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Two quick steps to put Wallabies right
Greg Growden
Monday, May 7, 2007
MONDAY MAUL
Lachlan Turner the new Test fullback. Matt Giteau the new Wallabies skipper. Will it happen? Probably not. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't.
If the Wallabies selectors are serious about bringing speed, vibrancy, unpredictability and a new look to a tired, under-achieving national team, here are two immediate solutions.
With the four Australian teams all missing out on the Super 14 semi-finals, the Wallabies selectors can now start thinking clearly about their combinations for the domestic Test series, which starts with internationals against Wales on May 26 and June 2.
They can go down different paths. They can do what they often threaten to do - but don't because of the fear of losing - by heading into the unknown, being adventurous and trying some new player options.
Or they could go down the same old conservative path of sticking to the tried and true, who can do an adequate job but when the pressure is really applied, so often fall short.
One can only hope, for the sake of revitalising and boosting Test crowds, that they go for the first option.
And the best way to entice the fans back is by injecting the Test back line with some much needed pace and vitality.
When you think of the Super 14, apart from laughing yourself sick at the ridiculous antics of the Reds and Waratahs, what are the most lasting memories? For Monday Maul, many of them revolve around the newcomer to the NSW attack: the 19-year-old winger Turner, who is just out of Newington College.
There was that marvellous moment when he stood up Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald in the Crusaders match. There was his successful gallop against the Chiefs. And there were his endless appearances in open space against the Hurricanes on Saturday night, with one of many highlights being when he regathered a clever Sam Harris midfield kick.
Turner has all the bravado of youth. He is prepared to try anything. He will have a go. But most importantly, he is fast.
Admittedly, he has played most of his first year with the Waratahs on the wing. But when he has spent time at fullback, Turner has also appeared at one with the position.
Sure there are frailties. His front-on defence is a little suspect, preferring to wait until the opponent is side-on, or passing him by. This is a dangerous practice, and will be ironed out when he is surrounded by Wallabies coaching types. But he is definitely worth the gamble.
Another important way to change the outlook and approach of the team is through leadership. Sure, there are those at the Australian Rugby Union who fervently believe in the status quo and that it would be wonderful for George Gregan to end his Wallabies career by leading the team to this year's World Cup.
However, World Cups are not farewell presents, and with the selectors expected to persevere with Giteau as halfback, it would be ridiculous to choose someone such as Gregan as captain when he is not an automatic first-XV selection.
Gregan is likely to be part of the World Cup contingent, but if he is flitting between the bench and the starting team, the selectors unnecessarily handcuff themselves by naming him skipper. They must give themselves leeway. It is definitely time to move on.
Giteau will be first picked for every Test, if not at halfback than at No.12 - or even five-eighth, if Stephen Larkham is unavailable. He is an ideal captaincy candidate, especially as the other skipper option - Phil Waugh - will forever be fighting with George Smith for the Test openside breakaway spot.
On the end-of-season Wallabies tour through Europe, coach John Connolly raved about Giteau's maturity, his commitment to the cause and how losing hurt him so much.
As importantly, the move this year to the Western Force has made the man. At the Brumbies, surrounded by Gregan, Larkham and Stirling Mortlock, Giteau wouldn't say boo. At the Force, he is the main man, and has blossomed. He is now ready for the next step - leading out the Test team.
MAUL'S TEST TEAM:
1 Nic Henderson
2 Jeremy Paul
3 Guy Shepherdson
4 Nathan Sharpe
5 Mark Chisholm
6 Rocky Elsom
7 George Smith
8 Wycliff Palu
9 Matt Giteau (c)
10 Stephen Larkham
11 Mark Gerrard
12 Scott Staniforth
13 Stirling Mortlock
14 Lote Tuqiri
15 Lachlan Turner
16 Adam Freier,
17 Benn Robinson,
18 Stephen Hoiles,
19 Phil Waugh,
20 George Gregan,
21 Julian Huxley,
22 Drew Mitchell.
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
Originally Posted by frontrow
