In my opinion, the 23 for next week should be:
1. Sio
2. Moore (c)
3. Kepu
4. Simmons
5. Horwill
6. Fardy
7. Pooper
8. Pooper
9. White
10. To'omua
11. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
12. Giteau
13. Kuridrani
14. Mitchell
15. Folau
16. Slipper
17. TPN
18. Holmes
19. Skelton
20. McCalman
21. Phipps
22. Cooper / Lealifano
23. Beale
My reasons?
Horwill had another strong game in Gold. A lot of heart and a lot of hard work. I haven't been the biggest fan over the last few years, but he's showing me up so far this international season. If he can continue to put in performances like he did last night, there may be a place in my heart for him once again. Here's to hoping he doesn't get red carded for something stupid.
Simmons falls into the same category as above. I always thought he was a bit of a fluffy bunny as he doesn't have the power game I like to see in my locks, but his work rate was strong and we need his presence in the line out. Last night proved that.
Sio to remain starting. He really shores up the scrum and thats something thats essential going into the RWC. Also a good ball runner. Hopefully this season is the start of a very long career in the starting front row (Slipper is certainly no chum, but he's also not 100%. Besides, the way Cheika uses the bench, it shouldn't be considered demeaning to be moved there from the starting side. They are almost "2nd half players", not replacements).
The back row unchanged. Enough said. Long life the Pooper. May the Poopycock reign supreme for years to come.
White in for Phipps. Cheikas been renowned for rewarding form with selections. If he doesn't, what do fringe players have to motivate them to work hard? White had a great finish to the game, and thus he'll earn the starting gig. It also helps that Phipps had a pretty ordinary game.
To'omua in for Foley. Bernie didn't convince, he wasn't terrible though. To'omua straightened the attack and provided a bit of assertiveness and urgency. Not a fan of his hair-do but I guess its not really my place to comment on that. He is a barista after all.
11, 12, 13, 14, 15 unchanged. My only comments on that: Giteau showed last night why he has been selected, but also the levelling influence of an experienced campaigner.
Drew Mitchell didn't have the greatest game - didn't have a bad one either. Was tested with several bombs and came out alright, had a few good runs and defended well. Did everything he was required to. His experience gets him over the line there for mine.
As for the bench, Skelton to stay there. I believe he's probably best suited to that role. Any two of Cooper, Lealifano and Beale to get a bit of time in the last 30 to continue to test combinations and individuals going into the RWC. Obviously next week is a big game with the Bledisloe on the line, but its important to keep the main goal within sight: to build a strong platform and a strong squad that will lead us to success in the next few years. Whether this is a RWC win or a Bledisloe win is not so important.
I really like how Cheika's utilising the bench, testing different combinations whilst keeping the core of the side there week in week out. He's got the boys to buy into the team and the culture, and got them playing for something more than themselves. They seem confident, but not overly so, and bloody determined.
This will be another incredible game.
Wallabies by 6.