Deans ponders fill-in for Barnes

[jargan83]

Deans ponders fill-in for Barnes

By Wayne Smith

November 11, 2008

KURTLEY Beale or Daniel Halangahu could come into the reckoning if there is a rethink of Australia's original decision not to replace homeward-bound injured inside backs Berrick Barnes and Timana Tahu for the remainder of the tour.

Barnes was due to have an MRI scan in London and could face surgery in Australia on his return, but Tahu's ongoing hamstring problem is causing most concern within the Wallabies' camp.

This is no minor strain or even tear but a significant physiological defect, seemingly a continuation of the problem that kept him sidelined for almost his entire debut Super 14 campaign for New South Wales.

And the very talented dual international could be facing a long road back to full fitness.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans initially insisted after the Italy Test, in which both players were injured, that there was adequate cover for them within the existing 34-man touring squad.

On Monday, however, Deans admitted he was mulling over that decision, perhaps not surprisingly considering Barnes' loss leaves hero of the hour Quade Cooper as the only back-up specialist five-eighth in the event of an injury to Matt Giteau.


http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html

[mudskipper]

Beale worries me... if we need a 12 that can tackle Get Tyrone Smith on the plane... If we need a 10 use Dunning.....

[TOCC]

i think there after a 5/8 not a 12.

[mudskipper]

Well there down Tahu as second 12 also...

Further Barnes being the second Fly and the backup fly the Wallabies in Barnes Deans has lost two effective backline oppositions. Then no Tahu leaves Mortlock going to 12, because no other can cover 12... I'd back Cooper before Beale just now because he has been training with the squad for the past 6 weeks...Beale isn't a real option on this tour. The NSW press would just like to think so....

[jargan83]

you make Tahu leaving sound like a bad thing..................

[mudskipper]

I undrerstand you're a big fan....

[Flamethrower]

Sharpie should work on his kicking game

[jargan83]

I undrerstand you're a big fan....

You've lost me
Posted via Mobile Device

[mudskipper]

You've lost me
Posted via Mobile Device

Just joking...

[TOCC]

Well there down Tahu as second 12 also...

Further Barnes being the second Fly and the backup fly the Wallabies in Barnes Deans has lost two effective backline oppositions. Then no Tahu leaves Mortlock going to 12, because no other can cover 12... I'd back Cooper before Beale just now because he has been training with the squad for the past 6 weeks...Beale isn't a real option on this tour. The NSW press would just like to think so....

that is true, but if you get another 5/8 then you can always use the option of playing Giteau at inside centre

[mudskipper]

TOCC...No sorry that would be fine with Barnes but not with either Beale or Cooper. I'd rather Mortlock step in as first fly and play ACC and Cross as centers and Mitchell at fullback, Lachie turner on the wing. Speaking of wingers, Lote should be back next week, he is not even on the bench either this week, shame he gives the English trouble...

[TOCC]

TOCC...No sorry that would be fine with Barnes but not with either Beale or Cooper. I'd rather Mortlock step in as first fly and play ACC and Cross as centers and Mitchell at fullback, Lachie turner on the wing. Speaking of wingers, Lote should be back next week, he is not even on the bench either this week, shame he gives the English trouble...

your joking right? Mortlock at 5/8?

AAC is the only player in that backline who can remotely play 5/8

[waratahjesus]

the better option to send over would be norton-knight, 10, 12 and fulback experiance and has caps under his belt

[robyn <3]

Qantas Wallabies utility back Berrick Barnes received encouraging news today that the knee injury that forced him off the tour to Europe will not require surgery.

Barnes was injured in Australia’s Test victory over Italy in Padova last Saturday night and returned to Brisbane yesterday.

After visiting a specialist this afternoon, the talented Queensland Reds midfielder was advised he sustained posterior cruciate ligament damage but does not need an operation to repair the problem.

Barnes is expected to have his knee in a brace for several weeks but is aiming at a return inside two months.

“Berrick’s obviously disappointed at having his tour cut short but he’s very positive about his ability to recover quickly and is focusing on being back in time for the first (2009 Super 14) match,” said Queensland coach Phil Mooney.

The Super 14 draw is set to be announced early next week.

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallabi.../section/21893

[TOCC]

Qantas Wallabies utility back Berrick Barnes received encouraging news today that the knee injury that forced him off the tour to Europe will not require surgery.

Barnes was injured in Australia’s Test victory over Italy in Padova last Saturday night and returned to Brisbane yesterday.

After visiting a specialist this afternoon, the talented Queensland Reds midfielder was advised he sustained posterior cruciate ligament damage but does not need an operation to repair the problem.

Barnes is expected to have his knee in a brace for several weeks but is aiming at a return inside two months.

“Berrick’s obviously disappointed at having his tour cut short but he’s very positive about his ability to recover quickly and is focusing on being back in time for the first (2009 Super 14) match,” said Queensland coach Phil Mooney.

The Super 14 draw is set to be announced early next week.

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallabi.../section/21893

i was deeply relieved when i heard this news.