MG Motor Joins Blues as Official Vehicle Partner

    February 13, 2025

    Tu’ungafasi Celebrates 150th Cap as Blues Unleash Star-Studded Line-Up at Eden Park Opener

    February 12, 2025

    Blues Team Up with Gerard Roofs for a Strong 2025 Season Partnership

    February 11, 2025

    Chiefs Prepare for Crusaders Clash: Brown’s Debut and Tupaea’s Milestone

    February 19, 2025

    Chiefs’ All Blacks Set for Pre-Season Action Against Moana Pasifika

    February 6, 2025

    Chiefs Unveil New Talent Ahead of Taranaki Pre-Season Clash

    January 30, 2025

    Chiefs’ Rising Star Wallace Sititi Sidelined After Knee Surgery

    January 25, 2025

    Crusaders Ready to Kick Off Pre-Season with Blues Battle in Kirwee

    January 30, 2025

    Crusaders Partner with Moa Brewing Company to Elevate Fan Experience

    January 23, 2025

    Jamie Hannah Commits to Crusaders Until 2028

    January 23, 2025

    Crusaders 2025 Tickets Now Available!

    January 23, 2025

    Fijian Drua to Host Rugby FCLA in Historic Fiji Showdown

    January 20, 2025

    Highlanders Set for Home Opener Against Blues

    February 19, 2025

    Waratahs edge Highlanders in thrilling season opener

    February 16, 2025

    Highlanders Announce Squad for Season Opener Against Waratahs

    February 12, 2025

    Highlanders Gear Up for Waitangi Day Showdown Against Crusaders

    February 4, 2025

    Xavier Numia Commits to Hurricanes Through 2027

    January 29, 2025

    Hurricanes Brew Up Partnership with Flight Coffee for 2025 Season

    January 28, 2025

    Hurricanes Poua Swap Rugby Boots for Riding Boots at Hutt Valley RDA

    January 16, 2025

    Match Review: Qld Reds v Moana Pacifika — Rd2 2025

    February 21, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 3, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 2, 2025

    Moana Pasifika Set to Face Highlanders in Pre-Season Opener

    January 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Tahs best Brumbies.

    March 22, 2025

    Isaac Kailea re-signs with RA.

    March 21, 2025

    U18s & U20s Tahs sides named.

    March 14, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    Reds break drought.

    March 22, 2025

    Tom ‘The Laser’ Lynagh: Its the vibe.

    March 22, 2025

    Caslick to start in Reds #100th.

    March 19, 2025

    Force out-Brumby the Brumbies 45-42.

    February 22, 2025

    Jeremy Williams Re-Signs with Western Force for Two More Years

    February 6, 2025

    Club captain Jeremy Williams re-commits to Western Force with new deal

    February 6, 2025

    Western Force Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Brumbies Pre-Season Clash

    February 5, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

    March 24, 2025

    Live: SRP ladder

    March 22, 2025
  • Six Nations

    Six Nations round 4

    March 8, 2025

    Tree Irish legends call time

    February 28, 2025

    Frogs flog Italy.

    February 24, 2025

    Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

    February 23, 2025

    Poms pinch it.

    February 23, 2025
  • Women’s

    More in store for Qld women’s comp.

    March 21, 2025

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – progress mixed in with some injustice

    November 21, 2024

    Yowie on the Loose: How long until test rugby restarts?

    October 15, 2024

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #50: limited rugby, but plenty of news

    October 14, 2024
  • Sevens

    G&GR team’s podcast, Ireland and done

    December 2, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – US edition marketing the game, Perry Baker, Super Rugby my new dawn.

    October 17, 2024

    Sevens Olympic Heaven!

    July 18, 2024

    Thursday’s Rugby News

    July 4, 2024
  • Podcast

    The Dropped Kick-Off 156 – The Wright Decision

    June 12, 2025

    Talking Teams Podcast Qualifying Finals

    June 4, 2025

    The Knocked Back Knock-On 155 – Not a Rant but a Whimper

    June 3, 2025

    Talking Teams Pod Week 16

    May 28, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 154 – Finals Perms

    May 23, 2025
Green & Gold Rugby
Home»Rugby»Wallaby Watch – Fly Half
Rugby

Wallaby Watch – Fly Half

Reg RobertsBy Reg RobertsApril 14, 200936 Comments
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

The incumbent(s):

GitsMatt Giteau (WA): As I said above many, me included, thought he was shunted into the Wallaby 10 jersey last year as a kind of ‘last man standing’. “There’s no one else available so let’s take our best 12 and move him in a smidge”. But now! Now he is the best ten in Australia, if not the competition, possibly even the world! Mwah hahahahaha MWAHAHAHAHAHA! Ahem…sorry.


The likely candidates:

BBBerrick Barnes (QLD): It seems so long ago now, but following the RWC07 and his calm yet unexpected showing there, it seemed he was destined for the role, at least until Kurtley Beale fulfilled his destiny. Most of his time since, for both the Reds and Wallabies, has been spent at 12 (or out injured). Still, his rock solid defence, superior kicking and passing game see him as a legitimate option for this key spot.

QuadeQuade Cooper (QLD): A ludicrous proposition 12 months ago has become one not entirely unrealistic. Cooper has continued his surprisingly assured form from the Wallaby tour of the UK and Europe with a steadier, more mature, series of performances for the Reds. A slight form slump mid-season, where both he and his team reverted to type, has caused a minor blip, but he’s a step up from many other candidates.

The Roughies:

KurtsKurtley Beale (NSW): Gazumped by Quade Cooper, seemingly, into a Wallaby jersey last year, Beale has struggled to show any consistent on-field dominance this year. He’s on the bench at the moment, but there is no guarantee that this will remain the case. If he can get back in to the starting team and the Tahs make the finals, he’s a good chance of taking the next step.


JOCJames O’Connor (WA): Well he’s not playing there for the Force, obviously, playing outside the man most likely Matt Giteau. It’s obvious that Deans is a fan, and who can blame him? He’s like a mini-Giteau, which may be a concern – his size.

 

 

 

What is Deans looking for?

World class. To win a World Cup, and other key trophies, a team needs a world class flyhalf. Well, with a “Butch James Proviso” but I don’t think any of us can really explain that. One key criteria, and something we’ve lacked since Larkham peak days – the ability to close out a game.

Who is the answer?

Ok, this is cheating, but the obvious answer is Matt Giteau. As said above he’s clearly the best option in Australia and a legitimate option for a “World XV” spot. Of course the obvious question is once the selectors make the decision as to where they want Gits, who plays the alternative position?

 

Gits
"Two positions? Yeah, sure, I'll give it a crack! .... Do I get two pay checks?"


We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

💬 Have you got a news article suggestion? Submit a story and have your say
👀 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.com
🎵 Listen to our Podcasts on Spotify and iTunes
🎥 Watch our Podcasts on YouTube


australia A berrick barnes kurtley beale matt giteau QRU quade cooper
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleAussie S14 team of week 9
Next Article Bakkies Botha gets 3 Weeks
Reg Roberts
  • X (Twitter)

The original prop in a prop's body, but thankfully I have the rugby mind of a prop as well.

Related Posts

Thursday’s Rugby News – week 2 finals and weird stats

June 12, 2025

Hump Day News – in from the side

June 11, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #73: things get a little bit unpredictable.

June 9, 2025

Game Review: Brumbies v Hurricanes Super Rugby finals – 7 June 2025

June 8, 2025

<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2404 https://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=2404">36 Comments

  1. CanadianRugby on April 14, 2009 4:10 am

    I really don’t understand why people think Gits should play 12. He is easily the most dangerous person in the world with the ball in his hands. If there is any chance that someone else might at any point decide NOT to throw him the ball (like a different fly-half), that person should be removed. He completely takes over games, something much harder to do from 12. He is much more dangerous when he has people running off him, changing angles. All this happens at 10, not 12.

    er, end of rant now.

    Report
    • Gagger on April 14, 2009 6:15 am

      Well said my Maple syrup loving friend.

      I’ll confess that I’ve dabbled with the Gits at 12 idea as well, but he seems to be clearly owning the 10 slot this year.

      Development of an all round kicking game from hand and tee is welcome indeed. If he can take this to the international stage, then we’ll have a part to the Wallabies game that we’ve missed for years.

      PS – the answer to the caption above is “yes”

      Report
    • Pedro on April 14, 2009 8:18 am

      What about at 9? No one’s nailed that position down yet. He would always have the ball in his hands and I can’t think of a player who has outperformed in that position since gregan.

      Pedro’s last blog post..Australia Prevail 2-0, One Foot In South Africa

      Report
  2. Thescarfman on April 14, 2009 6:31 am

    Well, I’ll wade into this one swinging the elbows. I think he is a terrible fly-half, but would be a terrific 12.

    Everything he does at 10 should be done at 12 instead. Loves to get outside his man, which means he cramps his backs for space. Horan could play 10 too, but why would you want to do that?

    And if he is so good, why are the Force so crap? It’s not all the front row’s fault.

    Report
    • Gagger on April 14, 2009 6:44 am

      You’re thinking so last year Scarfie

      Report
      • thescarfman on April 14, 2009 7:58 am

        Ouch.

        I admit that his kicking game is now fly-half quality. How’s that for reasonable?

        Report
      • Gagger on April 14, 2009 8:01 am

        It’s a start!

        Report
  3. Bobas on April 14, 2009 7:39 am

    With all this wallaby position speculation, I just hope they experiment with the backline until we have the right players in place.

    The wallabies only seem to experiment when people get injured and even then they shuffle all the positions for one injury…

    Report
  4. Gagger on April 14, 2009 9:07 am

    Looks like Deans has made his mind up http://bit.ly/si1Xh :

    But one position Deans is not concerned about is five-eighth.

    The former mentor of All Blacks superstar Dan Carter believes Matt Giteau has now mastered the role of No.10.

    “You look back 12 months and he’s a genuine 10 now where he was learning the trade very much a year ago,” Deans said.

    “He looks totally comfortable in his own skin now.”

    Report
  5. James on April 14, 2009 9:24 am

    i’m going to get killed for saying this..

    Christian Lealiifano?

    showed alot on the SA tour. i think he’s got the goods. sometime under deans and god knows what could happen

    Report
    • Pedro on April 14, 2009 9:32 am

      I agree, he’s probably as much of a roughie as Beale at the moment. His general play kicking is pretty good too (maybe inconsistent but he’s young).

      If the brumbies make the finals and the tah’s don’t he will overtake Beale for sure. But if the reverse takes place then he should practice playing fullback. With Giteau coming to the brumbies next season, Lealiifano’s only hope for a start would be if Gerrard is left out of the wallabies squad and he plucks off to Japan.

      Pedro’s last blog post..Australia Prevail 2-0, One Foot In South Africa

      Report
    • Juan Cote on April 14, 2009 9:36 am

      James, surely you jest?

      Leal has played well in the last couple of weeks but I think to cast him as a potential number 10 is a bit over the odds.

      Give the lad a couple of years learning his trade under Gits, (after the 2011 WC he will still only be 23ish)and then i think he’ll be pretty good.

      Admittedly, Quade was pretty shit but a couple of months with maestro Deans did him the world of good so maybe Leal might get a run in a training squad or something.

      What would be great is if there was a national comp that blokes like him could develop their game at an appropriate level…sigh, I miss the Ballymore Tornadoes

      Report
      • James on April 14, 2009 9:49 am

        not at all.
        He’s shown a lot of maturity and improvement this year. a lot more then Kurtley Beale. i’m not saying he should be the wallaby ten but he should be talked about and be part of the plan. It’s stupid not too.

        Report
        • Juan Cote on April 14, 2009 9:53 am

          There is an interesting post over on the forum page from Gaggs (link to it is a couple of posts above) where Deans says in an article from Foxsports that he is after young talent and no. 10 is one area that he is concerned about…you might be onto something.

          Report
        • James on April 14, 2009 10:51 am

          beale has played over 30 games. he’s been given every chance to develop his game and we’ve seen nothing. i mean how old was he when he trained with the wallabies?
          he played well in the arc bu what happen since then?

          Report
      • old chestnut on April 15, 2009 5:44 am

        Agree. I think Lilo was unintentionally thrown into the deep end at the Brumbies when Huxley had to quit – ideally they would have liked to give him more time to learn. He has had some very good games but has also made a lot of mistakes – which is pretty much what you’d expect. He’s obviously nowhere near Wallabies selection at present, but as you say I would expect him to develop well under Gits.

        The problem with Beale was that he came to the Tahs with a huge reputation and was expected to perform from day one. Unless he can be relieved of that weight of expectation and given time to develop more slowly I think he may be lost to the game.

        Report
  6. James on April 14, 2009 9:50 am

    also Kurtley Beale is a pile of shit who hasn’t improved one bit in the last year. he’s an arrogant and stupid footballer.

    Report
    • El Dommo on April 15, 2009 1:19 am

      stupid…yes

      Arrogant…yes

      Plays for teh tahs…yes

      suprise….no

      Report
  7. Epi on April 14, 2009 10:11 am

    I don’t agree with that. He has the talent but he hasn’t been mentored this year. He has been rushed from school into Super 14 which is a tough ask at the best of times. Can anyone honestly tell me that if Robbie Deans was the coach of the Waratahs we wouldn’t be talking about a very different KB?

    He isn’t the only one in that back-line who has gone backwards this year…

    Report
    • Gagger on April 14, 2009 10:23 am

      Too true Epi on the rest of the backline looking distinctly average this year as well.

      Also the team hasn’t looked a whole lot better with him riding the bench….

      Report
    • El Dommo on April 15, 2009 1:22 am

      I think Beale IS the reason the backline looks average to a certain extent…i also think Burgess is the other reason…

      distribution to the backs follows the 9-10 channel…or well 9-12 or 9-15… but a majority of the time 9-10.

      The constant in there is 9…

      the other high percentage factor in there is 10.

      and now…Beale is out…and Hangers who has won 4 GF’s and won 3 man of the match awards for the GF has to rememdy the problem, and the constant is….9.

      Sheehan provides some clearer direction and go forward for them…i think Sheehan Hangers combo would be good to see…they might as well try…

      Report
  8. James on April 14, 2009 10:52 am

    beale has played over 30 games. he’s been given every chance to develop his game and we’ve seen nothing. i mean how old was he when he trained with the wallabies?
    he played well in the arc bu what happen since then?
    Current score: 0 Thumbs up!
    Click to Edit (29 minutes and 41 seconds)

    Report
  9. James on April 14, 2009 11:01 am

    back to Christian Lealiifano. It can be very difficult to see on TV just how the brumbies feed of him and how much of a good organizer he can be. While their yet to be running over teams, it’s close. and looks good.
    it’s also important to point out he’s scored three tries this year (maybe more, can’t remember). two of which very individual.

    “Look at his kicking game during the Otago [Highlanders] match [two weeks ago], he’s definitely got it,” Larkham told The Canberra Times .
    “His running game is on song and when he puts everything together he’ll be very dangerous because he’s a very talented player.

    he was under a lot of pressure (like beale) this year and has come out looking better for it.

    Report
    • Gagger on April 14, 2009 11:48 am

      James, I hope you’re right, would be great to see such talent come together. Those couple of stepping tries have been classics

      So far though his tactical kicking and distribution been pretty hit and miss. At the moment he seems very much to feed off the team (plays well when they do) rather than directing it. Fair enough for his age I guess….

      Gagger’s last blog post..Bakkies Botha gets 3 Weeks

      Report
      • Patrick on April 14, 2009 2:15 pm

        I agree that I see more potential at the moment in Lealifano. The comparison with Beale is pretty striking, although Lealifano does seem to have a better support cast to help him out. But I think it is Beale who should be giving FB a shot (and NSW who should be trying to recruit Lealifano!!).

        Otherwise, Giteau at 9 is crazy talk, since at 9 his range of options off every ball would pin three players down whilst at 10 his range of options pins essentially the whole opposition down.

        And whilst I wouldn’t mind seeing him get a run at 12, he really is the best back going and that should be your 10.

        Report
  10. El Dommo on April 15, 2009 1:19 am

    Good call, all pretty academic when it comes to 10 isnt it…

    Gits is first choice…Barnes is second and Quade is third…or would they keep Barnes at 12 and put quade at 10…

    However i do have a lsight beef with the Butch james comment.

    The last 2 world cups have been one by teams with similar players at 10

    Butch James 2007 – Good running, attracts defence, can offload close to the line (the benefits of being able to take a hit), and can distribute to his fast, pwoerful centres (probably with a skilled 12 ie Frans Steyn, Jean De Villiers etc). Defensively Strong, doenst need a boncer to take care of him…and kicking game is very strong (but in this case, well supported by the 12, 15 and even the 13)

    Jonny Wilkinson 2003 – Good runnin, probbaly more agile than James, and can break the line or half break due to that agility, and offload. Great pass on him, useful with 2 big centres (ie Greenwood and Tindall…or a skilled 12 in Catt who lets face it, has some skills, he just cant tackle Lomu, but then again, who can)…Defensively the hitting power of a flanker and the tehcnical prowess of one too…and Kicking, well a finely honed boot…

    and lets not forget, Wilks played in the 2007 final as well…his running ability was dented due to leg problems for the last 4 years, but defence, kicking, passing, was all there.

    Maybe this is what the game is getting to.

    Maybe a world cup 10 IS THIS sort of 10. I know im a fan of 10’s like this…not saying i dont like seeing Bernie weave through an AB midfield, not saying i dont like seeing Michalak tear apart an Irish midfield….but in order to win, in order to grind out a World Cup…or a 6 nats or a tri nats…maybe this is the 10 you need….

    Report
    • Bobas on April 15, 2009 12:13 pm

      It was just a lucky break for the rest of the other nations that Larkham got injured from a bad French surgeon. what’s with Brumbies and infections…

      If Larkham was there we would have won that QF. And when he wasn’t only someone with the stupidity of Connelly would think overlook giteau as his replacement.

      England won on the back of a great goal kicker and a great forward pack.

      South Africa won because they were the team that improved the most and peaked at the right time.

      The type of number 10’s didn’t win them the world cups. To win a world cup, you need a team of classy players, a great game plan and some luck.

      Report
      • El Dommo on April 16, 2009 11:58 pm

        agreed, however there is an undeniable trend there in looking at the 10s and the way to team is chosen to compliment each other. Line up the 2003 nd 2007 England and St Africa teams repsoectively…there are tremendous similarities in players there, with the key difference probably, hmm, fullback, Robinson vs Percival… but the safas had wingers who were electric with Perc a distributer.

        You speka of England winning because of a great GK and forward pack. How did sth Africa win? Phenomenal Forward Pack, great territorial kickers and yes a man who slots them in Percival.

        and i hope your reference to England winning that way IS NOT a reference to the 2003 WC final…where the score sheet read exactly the same for both teams bar the single FG the JW kicked.

        Hmm, can be argued many times over, if Aus had this perosn or that person, they would have one. Fact is, its tournament football, and shit happens.

        Agree with Connelly. Without a clear 10 replacement, move the 12 in and find a replacement for him. ridiculous.

        Report
  11. Ishmael on April 15, 2009 4:30 am

    All this Beale hate is rubbish. For the first few rounds he had a hand in almost every one of the Tah’s tries. He’s had to run a backline full of rookies and with only SNK helping out as playmaker from fullback. He still managed to guide the Tahs to the final last year and if he hadn’t gone off injured we might have won it. He had a fantastic combination going with Elsom last year and if Rocky had stayed around running those great lines the Tahs would be playing much better rugby.

    Also, whoever said the problems lie with Burgess is clinically insane. He has been the Tahs best back for the last few weeks. In all honesty I think the Tahs problems are at 12. Neither Carter nor Tahu can pass.

    In regards to the topic, Gits will be the Wallaby 10 this year without a doubt. I also used to think his best position was 12 but over the past 2 seasons he has really mastered flyhalf and it’d be a huge shock if he didn’t take us through to the World Cup as chief playmaker. The only real question is who will partner him at 12.

    Of the other candidates for 10, Barnes is the best choice right now while both Beale and Cooper are close behind. Next would come JOC and then Lilo. To be honest I wouldn’t be that nervous with any of those 5 filling in for Gits. I think they could all do the job.

    Report
    • Gagger on April 15, 2009 7:22 am

      Wot he said.

      Luckily for Australia Burgo is coming into form – passing has improved as well.

      Report
      • Epi on April 15, 2009 9:53 am

        Hope your kidding Gagger.. He was shocking on Saturday night. Just heard he’s been dropped to the bench for this weekend and I think that’s not a bad call.

        Report
        • Juan Cote on April 15, 2009 9:59 am

          I’m with you Epi….

          Report
        • Gagger on April 15, 2009 11:27 am

          Seriously, I thought the Burgwan had a good first half (although I have assigned much of that match to the mental trash can) and outside of Lakky has been one the better backs for NSW the last few weeks (not hard, you might say…)

          Report
        • James on April 15, 2009 12:07 pm

          not a fan

          Report
        • El Dommo on April 17, 2009 12:00 am

          i will reiterate my 9-10 spiel from before where Burg and Portley combo was just, meh…hangers played, couple of wins…but the constant was Burg. Sheehan is a much better 9 for the way they play…

          Report
  12. Pingback: Gold - THE Aussie Rugby Blog for fans of Australia and the Wallabies

We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

We are determined to keep G&GR a free site for all rugby fans. A place for all to engage with rugby stories, opinions, articles, podcasts, discussions and more.

Show your support to G&GR


Latest

Friday’s Rugby News.

June 13, 2025

The Dropped Kick-Off 156 – The Wright Decision

June 12, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – week 2 finals and weird stats

June 12, 2025

2025 Super Rugby Semi Finals — G&GR’s teams podcast

June 11, 2025
1 2 3 … 2,603 Next
Latest Super Rugby

Reds top of the pops.

March 29, 2025

More Tahs misery.

March 29, 2025

Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

March 24, 2025

Live: SRP ladder

March 22, 2025
1 2 3 … 790 Next
Latest Six Nations

Six Nations round 4

March 8, 2025

Tree Irish legends call time

February 28, 2025

Frogs flog Italy.

February 24, 2025

Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

February 23, 2025
1 2 3 … 25 Next
GAGR Podcast
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Rising rally to overrun Queensland Country

September 4, 2016

Waratahs young leaders to shine

January 18, 2017

Eight ANGRY Observations from tonight’s game

June 18, 2016
New Comments
  • AllyOz on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Yowie on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Unanimous on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Yowie on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Damo on Friday’s Rugby News.
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2025 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.