Pick Toomua for Wallabies No.10: Larkham

[The InnFORCEr]

AAP
David Barbeler
May 21, 2014, 5:23 am


World Cup winning fly-half Stephen Larkham has urged the Wallabies to pick his understudy Matt Toomua in the No.10 jumper for the June internationals against France.

With incumbent Test and Reds fly-half Quade Cooper out for 16 weeks with a shoulder injury, the five-eighth spot has become a two-horse race between the Brumbies' Toomua and the Waratahs' Bernard Foley ahead of Thursday's 32-man squad announcement.

Larkham believes Toomua deserves the nod after playing for the Wallabies at both No.10 and No.12 across the Rugby Championship and Spring Tour last year.

"In the Rugby Championship he (proved) he is a world class five-eighth," the Brumbies' head coach said.

"Even if Quade was there, I think Matty should be in front of him anyway."

Larkham added that due to the limited preparation given for the three-Test series against France, it was not only important to stick with tried and tested performers - but proven combinations.

"They need to make sure combinations are either there from previous Wallabies tours or Super Rugby," he said.

"And I'd suggest that you'd have to go with current form of Super Rugby, which would indicate a strong combination from the Brumbies."

That means Larkham would like to see Christian Lealiifano next Toomua at No.12, and then Tevita Kuridrani at outside centre.

Not to mention Nic White at halfback.

Also on the fringes of Wallabies squad selection for the Australian conference leading Brumbies' backs will be Pat McCabe, Jesse Mogg and Robbie Coleman.

It would be a remarkable comeback by McCabe, who broke his neck for the second time whilst playing for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions last year.

Larkham believes the 26-year-old will make the Wallabies squad as he can play several positions - including centre, wing and fullback.

"His form warrants it. The Wallabies will see him as a very versatile utility back," Larkham said.

With Nick "honey badger" Cummins tipped as the only lock-in specialist winger for the squad, Larkham also put forward the merits of Mogg and "darkhorse" Coleman - Super Rugby's second leading try scorer behind Israel Folau in 2014.

"Coleman's a very good finisher. He doesn't have a lot of room to work in, but he's very fast," he said.

"Mogg's got beautiful skills and a big left boot on him - so I'm sure he's in the mix."

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...no-10-larkham/

[Alison]

So he reckons Ewen should pick tried and tested performers AND pick on current S15 form. Ok then! Why doesn't he just simply say Ewen should look no further than the Brumbies!

[The InnFORCEr]

Because the Tahs are in pole position

[GIGS20]

I have to say, as logical as his point is, it's bloody hard to overlook the conflict of interest when he's Matt's club coach.

What does anybody expect him to say "Don't pick Matt there are plenty better than him"

Beside the fact that there are only two first-choice 10s eligible this year (Hegarty might have promise, but is too green yet) it's pretty much locked in that Matt And Bernie Foley will get a gig, who covers any injuries? I wouldn't go for Kyle or Zack, I would hate to see Beale simply based upon the fact that he's playing 12 like shit and Izzy makes him look good. the cupboard is pretty bare in a lot of respects.

[GAFFA]

this would be my squad

Props: Slipper, Sio, Smith/Cowan, Alexander, Kepu, Longbottom
Hooker: Moore, TPN, Charles
Lock: Horwill, Simmons, Jones, Skelton
Backrow: Hooper, Fardy, Palu, Higginbotham, McCalman, Hodgson
Halfback: Genia, White, Phipps
Flyhalf: Toomua, Foley, Beale
Centres: Godwin, Kuridrani, Lealilfano, McCabe
Wingers: Cummins, AAC
Fullback: Folau

[GIGS20]

that's 32 Gaffa, is the squad 35 or didn't you pay much attention to numbers?

I think Cowan and KBomb won't both be there, but one of them is a chance. Cheese SHOULD be there, I don't know who Saia Faingaa blows at ARU headquarters, but I bet he gets the nod even though he can't start for an atrocious Reds pack.

I don't like Skelton as a lock, but he's better than Horwill and Simmons. I'd look for Kane Douglas Luke Jones and a couple of Bolters. running the eye over the stocks, Horwill would be OK as long as his precious ego could be managed and then we run VERY short of names. could be a good year for a Coleman or Wykes to be picked (but Hugh Pyle and Cadern Nevvile would be in the box seat) Essentially, I think we'll field a second row with very little international experience (either that or form counts for NOTHING)

Backrow Palu is the only worry, as soon as things get tough he'll disappear. He's baggage, toilet, merde. Put Gus Cotterell or Dave Dennis in there.

Halves insightful

Centres, I still think McCabe will be poor at International level. hes tearing it up in the provines, but he always has. still runs too upright and will be easy pickings throw AAC in as a centre, not a wing and pick from some of the (pretty good) flyers we have in oz atm Jesse Mogg, Mozza, Shipperley, (is Woodward eligible) Speight (he is available from June isn't he) lots of options out wide and they can all run

We also need somebody who can back up Izzy at 15 (although I would use Foley or Beale as bench cover for both 10 and 15)

[Alison]

I thought Dennis was leaving for France at the end of the season? Am I mixing him up with another Tah? (Not Kane Douglas)

[GAFFA]

that's 32 Gaffa, is the squad 35 or didn't you pay much attention to numbers?

I think Cowan and KBomb won't both be there, but one of them is a chance. Cheese SHOULD be there, I don't know who Saia Faingaa blows at ARU headquarters, but I bet he gets the nod even though he can't start for an atrocious Reds pack.

I don't like Skelton as a lock, but he's better than Horwill and Simmons. I'd look for Kane Douglas Luke Jones and a couple of Bolters. running the eye over the stocks, Horwill would be OK as long as his precious ego could be managed and then we run VERY short of names. could be a good year for a Coleman or Wykes to be picked (but Hugh Pyle and Cadern Nevvile would be in the box seat) Essentially, I think we'll field a second row with very little international experience (either that or form counts for NOTHING)

Backrow Palu is the only worry, as soon as things get tough he'll disappear. He's baggage, toilet, merde. Put Gus Cotterell or Dave Dennis in there.

Halves insightful

Centres, I still think McCabe will be poor at International level. hes tearing it up in the provines, but he always has. still runs too upright and will be easy pickings throw AAC in as a centre, not a wing and pick from some of the (pretty good) flyers we have in oz atm Jesse Mogg, Mozza, Shipperley, (is Woodward eligible) Speight (he is available from June isn't he) lots of options out wide and they can all run

We also need somebody who can back up Izzy at 15 (although I would use Foley or Beale as bench cover for both 10 and 15)

Its going to be a 32 man squad.

Prop right about both Cowan and Longbottom would prob drop Cowan for a back up F/B for say Mogg you also have AAC who has played many tests at F/B with say McCabe on the wing his actual position.

Woodward isn't eligible till the end of next year and Speight till Sept.

Douglas just announced he is off the Ireland yesterday s i wouldn't have him and i dont see Link dropping Horwill and Simmons and Skelton will get first crack being a tah...same goes for Palu who will break in the first test. Fardy to also cover lock if needed.

[GAFFA]

I thought Dennis was leaving for France at the end of the season? Am I mixing him up with another Tah? (Not Kane Douglas)

Dennis is staying Douglas is off the Ireland.

[The InnFORCEr]

Looks like Kyle will not be available anyway he has a PCL (knee) injury

[valzc]

Looks like Kyle will not be available anyway he has a PCL (knee) injury

Oh great- how bad is it? Season ending op required?

[valzc]

Also what was that I saw about Cheese in a moon boot?

[GAFFA]

Looks like he will be ok after the June break...

Charles in a moon boot...please no!

[Alison]

Re the moon boot, I thought I saw someone post that it was just precautionary? Fingers crossed!

[GIGS20]

Its going to be a 32 man squad.

Yeah, only caught up with that today.

Prop right about both Cowan and Longbottom would prob drop Cowan for a back up F/B for say Mogg you also have AAC who has played many tests at F/B with say McCabe on the wing his actual position.

AAC might have played a lot at FB, but it's not his spot. He's a 13 or bench cover....that's it. McCabe is not in my radar, I don't think he'll be any better internationally than he was last time. His provincial form was good then too.

Woodward isn't eligible till the end of next year

bugger, he'd be handy.

Douglas just announced he is off the Ireland yesterday s i wouldn't have him and i dont see Link dropping Horwill and Simmons and Skelton will get first crack being a tah...same goes for Palu who will break in the first test. Fardy to also cover lock if needed.

I see what's happening, you are listing who WILL be picked and I'm listing who SHOULD be picked.