The next Wallaby Fullback

[Burgs]

This article is from Queenslands Courier Mail, so don't get too excited by the bias.
I would suggest that Schifcofske's Rugby World Cup chances have decreased sharply with his Super 14 Coaches relationship with the current Wallaby Coach!
The injury however does obviously get him back on a par with Shepherd as a starting #15.
He just has to learn the sport first....


Schifcofske in frame for Cup spot

By Mick Daly, The Courier Mail/Fox
January 09, 2007

CODE jumper Clinton Schifcofske's Rugby World Cup chances have increased sharply with Australia full back Chris Latham set to miss the tournament because of injury.

Wallabies coach John Connolly last night nominated Queensland recruit Schifcofske alongside Cameron Shepherd (Western Force), Sam Norton-Knight (New South Wales) and Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies) as candidates to replace Latham, who ruptured the anterior cruciate and medial ligaments in his right knee last Saturday.

Connolly said he would contact Schifcofske and Australia's other full back contenders over the coming weeks to tell them what he was looking for.

The race for Australia's No. 15 jersey was "wide open", and it was up to the players to impress, Connolly said.

"Super 14 performances will have a huge bearing on who we go for," he said.

"Chris was a fair way ahead of the pack, and the player we eventually decide on could really come from anywhere.

"I'll be watching Super 14 games closely to gauge who is doing what and to see who is putting their hands up."

Former Queensland Origin star Schifcofske, the NRL fullback of the year last season, will play just his third game of rugby when the Reds meet Auckland in a trial in New Zealand next Wednesday.

Queensland coach Eddie Jones has promised to give Schifcofske an opportunity at full back, and Latham last night backed the former Canberra player to succeed.

"He's been a great player for rugby league for many years now," Latham said.

"Certainly his experience over the big stage will get him through times I guess where if it was a young guy coming in, it would probably be a little bit too much for them."

[frontrow]

Come on Sheps, kick his arse...You are definately the in-form candidate given past performances...

[RuckNMaul]

Come on Sheps, kick his arse...You are definately the in-form candidate given past performances...

and union experiance

More Force players in the Wallabies the better

[Burgs]

Makes Round 7 against the Reds an even bigger match!
I reckon all the Aus v Aus matches will be crackers this year, unfortunately we only get the one at Home

[Rodent]

Speaking of Aus v Aus, what time is the Intra Club game on this weekend?

[The InnFORCEr]

Speaking of Aus v Aus, what time is the Intra Club game on this weekend?

Meet the players 1.00 - 3.30

Force V Force 4.00 - 6.00

[Burgs]

My trusty 07 Guide tells me 1600-1800 at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Hope somebody takes a camera along.

[Rodent]

Burgs -- I will be there with camera in tow. I will attempt to get some decent shots of the boys in action and post them.

[Burgs]

Thanks mate, tend to feel a bit left out with the pre season and meet the players type events

[frontrow]

Yeah, at least i get to fly home every two weeks and occasionaly get to go to a game (if "she who must be obeyed" lets me...) so i feel your pain Burgs...

[Burgs]

Hoping for four of the seven this year, only got two from six last season
Would make for an expensive season if mates didn't use the seat....hang on, might still be a few IOU's out there

[The Lone Hydrangea]

If Shep maintains form, he is a lay down misere to replace Latham.

[.X.]

last night nominated Queensland recruit Schifcofske alongside Cameron Shepherd (Western Force), Sam Norton-Knight (New South Wales) and Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies) as candidates to replace Latham, who ruptured the anterior cruciate and medial ligaments in his right knee last Saturday.

Clever of him to name all 4 of the Australian Super14 Starting Fullbacks as a chance to replace Latham. who would have thunk it?

[Burgs]

Maybe more interesting as to who he didn't nominate, most noticable one P. Hewat.

[Shaun]

What about our Drew?