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Tahs to the power of seven equals one team to beat
Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent | May 20, 2008
OVERSEAS critics may still laugh at Australia's scrummaging prowess, but the fact their pack has been a dominant force over the past four months has been a crucial factor in the Waratahs' embarking on their fourth Super finals campaign.
The Waratahs have had the best Australian pack, and it is not surprising seven NSW forwards have made the Herald's Super 14 team of the tournament. This team comprises those who made the Herald's Super 14 team of the week most often during the season.
Each week, Rupert Guinness and I chose a form Australian side from that weekend's round. It revolved entirely on how each player performed in that round.
Some weeks it was easy. Some weeks it was near impossible, especially if, in some positions, no one in the four Australian teams had performed - and, sadly, that was often.
But in several positions there were constant standouts. Quite often the two second-rowers were Dan Vickerman and Nathan Sharpe. Phil Waugh was so consistent as the openside breakaway he made the team eight times, compared with George Smith's five, while Wycliff Palu had good performances all season to win the No.8 position.
The halves were easy. Matt Giteau and Luke Burgess performed well above everyone else, while Lote Tuqiri, after a quiet start, found his form in the final two months to be easily the most consistent winger.
However, at fullback, inside-centre and the other wing, the options were relatively limited. The form of many midfielders fluctuated wildly.
Whether this is Robbie Deans's first Wallabies starting line-up is highly unlikely. But at least 13 of them should make the first Test squad. And Deans could do far worse than devising his Test pack around the so far successful Waratahs scrum.
TEAM OF THE SEASON
15 Mark Gerrard (ACT) (4)
14 Lote Tuqiri (NSW) (7)
13 Ryan Cross (Force) (6)
12 Tyrone Smith (ACT) (3)
11 Adam Ashley-Cooper (ACT) (3)
10 Matt Giteau (Force) (7)
9 Luke Burgess (NSW) (6)
8 Wycliff Palu (NSW) (6)
7 Phil Waugh (NSW) (8)
6 Rocky Elsom (NSW) (6)
5 Dan Vickerman (NSW) (8)
4 Nathan Sharpe (Force) (7)
3 Matt Dunning (NSW) (5)
2 Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW) (5)
1 Benn Robinson (NSW) (7)
Brackets indicate number of times a player has been picked in the Herald's Australian Super 14 team of the week.