THE Wallabies urged to take a punt on Tasmanian to help Oz regain Cup

BRETT STUBBS
Mercury
April 22, 2014 12:33PM


A WORLD Cup-winning coach has urged the Wallabies to take a punt on an uncapped Tasmanian to help Australia regain the Webb Ellis Cup — comparing him to former rugby great John Eales.

Hobart-born Western Force lock Adam Coleman, a former school captain at New Town High and Tasmanian under-14s, 16s and 18s representative, has caught the eye of 1991 World Cup-winning Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer after just seven Super Rugby matches.

Dwyer famously picked Eales from obscurity and the Queenslander went on to become the Wallabies’ most successful captain and a legend of Australian sport.

“I remember the first time I saw John Eales was in 1990, he was on the bench for Queensland,” Dwyer said. “I’d heard about him and I saw him play for about 25 minutes and I though, ‘this bloke will be a gun’ and immediately I thought he would be in the World Cup team next year.

“I thought the same thing with Adam Coleman — he’s got all the qualities and he’s an eager beaver, he wants to work.”

Dwyer said it was time to move on previous locks such as former Wallaby captain James Horwill, Kane Douglas and Rob Simmons and let the 22-year-old, 122kg, 204cm Tasmanian blossom in the national set up ahead of next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

“When I saw him (Coleman) I thought he could fit in for sure,” Dwyer said. “We have been picking people who in my opinion cannot be members of a winning World Cup team, they will never get us there.

“I would be extremely surprised if he played a Test match this year, but the quicker we get him in the squad, the quicker we let him know we are interested in him and present him with the environment that he could be a part of, the better.

“If we take him on the end-of-season tour ... and he’ll get more time then and get some games and it will stand us in great stead for next year.”

Coleman may be a Tasmanian product but he comes from a long line of rugby champions. His father (Pau’u Afeaki) and first cousin (Inoke Afeaki) are former Tongan captains, his first cousin is former Wallaby Rodney Blake and yet another cousin, Ben Afeaki, has played for the New Zealand All Blacks.

http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/t...-1226893068821



I like the thought of Colman and Skelton locking for RWC 2015 :approve:

Skelton is a lazy lump, starts walking in the warm up. And his team mates know it too, often over the sports ears you hear "work Will"

I think Skelton still hasn't matured physically (or possibly mentally) yet. He reminds me of a young Jonah Lomu back in 1993, not the finished product yet, still looks a little awkward. Maybe he could use a bit of time at the Force under Foley's coaching?

I can't believe I'm saying that! How times have changed! For the better I might add. :D

But would you swap coleman for Skelton? I wouldn't!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GIGS20

But would you swap coleman for Skelton?

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Nope, but if he responds well to good coaching, he could be special.

Honestly, when it comes to bringing in players, the only player I'd like to see put on a Force jumper is Israel Folau. I know that's a no-brainer, but I would like to see him running off guys like Mathewson, Godwin or the two who have been rejuvenated this year, Sias and Rasolea.

Skelton is one of those blokes who can come off the bench, absolutely bust some carnt, turn the ball over to change a game, or plough over the advantage line with 5 allblacks hanging onto him and pop a ball.

He's a lazy farker and fat, but his size and strength are super human

he is destructive and can turn a game. Definitely a work in progress

Coleman seems to have all the skills. His mobility is a question mark for me. He looks pretty slow. Could be anything though. Tall and a lineout colossus and hits like a sledgehammer.......gotta love that

reminds me of you,Rex

fat?

old

Have you got a flag for your electric wheels Gunny? Attachment 2883

gophers are go,Rex

roger that

There are already rumours that he is toying with the idea of heading to France next year.

Would be a big mistake IMO if he was to go he has a very bright future ahead if him.

......Coleman seems to have all the skills. His mobility is a question mark for me. He looks pretty slow. Could be anything though. Tall and a lineout colossus and hits like a sledgehammer.......gotta love that......

Similar attributes of another famous ex-Forcer........:) :eek:

James O'Connor?