by John Connolly....

http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/ar...089387168.html

WHEN the Wallabies are playing it brings out people's emotions and everyone has their opinion about who should be playing and what's best for the team.
During the first three Tests we experimented with players in different positions, particularly in our back line, which generated tremendous debate among those who follow the game.
Some sections of the media have been pushing the George Gregan-Stephen Larkham-Matt Giteau combination, and others have pushed for Giteau at halfback and a different combination entirely.
The most important thing for us is we have a plan. We stated before these internationals that we were going to experiment, as we did before the European tour last year.
We stated the goal of that tour was to broaden the depth of the squad by playing 28 or 29 players - something we achieved. From here on, coming into the Tri Nations, all bets are off.
The experimentation will stop. But the last thing we wanted was to get to the World Cup, get some injuries and be wondering "what if?" We now have some options.
This squad broadening will be an issue for Australian rugby as it marches into a new era.
Next year we face the All Blacks three times, the Springboks three times and France twice, and then Ireland on top of a tough Super 14. Having two players for every position is a must.
It's a situation not exclusive to the Wallabies. The All Blacks made five changes to their second Test side against France and the Springboks made 10 changes to their starting line-up against Samoa.
It's important for us to have a strong squad of 30 who are proved at Test level for the World Cup.
Depth is a major issue in Australian rugby, with the fourth Super 14 team stretching our resources. But that fourth team will give us important long-term gains.
We have also diligently kept an eye on the future as well as focusing on the World Cup. We know the best options to replace Larkham and Gregan when they move on.
The experimentation has been successful and, importantly, hasn't cost us a Test victory.
Lote Tuqiri returned to Test football last night four kilograms lighter. I'm delighted with the reload program Wallabies strength and conditioning guru Jason Weber organised for him. Weber wants our players in peak condition for the World Cup and we'll see those benefits in October and November.
There will be some selection headaches when it comes to choosing the final 30-man squad for France.
Julian Huxley has been a great improver at fullback and, with more Tests under his belt, will strongly compete for a Wallabies jersey.
Australia A's form has been encouraging. Tatafu Polota-Nau is coming along well and we hope to have Jeremy Paul in the mix when he returns from shoulder surgery.
The big Test for Australia A will be on Saturday against the Junior All Blacks in Dunedin.
Rodney Blake is looking trim and will make his comeback. He will be competing for a spot in the latter half of the Tri Nations. And Greg Holmes looks likely to make a quick recovery from his shoulder reconstruction.