How is the 2010 Wallabies looking?

[Burgs]

Well, here's a selection of my Probable’s v Possible’s, assuming fitness.

I am the first to admit there is some bias in selection but that is more based on the amount I have seen each team play and promising signs I have seen from those matches rather than ladder position or any outright Force-blue glasses.

Still a few rounds to go and injuries to factor in but a starting point for some no doubt passionate debate to come.

For clarity, a bench spot for the Probable’s is more favoured than a starting spot in the Possible’s, i.e. Hookers ranked Polota-Nau, Faingaa, Moore, Whittaker etc.

Be good to see your own selections to add to the debate rather than just derision!


Burgs' Probable's:

1. Robinson, Benn Prop Waratahs
2. Polota-Nau, Tatafu Hooker Waratahs
3. Alexander, Ben Prop Brumbies
4. Horwill, James Lock Reds
5. Sharpe, Nathan Lock Force
6. Elsom, Rocky Flanker Brumbies
7. Pocock, David Flanker Force
8. Higginbotham, Scott Backrow Reds

9. Genia, Will Scrumhalf Reds
10. Cooper, Quade Flyhalf Reds
11. Ioane, Digby Wing/Centre Reds
12. Giteau, Matt Flyhalf/Inside Centre Brumbies
13. Horne, Rob Centre Waratahs
14. Mitchell, Drew Fullback/Wing Waratahs
15. O'Connor, James Fullback/Centre Force

16. Faingaa, Saia Hooker Reds
17. Cowan, Pekahou Prop Force
18. Hockings, Tom Lock Force
19. Hodgson, Matt Flanker Force
20. Sheehan, Brett Scrumhalf Force
21. Barnes, Berrick Flyhalf/Centre Waratahs
22. Ashley-Cooper, Adam Utility Back Brumbies

Burgs' Possible's:

1. Daley, Ben Prop Reds
2. Moore, Stephen Hooker Brumbies
3. Ma'afu, Salesi Prop Brumbies
4. Mumm, Dean Lock/Flanker Waratahs
5. Douglas, Kane Lock Waratahs
6. McCalman Flanker Force
7. Waugh, Phil Flanker Waratahs
8. Hoiles, Stephen No.8/Flanker Brumbies

9. Burgess, Luke Scrumhalf Waratahs
10. Toomua, Matt Flyhalf Brumbies
11. Turner, Lachie Fullback/Wing Waratahs
12. Faingaa, Anthony Centre Reds
13. Mortlock, Stirling Outside Centre Brumbies
14. Hynes, Peter Wing/Fullback Reds
15. Huxley, Julian Fullback Brumbies

16. Whittaker, Ben Hooker Force
17. Palmer, Dan Prop Waratahs
18. Chisholm, Mark Lock Brumbies
19. Brown, Richard Number 8/Flanker Force
20. Valentine, Josh Scrumhalf Brumbies
21. Beale, Kurtley Flyhalf Waratahs
22. Shepherd, Cameron Fullback/Wing Force

Burg's Spare Parts 3rd Bench:(The junior "Squad Bolters" we get each year.)

16. Edmonds, Huia Hooker Brumbies
17. Kepu, Sekope Prop Waratahs
18. Caldwell, Will Lock Waratahs
19. Kimlin, Peter Lock/Back row Brumbies
20. Turner, Justin Scrumhalf Force
21. Halangahu, Daniel Flyhalf Waratahs
22. Davies, Rod Wing/Fullback Reds

[James]

I reckon Nick Cummins would have to figure in there somewhere. I reckon he should be given a shot at 13. Between injury and suspension he hasn't really had much of a chance to show his goods but Robbie is supposedly a big fan.

[TOCC]

I have been distinctly unimpressed with Cowan, i would be very surprised to see him in the Wallaby squad again in 2010

[robyn <3]

I'd have Camerona on the wing ahead of Drew, myself. Cummins would probably find a spot in there somewhere, maybe even Whittaker? I think Moore will have the shot over Pek. Has TPN learnt to throw straight yet? I haven't made it through more than 10 minutes of a Tahs game yet to find out.

I watched the Reds game on the weekend and Faianga-hooker didn't seem quite at the same standard as the rest of the team - was he just having an off game?

My force-bias also calls for Hodgo to start

[TOCC]

I'd have Camerona on the wing ahead of Drew, myself. Cummins would probably find a spot in there somewhere, maybe even Whittaker? I think Moore will have the shot over Pek. Has TPN learnt to throw straight yet? I haven't made it through more than 10 minutes of a Tahs game yet to find out.

I watched the Reds game on the weekend and Faianga-hooker didn't seem quite at the same standard as the rest of the team - was he just having an off game?

My force-bias also calls for Hodgo to start

in what sense? He had a perfect lineout, strong scrum and possibly the best defence in the forwards...
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[zimeric]

youve covered pretty much everyone there burgs.. I must say though id have Brownie in the 35 man squad over Hoiles, or McCalman..

Ive got a feeling Sheps will start at 15 this week and Cummins and Oconnor will come into the line.. if thats the case he may start catching the eye of Aussie Rob if he has a standout game.

I tell you what.. i was excited last year with the promise shown by the Wallabies, they under delivered but the youngsters blooded have matured well and this year they should give the Bledisloe a good go! one thing i can say is the depth is massive and going to be a big headache in several key positions for Robbie Deans and the selectors..

PS: isnt Horwill out for the year?

[Hoolly Doolly]

Yep i agree. Faingaa played out of skin the other night. Great game.


my Wallabies 22 would go

1 b robinson
2 t polota nau
3 l weeks
4 n sharpe
5 d mumm
6 r elsolm
7 d pocock
8 s higgenbotham
9 w genia
10 q cooper
11 a ashley coooper
12 m giteau
13 d ioane
14 p hynes
15 j o'connor
16 s moore ........another year and moore will be under the radar
17 B Alexander .......for flexibility to scrum on both sides and be a super sub.
18 a byrnes
19 M Hodgson
20 B Sheehan
21 B Barnes
22 D Mitchell....but would rather see cameron shepherd

[Burgs]

Was having a blonde moment when writing it up, thinking Fairbrother had to do residency but, as he is already eligible I would probably have him as #3 or #17 in the Possible's and get a Test into him before his eyes wander to NZ or England contracts and potential Test selections.
He has been very strong all season and will be all the better next season.
Wasn't sure (had forgotten prognosis) about Horwill, but otherwise bump up the rest one position, with I suppose Mumm from the Pos to Prob Bench and Richard Stanford, Cam Jowitt, Van Humphries, Chris Thomson, Adam Byrnes and Rob Simmons having a last man standing Royal Rumble for the scraps...
.

[James]

I don't reckon you can afford to start with Cooper, Giteau and O'Connor. Not enough bulk for a full 80. Bring O'Connor on when the opposition are tired. I'd play:

9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Ioane
12. Giteau
13. AAC
14. Mitchell
15. Shepherd

And play Hynes and O'Connor off the bench (Berrick hasn't earnt selection yet and even when he does he'll probably get injured).