Do We Have The Top3 Openside Flankers in Australia Now?

[farva]

George Smith announced his retirement this morning from Australian rugby effective from the end of the S14s this year!

Phil Waugh is well passed his used by date.

Braid is a kiwi and not available for the Wallabies.

Hoiles is crap.

Salvi has gone to Japan.

That really leaves Brown and Hodgson as the backups for Pocock at 7

And I like both because they are versatile, Brown especially can play 6, 7 and 8.

[Burgs]

I think if a Wallaby Squad was picked tomorrow for a one off, win at all costs fixture, then Phil Waugh would be on the bench to Bam.
By the end of the season then I imagine it may be Bam, Hodgson, Waugh (if he indicates he is playing on to 2011) as Brown is seen by selectors as primarily an #8 now. The trouble also is it may well be that most of this season will see Hodgson playing at #6, though it would be my preference not to.
However, for the now demand to find a long term replacement, I imagine that Deans will have a close eye on Chris Alcock NSW, Scott Higginbotham (Come home Scotty!), Poutasi Luafutu and Lei Tomiki Qld.
Brumbies will need to flash the cash again next year to compete for a decent replacement against the Rebels as without George they are a bit short... or tall as the case may be...

[AndyS]

I certainly wouldn't be skiting - just means one more bidder in this years contract melee...

[BDAVEY]

and that fat Paulu number 8 from NSW

[Burgs]

As a #7

[GIGS20]

Nope.....not for mine anyway Burgs

[Burgs]

Me neither!

[WF2006]

I thought McCalman (probably ballsed that spelling up?) was supposed to be a possible northern tour bolter in the back row.....
Does that make it 4!

[Burgs]

He's a Blindside come #8, not an Openside

[ash_twf]

For the World Cup next year, really hope Pocock stays uninjured. Smith will be missed sorely.

Not sure if I rate Brown as an openside now, he's become more of an 8. Hodgson - I suspect he's more effective at 6 too, or at least he was last year.

There's a few young kids coming through, Hooper, Faingaa at the Brumbies and Gill at the Reds who are supposed to look the goods, but they won't be ready for a few years yet.

Higgenbottham is a 6/8, and Luafutu I think is more a 6 than a 7.

Really hope Pocock stays uninjured for the World Cup.