0
It was obvious when Mr Connolly took up the role as Wallabies Coach there were some problems that needed fixing. Number one on the fixit list was the scrum, closely followed by the lineouts, rucks and mauls - lets call it "set piece" play. He even brought in a new member to the coaching staff to concentrate on that problem.
As far as players in those roles were concerned Mr Connolly had one solution only; The bigger the better. It didnt matter if you were a good or talented player (Al Baxter) or if there was someone better then you in that position (Phil Waugh being picked over George Smith). If you were a Big b*stard you were in.
Lets face it Rodney Blake got selected for the Wallabies one or two seasons to early, as big a guy as he is, hes not quite ready yet. And this argument ties in beautifully with Burgs Article about the Value of the Test Cap. For a long time I had the belief that the buildup towards a Rugby World Cup allowed for developing Test Players. I was wrong, Burgs you are right, a Test is a Test and we should put the best players in their best positions always fullstop end of story.
Send Al Baxter to the Jabiru Water Rats 2nd Division side and he might learn how to play.
Send Matt Rogers back to League now - we have no need for him.
Send George Gregan on a happy retirement now and tell Matt Henjak that he has paid his penance for his indiscretion in South Africa and bring him back in to the fold.
Matt Gitteau is a Centre,
Lote Tiquiri is a Winger.
Larkham is a five eighth if he can stay healthy long enough.
If Mr Connolly needs a impact Outside Centre perhaps he should take a look at the equal top Try Scorer of the Super14 and TWF player of the Year Scott Stanniforth.
Perhaps I am getting cynical in my old age, but there appears to be an us and them mentality about the Wallabies at the moment. If the coaching staff like you, and your big. Your in. If you happened to get caught muttering something under your breath during a training session a couple of months ago, you dont get to play with the big kids.
The Wallabies proformance against the Italians was nothing short of disgraceful and my TV was very fortunate not to be drop kicked out the back door of my place.
I hold little hope for the remainder of this Tour as long as Al Baxter continues to hold his place in the starting line up, and other players continue to play out of position.
Yes the Rugby World Cup is less then a year away, we should be playing our ultimate team now and for every Test leading up to it. If this is our ultimate team I guess we can only hope for a lot of retirements, and look forward to 2011.