Stirling Mortlock

[Lindommer]

Is Stirling's Wallaby career over?

from The Australian yesterday

Stirling Mortlock's Test career in jeopardy

WALLABIES captain Stirling Mortlock may have played his last Test in Australia if he requires surgery to repair the knee he injured in the disappointing 27-19 loss to South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday. Mortlock arrived home on crutches yesterday and will have an MRI scan today to assess the injury, believed to be cartilage damage. If Mortlock needs an operation, he could miss the remainder of the Tri-Nations tournament.

Mortlock, 30, will decide before the end of the year whether to try to play on to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand or continue his career in Europe or Japan. If he chose Europe he would probably leave Australia at the end of next year's domestic international schedule, but a move to Japan would probably be at the end of this year. "All things being considered it's not too bad at this stage, but my gut feeling is I'll be seeing a specialist and going from there," Mortlock said. "You know in yourself when it doesn't feel right and it didn't feel right. It's really hard to tell. You don't know with these things. Fingers crossed."

In the absence of Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper is expected to start at outside centre with James O'Connor promoted to fullback for the make-or-break Test against the All Blacks in Sydney in two weeks.

This is his tenth year of international rugby, a goodly time in the professional age. But the injuries the last few years seem to have taken their toll as he hasn't recovered from them as quickly as a young buck and the repaired Mortlock just seems to be that bit diminished every time. To be honest I've thought for a while Deans sticking with Stirling until RWC2011 was always going to be a stretch.

 

[Blue]

Is Stirling's Wallaby career over?

from The Australian yesterday

Stirling Mortlock's Test career in jeopardy

WALLABIES captain Stirling Mortlock may have played his last Test in Australia if he requires surgery to repair the knee he injured in the disappointing 27-19 loss to South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday. Mortlock arrived home on crutches yesterday and will have an MRI scan today to assess the injury, believed to be cartilage damage. If Mortlock needs an operation, he could miss the remainder of the Tri-Nations tournament.

Mortlock, 30, will decide before the end of the year whether to try to play on to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand or continue his career in Europe or Japan. If he chose Europe he would probably leave Australia at the end of next year's domestic international schedule, but a move to Japan would probably be at the end of this year. "All things being considered it's not too bad at this stage, but my gut feeling is I'll be seeing a specialist and going from there," Mortlock said. "You know in yourself when it doesn't feel right and it didn't feel right. It's really hard to tell. You don't know with these things. Fingers crossed."

In the absence of Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper is expected to start at outside centre with James O'Connor promoted to fullback for the make-or-break Test against the All Blacks in Sydney in two weeks.

This is his tenth year of international rugby, a goodly time in the professional age. But the injuries the last few years seem to have taken their toll as he hasn't recovered from them as quickly as a young buck and the repaired Mortlock just seems to be that bit diminished every time. To be honest I've thought for a while Deans sticking with Stirling until RWC2011 was always going to be a stretch.

Still think Cross should get a run at 13.

 

[Scotty]

To be honest I've thought for a while Deans sticking with Stirling until RWC2011 was always going to be a stretch.

Agree Lindommer. Although I feel that Deans definately wanted him in the side, particularly as captain until the end of this year, he probably had some other options as captain to take over for the next two years. I reckon he was just waiting to see who put their hands up.

Now you expect he will have Smith for the remainder of the year, with maybe Waugh if Smith needs a rest/is injured, then wait to see out of Giteau, Barnes, Horwill, Moore, Sharpe who will take it up next year. I personally would prefer Horwill or Giteau at this stage.

 

[waratahjesus]

giteau has to be low on that list, surely with goal kicking and trying to get 10 right he has enough on his plate, if horwills form is better then he or barnes should fight it out but as long as smith is in the team i see no reason for it not to be him. maybe if he is captain the refs will be as hard on him as they are on McCaw.

and i dont want cross anywhere near 13, fit digby, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) should be frst choice there with horne as the up and comer, how old is cross anyway? cross doest straighten up the attack enough for me, he tends to do the league crab dance and always go fr the outside witch is fine if he gets through but the last few times ive watched him play the defence just ushers him towards the sideline then hammers the winger who has been forced to come inside and take a hospital ball. its a worse move than hangers dummy step he uses constatntly playing 12.

 

[naza]

and i dont want cross anywhere near 13, fit digby, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) should be frst choice there with horne as the up and comer, how old is cross anyway? cross doest straighten up the attack enough for me, he tends to do the league crab dance and always go fr the outside witch is fine if he gets through but the last few times ive watched him play the defence just ushers him towards the sideline then hammers the winger who has been forced to come inside and take a hospital ball. its a worse move than hangers dummy step he uses constatntly playing 12.

I'm glad somebody else notices that about Cross. He creates the illusion of a break but its all lateral and gives his support no chance. Hate the Cross. Love AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). Even prefer Cummins to Cross.

 

[cheezel]

I'm can't stand watching Cross throwing his arms up at the ref, pleading for a penalty every 30 seconds.

 

[Scotty]

I agree with naza.

There, I've said it.

 

[disco]

If fully fit I'd go Diggers, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) & then Cross.

But very happy to see AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at 13 although I think Deans will go with Cross @ 13 & JOC (James O'Connor) on the bench next weekend.

 

[Cutter]

Cross is a hoax. I'd play AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Tyrone Smith in front of him. Diggers when fit jumps the queue though.

This is something I posted on the Roar. Sometimes the suggestions over there are good but often they are clueless. Anyway, even though its out of context, it should make sense here (to the extent any of my posts make sense). A couple of points will need explaining:

2. Someone said there was a lock in club rugby who was killing it but was overlooked due to politics but they didnt name him or the club.
5. According to someone on the Roar, Caldwell became sick after the Tahs' SA tour and has lost 24kgs since then. Does anyone know anything about this?

A few points:

1. You throw long (over the back) on a lineout on your own line because your players are 5m from the ball and the opposition is 10m. I’m surprised its not used more often.
2. The mystery club lock who is carving up is a complete mystery to everyone here including those who watch club rugby. If he was the player Ammo suggests, he wouldnt be a mystery. I dont dispute selectors play favourites, but I do dispute there is a candidate head and shoulders above Mumm et al in club land.
3. Horwill went missing on Saturday. To suggest he should be captain when his place in the team is uncertain is absurd.
4. Sharpe went missing on Saturday too, but no more so than Horwill.
5. Very sad to hear Caldwell is unwell. Can anyone shed any light on this? Even if fit, he isnt a cure all for the Wallabies. He can be quite weak into contact both in defence and attack. I agree that at ruck and maul time he is busy and works hard, but it seems when defending and carrying he isnt as effective.
6. Giteau does need to be held responsible for his lack of leadership and discipline. However, I dont think Barnes is the answer either. Both kicked far too much on the weekend. We need a more direct player at 12. What has Tyrone Smith done wrong? I’d be happy to see him given a shot with either Giteau or Barnes at 10 and the other on the bench. As talented as both are, they arent taking the game by the scruff of the neck which is what we need.
7. I disagree with some of the Burgess criticism. He is a player who polarises opinion but that means not everyone views the question rationally. Genia has looked ok off the bench but the Wallabies have been on top (without ever breaking free) during his game time. Part of the problem for Burgess is a lack of forward support and an urge to clear the ball faster than the situation allows. I think Burgess 9, Barnes 10 would be a more assured combination as Giteau doesnt provide Burgess with enough of a steadying influence.
8. Brown as captain? Tell me you are joking. He is on the bench in half the teams selected here. He regularly gives away silly penalties. He was sent to the bin for a stupid mistake. He goes missing for large chunks of games.
9. George Smith is a leader, but doesnt have the temperament to be captain. Unfortunately, he is one of the only players who can command a spot in the side with genuine leadership credentials. Rocky Elsom hasnt played for 3 months, hasnt captained at the Waratahs, didnt captain at Leinster and I havent seen anything to suggest he should captain the Wallabies. The only other player I would consider as captain at the moment is Stephen Moore. Again, TPN is pushing him for his place. Smith will be captain for lack of credible alternatives and because he is a natural choice in the circumstances. Hopefully, over time, Barnes, Horwill, Moore, TPN or Pocock will also step up to the plate. Mortlock is yesterdays’ man.

 

[Moses]

Hopefully, over time, Barnes, Horwill, Moore, TPN or Pocock will also step up to the plate. Mortlock is yesterdays’ man.

Did Rocky sign just one year at the Brumbies? I like the idea of him heading home to Melbourne to captain the new club, then show up as a candidate for the Wallabies in 2011...

A real shame if that's true about Will. A 24kg loss would have him below 90, hope the guy comes through ok.

 

[Gagger]

I reckon this could well be a blessing in disguise. Always gonna be hard not to pick Morty as the experience / aura overshadows the present form / fitness. Just like it was hard not to pick Bernie.

This way a very important log jam gets opened up in the outside backs. With Diggers out it's got AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) written all over it - J'OCs looking a lot better at 15 than inside. This gets another young blood on the bench for 2011.

Re: Captain.
Even with Big Kev back it was still Barnes who was running the show.
Sharp had it and lost it.
Smith not a bad choice, but I fear he has the Gregan school of ref charm going.
Pocock is the long term tip, apparently
Yes, Gits is a bit maverick, but maybe this would solidify him into something great?

 

[OZGOD]

Still going to be a loss though. He's been an inspirational bloke.

 

[Cutter]

Re: Captain.
Even with Big Kev back it was still Barnes who was running the show.
Sharp had it and lost it.
Smith not a bad choice, but I fear he has the Gregan school of ref charm going.
Pocock is the long term tip, apparently
Yes, Gits is a bit maverick, but maybe this would solidify him into something great?

I dont think Gits is a maverick, I think he doesnt have the temperament to run a game from 10 let alone captain a side. Barnes is a much more solid option. TPN is also someone talked about as a future captain.

 

[Scotty]

Cutter,

You were hard on Horwill who was playing with a stomach bug.

 

[Scarfman]

I agree with naza.

There, I've said it.

I agree with Scotty.

 

[Scarfman]

Sharpey makes some excellent losing speeches. I'm always completely convinced that his team made some crucial errors and that you can't take anything away from the opposition, but despite that, he is really proud of the how the boys stuck to the task.

I know I'll be laughed off the forum except by the most die-hard Tah fans, but I think Phil Waugh is the best captain in Australia and we could do worse than bring him in.

 

[louie]

hahahahahahahah

 

[Moses]

I know I'll be laughed off the forum except by the most die-hard Tah fans, but I think Phil Waugh is the best captain in Australia and we could do worse than bring him in.

I agree with Scarfie, :waugh: to captain, Smith on the bench

 

[RugbyReg]

Could Phil Waugh become the next Neil Fraser and become a non-playing captain?

 

[Scotty]

If Smith gets injured I will endorse Waugh as captain, at least for the remainder of this year.

But next year Deans has to make a choice out of the aforementioned players - he will want another S14 season to do so, and maybe some cameo captain appearances on the EOYT.