Deans looking to pick players on merit

[zimeric]

Going by Deans latest comments as written here: Gits gets thumbs up from Deans - Rugby - Fox Sports

Im thinking that several key ommisions from the wallabies last year will have a fresh opportunity to break into the starting 22
Top of my list will be: Henners and Lachie Turner
I'd also like to see Bambam Pocock in the mix.
There are a few new faces in the front as well that could get a look in.

anyone else care to share their thoughts?

[The InnFORCEr]

There once was a tiny white light at the end of the tunnel, now I have to wear sunglasses.

"Henjak quickly releases the ball from the bases of the scrum to Giteau, Giteau steps inside, slides, shimmies then passes to Staniforth who makes a clean break and leaves Luke Macalister in his wake. Staniforth dummies then flicks the ball onto Cameron Sheperd who is flying along the wing, fends off Sivivatu and dives across the line for yet another Western Wallabies try"

[zimeric]

dare to dream ey!
but you left Drew out!!!
heres my take!
"Henjak quickly releases the ball from the bases of the scrum to Giteau, Giteau steps inside, slides, shimmies then passes to Staniforth who makes a clean break and leaves Luke Macalister in his wake. Staniforth dummies then flicks the ball onto Cameron Sheperd who is flying along the wing, Sheperd draws two players by stepping back inside leaving a gaping hole for Drew Mitchell to latch onto the little pop pass and its a straight 10 metre horse race to the line, Mitchell gets there leaving Siviatu clutching at air! he swan dives across for yet another Western Wallabies try!!!"

[The InnFORCEr]

I'll go with that

"as the camera pans around to the Wallabies coaches box with a jubilant John Mitchell high fiving his head coach and squash nemisis Robbie Deans"

John Mitchell was later reported to have said to Deans "If only I knew at the turn of the last century that all I had to do to win a Rugby Wolrd Cup was to cross the ditch, I would have done it years ago!"

[chook]

"Henjak quickly releases the ball from the bases of the scrum to Giteau, Giteau steps inside, slides, shimmies then passes to Staniforth who makes a clean break and leaves Luke Macalister in his wake. Staniforth dummies then flicks the ball onto Cameron Sheperd who is flying along the wing, Sheperd draws two players by stepping back inside leaving a gaping hole for Drew Mitchell to latch onto the little pop pass and its a straight 10 metre horse race to the line, Mitchell realises he can't get there and passes to Lote, who is always in support, leaving Siviatu clutching at air! he swan dives across for yet another Wallatah try!!!"


Thats about right I think.

[GIGS20]

so what position was Lote playing in that team Chook? water boy?

[chook]

He's so talented he can do that job as well as score Wallatah tries.

[GIGS20]

Along with getting drunk during the World Cup, shameless self-promotion and convincing his mates to beat up taxi drivers.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I like the future scenario, bet they dont on the East Coast.

[hopep]

If Robbie Deans want to select on merit the cancellation of the ARC, to display talent, will come as a shock to him.
Welcome to the NSW national coaching job Robbie, all selectors now simply need to drive between club games in Sydney thus saving a lot of money on travel.

Robbie thought the North/South divide in NZ was bad, he's got a big eye opener of how hard its really going to be.

[James]

Good scenario except that McAlister is in Europe and won't be playing for the All Blacks anytime soon...

You hear far too often about players being picked on merit and recent memories of John Connolly's toss about only picking players on form leaves me a bit pessimistic. I fancy Deans will at least do a better job of it than JC. As for Force players in the Wallabies I'd say, injuries aside, this years ones (Sharpie, Gits, Staniforth, Shepherd and Mitchell) are a cert as well as a good chance for Henjak, Cross, Pocock, Hardy and for my money Horua (since quality all round Number 8's are thin on the ground in Australia).

[GIGS20]

That's a pretty good call James, I'd put a tentative tick on both our hookers as well. the cupboard's pretty bare with front rowers in general and I think we've got a pretty competitive 2/16 combination.

AJ for a dark horse nomination. I'd really like 2008 to be the year when everything comes together for AJ, he's got the personality to become a real crowd favourite!

[James]

That's a pretty good call James, I'd put a tentative tick on both our hookers as well. the cupboard's pretty bare with front rowers in general and I think we've got a pretty competitive 2/16 combination.

AJ for a dark horse nomination. I'd really like 2008 to be the year when everything comes together for AJ, he's got the personality to become a real crowd favourite!

I'd give Luke Holmes a good chance but I'm not so sure McIsaac is Deans' kind of hooker. As for AJ- I'd like to see him in Australia A at least.

[The InnFORCEr]

Good scenario except that McAlister is in Europe and won't be playing for the All Blacks anytime soon....

My scenario was set in 2011 during the RWC, he'll be back then??

[jazza93]

its looking good, hes going to create the best backline in the world but im still not sure he can find a foward pack that wont get smashed around. i hope he is right about the ELVs helping us.