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.

May 9, 2025

Lions Squad Named Tonight.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
Latest News
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Lions Squad Named Tonight.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown
  • Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news
  • Dementia and CTE: differences, similarities and impact
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #68: that was certainly unpredictable.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – adults running the show
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 12 — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • The Dropped Kick-Off 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose
  • Hump Day News – in from the side
  • New Wallabies coach finally confirmed!
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News – 29 April 2025
  • Your G&GR Wallabies Squad.
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #67: another cracking round of Super Rugby Pacific – ANZAC Day style.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 11 — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • Nutta on a Thursday – ANZAC 2025
  • Culture club.
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 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose

    April 30, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 151 – did we mention we like the Tahs?

    April 18, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 150 – Angry Italian Hand Gestures 🤌 🤌

    April 10, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 149 – RIP Val Kilmer

    April 4, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 148 – Sprained Ankles and Tah Road Rage

    March 27, 2025
Green & Gold Rugby
Home»Rugby»Wallaby Watch – Inside Centre
Rugby

Wallaby Watch – Inside Centre

Reg RobertsBy Reg RobertsApril 9, 200917 Comments
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

INSIDE CENTRE

The incumbent(s):

StirloStirling Mortlock (ACT): Gees he surprised me last year. Personally, I’m a fan of the dual playmaker option for 12. Lynagh outside Ella. Pappy outside Lynagh. Kafer/Howard outside Knox. Love it. I didn’t think Morty would offer us anything but crash ball. But I was wrong. He showed some deft touches and a handy boot. Regardless, he’s an outside centre and that’s where he should play for the Wallabies.

 

The likely candidates:

BerickBerrick Barnes (QLD): Probably the realistic incumbent? Was the first choice for the jersey before injury put paid to his season last year. Started the season slowly but soon found his feet again. Unfortunately two shocking performances by the Reds of late have stymied his progression. A multi-skilled attacker and exception defensive tacker, its more about how he fits in with the rest of the backline they may determine his selection.

GitsMatt Giteau (WA): Up until this year’s S14 most pundits, myself included, were suggesting that Gits’ best position remained this one. How much this has changed so far this season is anyone’s guest. Suffice to say he has been the form flyhalf of the competition, and now should be considered as one of the world’s best. Which doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be considered as a 12 option mind you.

AACAdam Ashley-Cooper (ACT): Can only really be considered on the strength of his performance there for the Wallabies against the Barbarians last year. Many people’s Man of the Match that night, he surprised most with his polished performance, albeit mostly in defence. The fact he’s now been mentioned for every position as a legitimate option, shows his versatility. Where he ends up will be the question however.

The Roughies:

JOCJames O’Connor (WA): To be honest with every game he is moving closer to being a “likely candidate”. After all he is a Wallaby and one of the form backs in Australian Rugby at the moment, so why wouldn’t he be considered? His attacking abilities are unquestioned. His kicking game is close to the best in Australia (I said “close to”), it’s probably just his size and defence that will have questions asked. Regardless, his combination with Gits looked pretty damn sweet against the Reds.

Ty-RoneTyron Smith (ACT): a much unheralded player. Sure he was rookie of the year last year, but it would seem he never really got considered for significant representative duty. Again, this year, he started on the bench but when he got on the field he forced himself into the starting side with flashes of brilliance. Surprisingly agile on his feet for a rather solid lad, he is like what the Brumbies were after in Gene Fairbanks, except way, way better.

TTTimana Tahu (NSW): yeah ok, I await your derision. But I still see something there. And its odd. I am usually a proponent of the complete 2nd play maker at inside centre (ala the 2nd five-eighth), but I see the 12 jersey as TT’s best option. If he can fix his ball security, his strength, quickness of feet and ball distribution skills COULD make him a real weapon for anyone who uses him there. Give him a runner of note outside him (such as Horne for the Tahs) and it’s a combo that could wreak havoc. But currently he’s on the bench. Not much good there.

What is Deans looking for?

I’d suggest he’s looking for a pressure reliever. Depending on who he goes for at 5/8th, this position will be there to legitimately share the load. Someone to provide a second threat in attack, an alternative play making option, a solid tackler to protect the inside channel and an alternative kicking option.

Who is the answer?

In my mind the above rules out the likes of Ashley-Cooper and Mortlock. Sure there was some effectiveness last year, but that was last resort type stuff. Gits, for mine, is the obvious choice. But much depends on who plays 10? Barnes and, of late, O’Connor are the next likely choices, although I reckon JOC will be used in moderation. A game or two against Italy, maybe a run off the bench in the Tri Nations and then back to club footy in the build up to a more active involvement (possibly at fullback) on the Grand Slam tour.

Mat
Hi, my name is Matt and I'll be your backline general this year!



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


adam ashley-cooper berrick barnes grand slam matt giteau QRU stirling mortlock
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleBest and worst Australian defensive players
Next Article Reds v Highlanders Preview
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 – the final countdown

May 8, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News

May 6, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – adults running the show

May 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News – 29 April 2025

April 29, 2025

<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2324 https://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=2324">17 Comments

  1. besssss on April 9, 2009 6:03 am

    no giteau has to be flyhalf. although he is brilliant at any position. he needs to be able to control the backline – he doesnt play enough of a role at inside centre. look at how much better the wallabies and force have been when giteau is playing flyhalf. the other options for flyhalf simply dont measure up to his brilliance

    Report
  2. Gagger on April 9, 2009 7:56 am

    For 2009, if you’re going on S14 form, it’s surely gotta be Tyrone Smith. Best line break rate at 17% and 4th best defence of any Aussie back. Imagine marking him between Gits and Morty, what a freakin nightmare.

    I sense though that Barnes will be in the chair, although I don’t think his performances this year warrant it. I think he’s a really good player, but not the legend that the press (and Queenslanders) paint him as.

    I just pray they wont do more out of position dicking around with Morty and AAC.

    J’OC is the long term future at 15 or 12

    Report
    • old chestnut on April 9, 2009 9:58 am

      If you want to see a Gits, Tyrone, Stirling combination just buy a Brumbies ticket next year…

      Report
      • Gagger on April 9, 2009 10:03 am

        Another good reason for them to be the Wallaby combo!

        Report
        • Patrick on April 9, 2009 9:31 pm

          I hadn’t focused on this – given how farken one-man-team-ish Gits has been this year imagine how awesome the Brumbies could be next year? Not to mention Gerrardo for territory. And how sore would you be after playing Gits (who hits damn hard), Smith, Morty, AAC and Gerrardo??

          Report
    • Who Needs Melon on April 9, 2009 6:09 pm

      I agree. The article presents a good analysis but Gits will be playing 10. Tyrone doesn’t fit the 2nd playmaker descrition too well but he’s probably the best performing IC and has so many other strengths.

      Perhaps, since Morty has shown he can play that 2nd playmaker role there’s slightly less call for that at 12?

      Can I just say that perhaps Carter deserves and honorable mention too.

      Report
  3. Pedro on April 9, 2009 8:00 am

    I want Tyron Smith

    Report
  4. Cutter on April 9, 2009 10:28 am

    I hope Tyrone Smith gets a shot too. He has to be in the frame.

    What is his kicking game like?

    Report
    • Gagger on April 9, 2009 11:09 am

      Obviously not as strong as a Barnes, but seems to be developing – saw a few good signs against the Cheetahs.

      Having said that, it’s quite refreshing to have someone who’s first thought isn’t “kick”….

      Report
      • Bobas on April 9, 2009 12:01 pm

        I think with giteau in fly half, gerrard in fullback and turner on one wing we can afford to have Tyrone and Diggers keeping their feet off the ball.

        I would like to think with the 90% chance barnes will be injured before the trinations tyrone will be next in line.

        Oconnor has done his hammy, which is a career ending injury for an up and coming wallaby.

        Tyrone and Ioane would be great together. It would be like adding chocolate to an electrical storm.

        Report
        • Epi on April 9, 2009 1:05 pm

          Career ending?? I thought they named him and then didnt want to risk him. My understanding was that he was to be back in two or three weeks.

          Report
        • Pedro on April 9, 2009 1:54 pm

          Yeah hammies are a bad thing to go wrong, just ask Tahu.

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

          Report
        • Gagger on April 9, 2009 2:21 pm

          I did wonder if that was a ‘tactical’ move with the 104kg Maa Nonu marking him

          Report
        • El Dommo on April 16, 2009 11:51 pm

          defensively do you think they will be all good to go Bobas?

          Report
  5. Patrick on April 9, 2009 9:25 pm

    I’ll put in the derision that no-one else had the heart to offer. Check out Juan’s latest stats post for a quick peek at what is wrong with Tahu!!

    Report
  6. fatprop on April 9, 2009 10:57 pm

    Barnes or O’Conner are the clear favourites as they both have the skill set to work with the Deans game plan in that they can step into 10 comfortably.

    That allows Giteau to run more because if he is trapped there is someone to step in.

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

Latest

Friday’s Rugby News.

May 9, 2025

Lions Squad Named Tonight.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025

Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news

May 7, 2025
1 2 3 … 2,595 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
  • Greg on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Greg on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Greg on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Hoss on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Yowie 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.