Australia RWC 2011

[Leonormous Boozer]

I'm surprised there is not a thread on this already. I think they are one of the most interesting teams in the tournament and the biggest threat to the All Blacks.

I'd say there team should look like this.

1. Alexander
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Chisholm
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. McCallam
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. O'Connor
13. Ashley-Cooper
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Faingaa
17. Kepu
18. -
19. Higgenbotham
2O. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. MacCabe

Not certain on all the positions(notice the missing sub second row) but I think that's a good team capable of winning the world cup.

 

[The Tuilagi Brothers]

Is drew mitchell not out of the WRC because of his injury?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

THey think he will be back for it but it'll be tight.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'd have Barnes over Giteau on the bench, but apart from that it's what I'd say
If Mitchell does miss the WC then JOC at 11, Giteau at 12 Barnes on the bench still (think Barnes is better off of the bench than Giteau as he's steadier, but Giteau would be better to start with, then bring Barnes on if he implodes)



I saw today that Elsom picked up yet another injury, if he carries on at this rate he'll be a worry for the WC, if he had to miss could Radike Samo be in with an outside chance of a spot? On brilliant form atm

 

[@buck_mitchell]

Not sure about Ioane on the wing, suspect JO'C will be out wide and Giteau will be @ 12 with Barnes on the bench. Hugh Pyle for the sub second row berth IMO but James Horwill and Dean Mumm would add some versatility.

 

[Darwin]

I'm surprised there is not a thread on this already. I think they are one of the most interesting teams in the tournament and the biggest threat to the All Blacks.

I'd say there team should look like this.

1. Alexander
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Chisholm
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. McCallam
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. O'Connor
13. Ashley-Cooper
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Faingaa
17. Kepu
18. -
19. Higgenbotham
2O. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. MacCabe

Not certain on all the positions(notice the missing sub second row) but I think that's a good team capable of winning the world cup.

Pretty close to what I would expect. However, I'd imagine Polota-Nau will start at hooker, Horwill at lock (with Chisholm or Mumm on the bench). The biggest question in the backline is who will start at 12, as there are plenty of options (Faingaa, Giteau, Barnes, O'Connor et al.), with the choice likely to depend on who works best with Quade Cooper.

 

[madflyhalf]

Based (also) upon recent SUPER XV performances:

Robinson
Moore
Slipper
Horwill
Sharpe
Elsom
Pocock
McCalman
Genia
Cooper
Ioane
O'Connor
Ashley-Cooper (hope Rea stops selecting him as a winger)
Turner
Beale


Polota-Nau
Alexander
--- ahy... good point here: Chisholm or Mumm, but Dan Vickerman is back
Higginbotham
Burgess
Barnes
Mortlock*

*Mortlock is there (he's playing good and he'll bring experience), because I considered Mitchell couldn't be fit; else Mitchell in at 11, Ioane shifted 14 and Turner on the bench.
Giteau is unlucky, but just because Barnes could fit better with Cooper, and now JOC is the best 12 in Oz.

So the 30-men squad:

Hookers: Moore, Polota-Nau, Fainga'a

Props: Alexander, Robinson, Slipper, Baxter or Dunning (ok I know, but they need some experienced tighthead)

Locks: Sharpe, Horwill, Chisholm, Mumm or Vickerman if ready

Backrows: Elsom (c), Hodgson, Pocock, McCalman, Higginbotham

Scrum-halves: Genia, Burgess, Phipps or Sheehan

Fly-halves: Cooper, Barnes

Centres: Ashley-Cooper, Giteau, Mortlock, O'Connor

Full-backs/Wings/Utility backs: Mitchell, Ioane, Beale, Turner

Here are 29, so 1 slot's still available, to me is for: Beau Robinson for another pure openside; if Mitchell won't be fit, add also Cameron Shepherd / Ryan Cross / Mark Gerrard (here in my order of preference)

 

[ZeFrenchy]

I'm surprised there is not a thread on this already. I think they are one of the most interesting teams in the tournament and the biggest threat to the All Blacks.

I'd say there team should look like this.

1. Alexander
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Chisholm
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. McCallam
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. O'Connor
13. Ashley-Cooper
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Faingaa
17. Kepu
18. -
19. Higgenbotham
2O. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. MacCabe

Not certain on all the positions(notice the missing sub second row) but I think that's a good team capable of winning the world cup.

Chisolm? Seriously? That guy and Dean Mumm should never play for the wallabies again. They've had their chances and they've blown them. McCallman is in the same position, but if Palu doesn't get some gametime soon, he is the only option. My 30 would be:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. O'Connor
13. AAC
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Polota-Nau
17. Alexander
18. Pyle
19. Higginbotham
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Turner

R. Fainga'a
R. Kepu
R. .... Simmons?
R. Beau Robinson (if Pocock gets injured for a game or 2)
R. Phipps
R. Barnes
R. Fainga'a/Mortlock/Cross/Horne or some other big, fast guy in case something happans to two-dads.
R. Gerrard

Of course, that squad depends on fitness (Elsom, Palu) and on how do some of them do on the 3N (Pyle, Phipps, Robinson, Kepu).
As a general thing, I think that the front rowers pick themselves. The locks, there are several that are on a fairly similar level, so it is basically Sharpe +3. The backrow is perhaps the most complicated. Pocock will be there for sure and if Elsom and Palu find some S15 gametime they should start. The other two are because the Reds backrow are kicking everyone esle's asses, even Force (and we'll see how they do against the Saders). Next in the pecking order would have to be McCalman, Hogdson and Samo.
Of the 14 backs, I think that at least 8 or 9 are unanimous, and the rest I picked themto keep some flexibility. Mortlock might still find a way in, though.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Chisolm? Seriously? That guy and Dean Mumm should never play for the wallabies again. They've had their chances and they've blown them. McCallman is in the same position, but if Palu doesn't get some gametime soon, he is the only option. My 30 would be:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. O'Connor
13. AAC
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Polota-Nau
17. Alexander
18. Pyle
19. Higginbotham
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Turner

R. Fainga'a
R. Kepu
R. .... Simmons?
R. Beau Robinson (if Pocock gets injured for a game or 2)
R. Phipps
R. Barnes
R. Fainga'a/Mortlock/Cross/Horne or some other big, fast guy in case something happans to two-dads.
R. Gerrard

Of course, that squad depends on fitness (Elsom, Palu) and on how do some of them do on the 3N (Pyle, Phipps, Robinson, Kepu).
As a general thing, I think that the front rowers pick themselves. The locks, there are several that are on a fairly similar level, so it is basically Sharpe +3. The backrow is perhaps the most complicated. Pocock will be there for sure and if Elsom and Palu find some S15 gametime they should start. The other two are because the Reds backrow are kicking everyone esle's asses, even Force (and we'll see how they do against the Saders). Next in the pecking order would have to be McCalman, Hogdson and Samo.
Of the 14 backs, I think that at least 8 or 9 are unanimous, and the rest I picked themto keep some flexibility. Mortlock might still find a way in, though.

Yeah I really wasn't sure about the second row, I was just going on S15 form.

 

[Darwin]

Chisolm? Seriously? That guy and Dean Mumm should never play for the wallabies again. They've had their chances and they've blown them. McCallman is in the same position, but if Palu doesn't get some gametime soon, he is the only option. My 30 would be:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. O'Connor
13. AAC
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Polota-Nau
17. Alexander
18. Pyle
19. Higginbotham
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Turner

R. Fainga'a
R. Kepu
R. .... Simmons?
R. Beau Robinson (if Pocock gets injured for a game or 2)
R. Phipps
R. Barnes
R. Fainga'a/Mortlock/Cross/Horne or some other big, fast guy in case something happans to two-dads.
R. Gerrard

Of course, that squad depends on fitness (Elsom, Palu) and on how do some of them do on the 3N (Pyle, Phipps, Robinson, Kepu).
As a general thing, I think that the front rowers pick themselves. The locks, there are several that are on a fairly similar level, so it is basically Sharpe +3. The backrow is perhaps the most complicated. Pocock will be there for sure and if Elsom and Palu find some S15 gametime they should start. The other two are because the Reds backrow are kicking everyone esle's asses, even Force (and we'll see how they do against the Saders). Next in the pecking order would have to be McCalman, Hogdson and Samo.
Of the 14 backs, I think that at least 8 or 9 are unanimous, and the rest I picked themto keep some flexibility. Mortlock might still find a way in, though.

What is wrong with McCalman? He was great for Australia last year; he has certainly taken his chances at test level. He has had a solid season with the Force so far this year, and I'd be very surprised if he wasn't in the 30-man squad (indeed I would probably expect him to be starting).

I think the 30-man squad will look something along the lines of:
1. Robinson
2. Polota-Nau
3. Alexander (I've gone for the experience of Robinson and Alexander in the front row, but potentially Slipper could force his way ahead of either Robinson or Alexander with some strong performances in the Tri-nations)
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell (assuming he is fit)
12. O'Coonor (personally I think they would be better with someone like Faingaa to complement Cooper [with O'Coonor on the wing], but it looks like they will play O'Coonor at 12)
13. Ashley-Cooper (I'd be tempted to try Ioane at 13, but I'm not sure if his distribution skills are good enough..)
14. Ioane
15. Beale

16. Moore
17. Slipper
18. Chisholm
19. Higginbotham (though potentially he could start at 8, or at 6 if Elsom doesn't recover in time/gets injured yet again)
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Turner

23. Faingaa
24. Kepu (though Daley may be an option)
25. Mumm (Rob Simmons and Hugh Pyle are certainly options if either Chisholm or Mumm are dropped)
26. Hodgson / Beau Robinson / Palu (Beau Robinson would be the second best 7 in the country, and if Palu gets back to top form he may get picked, while Deans does seem to favour Hodgson's versatility. They cold potentially go with a 17/13 forward split, in which case 2/3 of these players may be included).
27. Phipps/Valentine/Sheenhan (not sure here)
28. Barnes
29. Faingaa
30. Shepherd/Hynes/Davies/Morahan/Gerrard/.... (not sure here either, plenty of options, but no clear standout in my opinion).

 

[madflyhalf]

Mmmm... I don't know if Deans WILL bring at the RWC Kepu, Morahan or Anthony Fainga'a.

I forgot Peter Hynes... he's a great fullback/wing, solid attacker, but I think he's still lacking of a test-level kicking game... So I would bring Cameron Shepherd, if he can shake off all his injuries!

IMO for Dingo would be hard not select a injury-free Mortlock. Maybe he's not in the starting XV, but RWC is a totally different story than the other test matches.

I can't see Davies, Morahan, Kepu, Anthony Fainga'a at THIS World Cup. Sure the future is bright for them but... it's not their time yet.


The competition is still wide open for the props... If one of Baxter or Dunning will performing well during the last stages of S15, maybe they're gonna get a chance for the Wallaby Squad in June and 3N. Daley is playing quite well, but he's the less experienced in the scrum... that makes the difference sometimes.

 

[TNT88]

Interesting thread. Here would be my guess at what Deans will start with in the Tri Nations. Obviously given his rotation tenancies picking the world cup squad will be impossible until during or after the tri nations.

1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Higgenbotham
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. JOC
12. Barnes
13. AAC
14. Mitchell
15. Beale

16. Moore
17. Kepu
18. Mumm
19. Palu
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Ioane

23. Faingaa
24. Slipper
25. Wykes
26. Hodgeson
27. Phipps
28. Horne (if ready)
29. Mortlock
30. Hynes/Faingaa


It is a hard squad to pick, it will be interesting to see what way Deans goes. Btw, what is Peter Hynes up to? I haven't seen him all season.

As for James O'Connor, i don't think Deans will move him to 12 until after the world cup. (if he stays on). He is currently too easy to mark at 12 if he is the main avenue of attack, our strength is out wide and he will benefit more if we have a passing 12.

Obviously Ioane will be competing for that spot as well, and i think Deans will give them both good game time in the tri-nations to help him decide. I just think he will let James have 1st dibs at the Jersey due to his good performance last year, maybe even Drew Mitchell will be the unlucky one to start off due to his injury.

 

[madflyhalf]

I think Hynes keeps struggling with a injury... but I can't find any news.

As a Force supporter, don't you think JOC is playing well at 12?
I think he's now the best 12 performing in Oz: he's not so easy to mark, he is a sparkling 12 with a lot of variety in his game. Anyway the only problem is that you have 2 players too similar (Cooper and JOC)... maybe you're right on Barnes because he's better to pairing with QC!

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Interesting thread. Here would be my guess at what Deans will start with in the Tri Nations. Obviously given his rotation tenancies picking the world cup squad will be impossible until during or after the tri nations.

1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Higgenbotham
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. JOC
12. Barnes
13. AAC
14. Mitchell
15. Beale

16. Moore
17. Kepu
18. Mumm
19. Palu
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Ioane

23. Faingaa
24. Slipper
25. Wykes
26. Hodgeson
27. Phipps
28. Horne (if ready)
29. Mortlock
30. Hynes/Faingaa


It is a hard squad to pick, it will be interesting to see what way Deans goes. Btw, what is Peter Hynes up to? I haven't seen him all season.

As for James O'Connor, i don't think Deans will move him to 12 until after the world cup. (if he stays on). He is currently too easy to mark at 12 if he is the main avenue of attack, our strength is out wide and he will benefit more if we have a passing 12.

Obviously Ioane will be competing for that spot as well, and i think Deans will give them both good game time in the tri-nations to help him decide. I just think he will let James have 1st dibs at the Jersey due to his good performance last year, maybe even Drew Mitchell will be the unlucky one to start off due to his injury.

I wouldn't be surprised if this post ended up very close to the mark. Some good reasoning IMO.

 

[TNT88]

I think Hynes keeps struggling with a injury... but I can't find any news.

As a Force supporter, don't you think JOC is playing well at 12?
I think he's now the best 12 performing in Oz: he's not so easy to mark, he is a sparkling 12 with a lot of variety in his game. Anyway the only problem is that you have 2 players too similar (Cooper and JOC)... maybe you're right on Barnes because he's better to pairing with QC!

He does well at 12, and will be good inside Quade in the future. But as we have seen in recent weeks, teams can quite easily shut him down if you rely on him too much. I feel Giteau has a similar problem.

He started at 12 against the Brumbies, but couldn't do much with the available time and space. Then in the 2nd half he moved to #10 and played really well with the extra touches on the ball and more time in hand. He crossed for a match winning try only to be denied by the TMO. The other positions where his abilities are utilized are 14/15. He can't be marked in broken play, and is brilliant at making the most of opportunities, making the right decisions and beating players 1 on 1. (even 3 on 1)

At the end of the day Robbie Deans has better access to the players than anyone and can make an informed decision. If he thinks O'Connor is going to do well at 12, i'd be happy to see it. But i think he fits in well at 14/15 in the current Wallaby squad due to the reasons above. I definitely can't wait until the Genia/Cooper/O'Connor era though (Which is probably the long term plan for Deans)

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Interesting thread. Here would be my guess at what Deans will start with in the Tri Nations. Obviously given his rotation tenancies picking the world cup squad will be impossible until during or after the tri nations.

1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Higgenbotham
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. JOC
12. Barnes
13. AAC
14. Mitchell
15. Beale

16. Moore
17. Kepu
18. Mumm
19. Palu
20. Burgess
21. Giteau
22. Ioane

23. Faingaa
24. Slipper
25. Wykes
26. Hodgeson
27. Phipps
28. Horne (if ready)
29. Mortlock
30. Hynes/Faingaa


It is a hard squad to pick, it will be interesting to see what way Deans goes. Btw, what is Peter Hynes up to? I haven't seen him all season.

As for James O'Connor, i don't think Deans will move him to 12 until after the world cup. (if he stays on). He is currently too easy to mark at 12 if he is the main avenue of attack, our strength is out wide and he will benefit more if we have a passing 12.

Obviously Ioane will be competing for that spot as well, and i think Deans will give them both good game time in the tri-nations to help him decide. I just think he will let James have 1st dibs at the Jersey due to his good performance last year, maybe even Drew Mitchell will be the unlucky one to start off due to his injury.

Are you assuming that Elsom won't be fit on time? It seems like a long shot to have Palu but not Elsom. Who do you think will captain then? Sharpe, Genia?

 

[TNT88]

Are you assuming that Elsom won't be fit on time? It seems like a long shot to have Palu but not Elsom. Who do you think will captain then? Sharpe, Genia?

Sorry, Elsom should probably be there instead of Hodgeson at #26. But he hasn't played much this season and he will struggle to outplay guys like Higgenbotham, McCalman and Palu who are in relatively good shape.

At this stage he will just make the squad, and he should have to prove himself by knocking off the younger guys with good performances. But saying that, maybe the coaches think he is a key to the side and he will start at #6 regardless. (i hope not)

I'm not sure who would take over as Captain. Probably Genia or Sharpe. Pocock an outside chance. They can all do the job as well, if not better than Elsom.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Sorry, Elsom should probably be there instead of Hodgeson at #26. But he hasn't played much this season and he will struggle to outplay guys like Higgenbotham, McCalman and Palu who are in relatively good shape.

At this stage he will just make the squad, and he should have to prove himself by knocking off the younger guys with good performances. But saying that, maybe the coaches think he is a key to the side and he will start at #6 regardless. (i hope not)

I'm not sure who would take over as Captain. Probably Genia or Sharpe. Pocock an outside chance. They can all do the job as well, if not better than Elsom.

But, I thought Palu hadn't played this season yet?

 

[TNT88]

But, I thought Palu hadn't played this season yet?

He has played about 5 games i think, and done alright. There would be a case to say Elsom would make the bench ahead of him. It will probably depend who is injured less

 

[Darwin]

Mmmm... I don't know if Deans WILL bring at the RWC Kepu, Morahan or Anthony Fainga'a.

I forgot Peter Hynes... he's a great fullback/wing, solid attacker, but I think he's still lacking of a test-level kicking game... So I would bring Cameron Shepherd, if he can shake off all his injuries!

IMO for Dingo would be hard not select a injury-free Mortlock. Maybe he's not in the starting XV, but RWC is a totally different story than the other test matches.

I can't see Davies, Morahan, Kepu, Anthony Fainga'a at THIS World Cup. Sure the future is bright for them but... it's not their time yet.


The competition is still wide open for the props... If one of Baxter or Dunning will performing well during the last stages of S15, maybe they're gonna get a chance for the Wallaby Squad in June and 3N. Daley is playing quite well, but he's the less experienced in the scrum... that makes the difference sometimes.

I'd be shocked if either Baxter or Dunning got near the Wallabies RWC squad. Deans has made it pretty clear that he is no longer interested in picking them by excluded them from the Australia and Australia Barbarians (effectively Australia 'A') squads last year in favour of a whole host of younger players (Slipper, Kepu, Daley, Cowan, Ma'afu et al.). I think the first 3 props (Alexander, Slipper, Robinson) are pretty easy to select, with the 4th prop likely to be between Kepu, Daley, and Ma'afu.

If Mortlock is fit (a big if) I think it will be a two-way choice between him and Faingaa for the back-up midfield option. Faingaa is a very solid player, and has the advantage of having a good combination with Quade Cooper going. He also played 4 tests for the Wallabies last year, and personally I think he has shown better form this year than Mortlock, though he has been playing in a much better backline.