Enigmatic Paul looks out of frame
Enigmatic Paul looks out of frame
Bret Harris, June 18, 2007
ON the same day the Wallabies succumbed to South Africa in Cape Town, enigmatic Test hooker Jeremy Paul returned to the playing field in a club game in Canberra.
Some observers believe Paul, Australia's most-capped hooker, is the nation's best No.2.
Theoretically, the 30-year-old is still a chance for the World Cup squad, but realistically he has little hope of making it.
Wallabies coach John Connolly has tried several hookers in his 18-month reign and Paul has rarely been the first choice.
Paul was in outstanding form for the Brumbies at the end of the Super 14 series, but was omitted from the Wallabies' 30-man squad for the domestic Tests.
He was named in the Australia A squad, indicating he was still in the mix, but withdrew with a shoulder injury. At this stage, Stephen Moore, Adam Freier and Tatafu Polota-Nau can pack their bags for France.
Paul is probably a better player than all three, but his more flamboyant style does not suit Connolly and restarts coach Michael Foley.
There are also concerns over Paul's consistency, which saw him surrender his starting spot to Brendan Cannon at the 2003 World Cup. It is thought that Connolly might use Paul as an impact player off the bench, but the veteran may not be keen on this role for the World Cup.
Moore played well against South Africa, while Freier failed to make an impact off the bench and struggled with lineout throwing after coming on to replace an injured Moore in the second half.
While Connolly is likely to take the three younger hookers to France, Paul is insurance.
