BDA
Peter Johnson (47)
Okay so I realise there is still some time before we know the likely make up of the world cup squad, but I am already anxious and excited about the Wallabies’ performance at this years tournament.
My excitement is geared by the fact that I actually think we have enough talent to lift the trophy. To win the World cup I think your team needs to boast players in a number of positions that could rightfully stake a claim to being the best in the business in their respective position. The wallabies have few in my opinion (Polota Nau, Ioane, Beale, Genia, Pocock).
My anxiety results from the knowledge that the Wallabies are only an injury or two away from trouble. It was great news today to hear that TPN’s knee injury, sustained against the saders, is not as bad as first thought, as there were initially fears that he may miss the world cup. If anyone noticed the difference in the Waratahs game without TPN on the field last weekend would agree that he is THE form hooker in world rugby. I know South African fans will argue for Bismark, but hell this is an aussie site for god sake.
Watching TPN play the last few weeks has proven to me that he should be one of the first chosen in Deans world cup side. TPN has that hard edge in defense and attack that other teams fear. A hard edge that the wallabies forwards have been guilty of lacking over the years. Another man who has that required physicality is Palu. His absence last year should not be underestimated. The big difference between the end-of-year tour in 2009 and 2010 was Palu. His presence in 2009 made the wallabies pack more aggressive, which is really the most important attribute in attempting to silence northern hemisphere teams. More-importantly Palu’s strength at the back of the scrum put the brakes on the pack. His weight at the back will be welcomed back with open arms.
Anyway, with all of that said, I though I’d do my best of picking my 30 man squad, and would like to know the make-up of your squad.
Props
1. Robinson (starting)
2. Alexander (starting)
3. Slipper (bench)
4. Palmer – maybe a bit too early to count him in, but he has been solid in the scrums and looks like a genuine bolter
5. Baxter – say what you will about Baxter, but experience is key at scrum time. He is solid and if you put him in there with TPN and Robinson there is a ready made combination.
Hookers
6. TPN (starting)
7. Moore (bench) - both are quality choices but id go with TPN for the reasons stated above.
Locks
8. Sharpe (starting) – nuf said
9. Horwill (starting) – is always a bit slow finding his groove after coming back from injury but will be back to his best by then.
10. Vickerman (Bench) – a big call at this stage of the year, but he is pure class and id be shocked if he is not at the WC. Is perfectly suited to come off the bench.
11. Simmons (backup) – Great work rate and I like the idea of mixing to veterans with two younger guys in the 2nd row.
Backrowers
12. Pocock (starting)
13. Elsom (starting)
14. Palu (starting)
15. McCalman (backup/bench) – proved last year he is wallaby material.
16. Mumm (backup/bench) – His versatility should win him a spot.
17. Waugh – I’d include him as a backup to pocock. He is one of only 5 or 6 world class fetchers in the world and if Pocock gets injured, or needs a rest, I want Waugh in my side.
Backs
18. Genia (starting)
19. Burgess (bench)
20. Cooper (starting)
21. Barnes (starting)
22. Giteau (bench)
23. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (starting outside)
24. Ioane (bench) – hard to say which of Ioane and O’Conner I’d place on the bench but if O’Connor is going to be the kicker I’d go with Ioane, who provides cover for outside and wing.
25. Mitchell (starting wing)
26. O’Connor (starting wing)
27. Beale (starting fulback)
28. Horne (backup outside)
29. Turner (backup utility)
30. Davies (backup wing)
My excitement is geared by the fact that I actually think we have enough talent to lift the trophy. To win the World cup I think your team needs to boast players in a number of positions that could rightfully stake a claim to being the best in the business in their respective position. The wallabies have few in my opinion (Polota Nau, Ioane, Beale, Genia, Pocock).
My anxiety results from the knowledge that the Wallabies are only an injury or two away from trouble. It was great news today to hear that TPN’s knee injury, sustained against the saders, is not as bad as first thought, as there were initially fears that he may miss the world cup. If anyone noticed the difference in the Waratahs game without TPN on the field last weekend would agree that he is THE form hooker in world rugby. I know South African fans will argue for Bismark, but hell this is an aussie site for god sake.
Watching TPN play the last few weeks has proven to me that he should be one of the first chosen in Deans world cup side. TPN has that hard edge in defense and attack that other teams fear. A hard edge that the wallabies forwards have been guilty of lacking over the years. Another man who has that required physicality is Palu. His absence last year should not be underestimated. The big difference between the end-of-year tour in 2009 and 2010 was Palu. His presence in 2009 made the wallabies pack more aggressive, which is really the most important attribute in attempting to silence northern hemisphere teams. More-importantly Palu’s strength at the back of the scrum put the brakes on the pack. His weight at the back will be welcomed back with open arms.
Anyway, with all of that said, I though I’d do my best of picking my 30 man squad, and would like to know the make-up of your squad.
Props
1. Robinson (starting)
2. Alexander (starting)
3. Slipper (bench)
4. Palmer – maybe a bit too early to count him in, but he has been solid in the scrums and looks like a genuine bolter
5. Baxter – say what you will about Baxter, but experience is key at scrum time. He is solid and if you put him in there with TPN and Robinson there is a ready made combination.
Hookers
6. TPN (starting)
7. Moore (bench) - both are quality choices but id go with TPN for the reasons stated above.
Locks
8. Sharpe (starting) – nuf said
9. Horwill (starting) – is always a bit slow finding his groove after coming back from injury but will be back to his best by then.
10. Vickerman (Bench) – a big call at this stage of the year, but he is pure class and id be shocked if he is not at the WC. Is perfectly suited to come off the bench.
11. Simmons (backup) – Great work rate and I like the idea of mixing to veterans with two younger guys in the 2nd row.
Backrowers
12. Pocock (starting)
13. Elsom (starting)
14. Palu (starting)
15. McCalman (backup/bench) – proved last year he is wallaby material.
16. Mumm (backup/bench) – His versatility should win him a spot.
17. Waugh – I’d include him as a backup to pocock. He is one of only 5 or 6 world class fetchers in the world and if Pocock gets injured, or needs a rest, I want Waugh in my side.
Backs
18. Genia (starting)
19. Burgess (bench)
20. Cooper (starting)
21. Barnes (starting)
22. Giteau (bench)
23. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (starting outside)
24. Ioane (bench) – hard to say which of Ioane and O’Conner I’d place on the bench but if O’Connor is going to be the kicker I’d go with Ioane, who provides cover for outside and wing.
25. Mitchell (starting wing)
26. O’Connor (starting wing)
27. Beale (starting fulback)
28. Horne (backup outside)
29. Turner (backup utility)
30. Davies (backup wing)
