We're all going on a Spring Tour!

[travelling_gerry]

Tri nations is over.

Now for the tour.

Robbie Deans said he is naming a 40 man training squad.


Deans will name a training squad of 40 for the spring tour.

That number will be reduced and while the size of the party is yet to be finalised, it will include more than 32 players.

"There are two mid-weekers, so there is a lot of rugby," Deans said.

And given that there are a couple of mid week games.

Who are the extra 10 that Deans will take on the Spring Tour.


Current Squad

Forwards:

Richard Brown
Mark Chisholm
Ben Daley
Rocky Elsom (C)
Saia Faingaa
Scott Higginbotham
Matt Hodgson
Ben McCalman
Salesi Ma'afu
Stephen Moore
Dean Mumm
David Pocock
Benn Robinson
Nathan Sharpe
Rob Simmons
James Slipper


Backs:


Adam Ashley-Cooper
Berrick Barnes
Kurtley Beale
Luke Burgess
Quade Cooper
Nick Cummins
Anthony Faingaa
Will Genia
Matt Giteau
Peter Hynes
Drew Mitchell
Pat McCabe
James O'Connor
Cameron Shepherd

[James]

We'll have a bunch of guys coming back: TPN, Alexander, Horwill, Palu, Ioane, Rob Horne (?). I reckon Sekope Kepu will probably factor in too.

Thats 7. We'll need another scrum-half so I reckon Kingi, and maybe an outside centre too especially if Horne doesn't come back. Maybe another lock? Dave Dennis?

I don't see the point in taking 40. Seems more than necessary. We are only playing 2 midweek games aren't we?

[GIGS20]

I don't see the point in taking 40. Seems more than necessary. We are only playing 2 midweek games aren't we?

The spring tour is traditionally an opportunity to blood new players and expose some roughies to the Wallabies setup. if we have seven genuinely returning from injury in time to tour I reckon the three will be taking spots that are not well covered at the moment. I'd expect that to be in the shape of a hooker a lock and maybe an outside back (we're pretty thin at 13) although Digby returning could well fill that void, AAC is doing a stellar job there, and there's a chance of grooming one or two of the current squad for the slot. Rob Horne's probably had his day, but it might be fun to think a bit laterally and see how a Lachie Turner would go. He certainly doesn't seem to mind the contact!

Possibly (and yes, I know I've said it before) Anthony Faingaa could cover the slot well, or give Will Chambers a go and see if he's got the stuff to survive. Mitch Inman shows promise, but is probably not ready for a gold jersey yet.

[TOCC]

Pretty sure Ioane, Palu, TPN and Horwill, Chambers are all ruled out of the Spring Tour. Horwill might be fit but that would be 50/50 and a unecessary risk IMO.

They will need more cover in the front row, so expect the likes of Fairbrother and Holmes to be included. Also they will take more cover at hooker, i think Damian Fitzpatrick is the likely inclusion here. Maybe the likes of Mowen, Dennis or Kimlin, Leroy Houston is a outside chance depending on the fitness of Higginbotham.

[Piet Van Ziel]

The massive lock from the Tahs.......wazzisname

[zimeric]

Nathan Charles may also get a look in...

[travelling_gerry]

Mitch Inman

[GIGS20]

Horwill might be fit but that would be 50/50 and a unecessary risk IMO.

What would be the ruling with playing Dan Vickerman? I think it would be a no, but nobody would question he is up to gettign a shot with our current injury crisis in the second row.

Also they will take more cover at hooker, i think Damian Fitzpatrick is the likely inclusion here.

You're probably right, but I haven't been blown away!

Nathan Charles may also get a look in...

With you there Zim, our young hookers certainly have shown better potential, as opposed to increased media pushing.

Leroy Houston is a outside chance depending on the fitness of Higginbotham.

Bloody Hell, we're scraping the bottom of the barrel then, surely there's another backrower better than him?

Mitch Inman

Too green, give him another year.

[SleazyWineBaas]

We're a tighthead prop short of a world cup

can someone find me a tight head prop in this country

Surely there is a real mean bastard awaiting his chance in the Brisbane grade comp

Sydney is full of GPS homos

[GIGS20]

Benny A is on the road back from injury. He seemed to be doing OK when he was fit.

[James]

Pretty sure Ioane, Palu, TPN and Horwill, Chambers are all ruled out of the Spring Tour. Horwill might be fit but that would be 50/50 and a unecessary risk IMO.

They will need more cover in the front row, so expect the likes of Fairbrother and Holmes to be included. Also they will take more cover at hooker, i think Damian Fitzpatrick is the likely inclusion here. Maybe the likes of Mowen, Dennis or Kimlin, Leroy Houston is a outside chance depending on the fitness of Higginbotham.

I think TPN is a definite returner. Last I heard Palu's recovery was going well and he'll probably be going too.

Forgot about Kimlin- is he fit and playing well again?

Piet: By the massive lock from the Tahs I am guessing you mean Greg Petersen (204cm). Very talented but also very young. He wouldn't be ready in time for next year.

[hertryk]

Can someone tell me what's happened to Stirling??? He's been out for ever....????

[zimeric]

"ever after" more like doubt he'll get a look in now.. too much talent and great youth too.

[James]

Can someone tell me what's happened to Stirling??? He's been out for ever....????

Back problems. Supposedly will be lucky to make the start of next years S15. I doubt he'll play for the Wallabies again unless he has an uninjured, stellar season next year.

[SleazyWineBaas]

Can someone tell me what's happened to Stirling??? He's been out for ever....????

Age has wearied him

---------- Post added at 18:17 ---------- Previous post was at 18:10 ----------

Piet: By the massive lock from the Tahs I am guessing you mean Greg Petersen (204cm). Very talented but also very young. He wouldn't be ready in time for next year.

I think he means Kane Douglas

Age 21, 201 cm, 116KG. Mean and nasty disposition

I rate him

That cat who had one season at the Force before heading to Melbourne has big wraps on him too. Needs a dose of loyalty medicine and a few head scrapings at the highest level though