Well we got a lot of clarity around the make up of the squad tonight!
Front Row: Sio's addition at LH has made an extraordinary difference in all 3 tests to date. Suddenly our scrum is a strength rather than a weakness for the first time in decades when he is on the park. The combination with Moore and Kepu looks safe and the backup trio of Slipper, TPN and Holmes is locked in. Hanson will join the group as injury cover for the hookers so the only question remaining is who to take as injury cover for the props.
Sio, Moore, Kepu, Slipper, TPN, Holmes, Hanson +1 of Smith/Faulkner
Locks: With Simmons out, the lineout is abysmal. Our only capable lineout operator tonight was Fardy. Who partners Simmons remains a critical unanswered question in the make up of the side. When we pick McCalman at 8, Skelton is an option, when we pick 2 7s or Palu, he isn't. Mumm has made a strong impact outside the lineout and has presented a decent case. Horwill is becoming difficult to carry although may improve in partnership with Simmons. A lot of attention will be centered on Carter and Douglas in the lead up, as it appears likely one of them will be needed.
Simmons, Skelton, Mumm, +1 of Carter/Douglas/Horwill
Back Row: This was our strongest area tonight and has been in every game Hooper and Pocock have lined up together. Fardy has been excellent around the park and a strong contributor to the lineout. McCalman continues to perform well. The only remaining query is the injury backup. Palu is so far unsighted and Higgers dropped.
Fardy, Hooper, Pocock, McCalman, +1 of Palu/Higgers
Halfback: Before tonight Phipps looked top pick with White and Genia in support. But after one of the worst performances by a 9-10 combo in recent history, that's no longer the case. Even Giteau who hasn't played there in 6 years was a significant improvement and may have done enough to be considered as an emergency 3rd halfback if needed, negating the need to pick 3 specialists and providing a 6-2 bench option. White was just completely on another level to Phipps and added another dimension with his goal kicking. He's cemented that spot for now. Phipps and Genia may be fighting for a single reserve halfback spot if Giteau is deemed passable as emergency cover. It seems a step too far to drop Phipps completely for one bad game though, so while he is certainly on notice, he should get a chance at redemption off the bench next week.
White, Phipps, Genia
Fly Half/Inside Centre: Foley played himself out of contention for fly half tonight. Has just lost all confidence. He'll likely be retained in the squad as possible bench/injury cover. Cooper has been mixed so far. To'omua is a certain starter - the only question is whether that is at 10 or 12. Giteau is playing well enough to warrant inclusion somewhere. And Lilo is still to be tried, but we desperately need someone to combine well with To'omua so he is likely to come into consideration.
To'omua, Giteau, Cooper, Lilo, Foley
Outside Backs: Folau, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Kuridrani have cemented their place. The other winger is still unknown, with Mitchell, Tomane, Speight and Horne all in contention. We also need someone to cover Folau should he get injured, which is where the versatility of Beale or Mitchell is necessary. Which one of those 5 players misses out is still to be determined.
Folau, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Kuridrani, +4 of Mitchell/Tomane/Speight/Horne/Beale.
That's the way I'm leaning at this stage. I've picked 32 - one of Phipps, Genia, Lilo or Foley will miss out, depending on whether 3 specialist halfbacks are deemed essential with Giteau in the squad.
Go nuts!
