Enigmatic Paul looks out of frame

[Burgs]

Enigmatic Paul looks out of frame

Bret Harris, June 18, 2007

ON the same day the Wallabies succumbed to South Africa in Cape Town, enigmatic Test hooker Jeremy Paul returned to the playing field in a club game in Canberra.

Some observers believe Paul, Australia's most-capped hooker, is the nation's best No.2.

Theoretically, the 30-year-old is still a chance for the World Cup squad, but realistically he has little hope of making it.

Wallabies coach John Connolly has tried several hookers in his 18-month reign and Paul has rarely been the first choice.

Paul was in outstanding form for the Brumbies at the end of the Super 14 series, but was omitted from the Wallabies' 30-man squad for the domestic Tests.

He was named in the Australia A squad, indicating he was still in the mix, but withdrew with a shoulder injury. At this stage, Stephen Moore, Adam Freier and Tatafu Polota-Nau can pack their bags for France.

Paul is probably a better player than all three, but his more flamboyant style does not suit Connolly and restarts coach Michael Foley.

There are also concerns over Paul's consistency, which saw him surrender his starting spot to Brendan Cannon at the 2003 World Cup. It is thought that Connolly might use Paul as an impact player off the bench, but the veteran may not be keen on this role for the World Cup.

Moore played well against South Africa, while Freier failed to make an impact off the bench and struggled with lineout throwing after coming on to replace an injured Moore in the second half.

While Connolly is likely to take the three younger hookers to France, Paul is insurance.

[frontrow]

Moore and Frier pale in ability when compared to Paul, connolly and foley need to have a long hard look at thier selection criteria...That said, Moore did play well on the weekend though so possibly deserves to be around come RWC, but freier needs to improve a lot...And were does this leave Tai who played as well as, or better than the likes of freiers and moore during the super14 season...

[hopep]

No FrontRow, Connoly and Foley just need more time for their great attacking stratagy to work... They must have one, I sure their just keeping it safe and warm somewhere! After the Defense practise session on Saturday (Tackles Aust. 130, SA 45) surely the next game will be an 'attack plan' practice match.

Then John will only need another 6 or 7 practice matches before he is ready to start coaching at 'test' level.

Thats the secret plan isn't it?