Seven rookies named in Qantas Wallabies squad

[no.8]

I like the look of the Australian team - given the fact Drew and Stanners will obviously join it when they are fit.
Then there will be whole load of guys get the shove if they don't perform when the under 20's are finished as well.
I would suggest Pocock and maybe Wykes will get elevation to the Wallabies.
Not forgetting Pek and Daruda are just below the line as well!
There will be increase on the 5 Western Force players in the squad as the Wallabies Gold war wagon destroys all who dare to challenge them!

[greenandgoldrugby]

Like everyone else, I reckon it's a great looking squad. The A's look a little patchy but the U20 stars fill a few of those holes.

Versus just last year already we seem to have many more options in places we didn't before:

• Second row - Horwill & Mumm add depth on top of Vicks, Sharpe & Chis
• 10 - Gits, Barnes (and even KB when back) can play top draw. Remember when it was Bernie or no-one?
• 9 - OK it's really just Burgess who's impressed, but that's better then mucking Gits around or praying that Cordingly wont be injured, which he will.
• Backrow - OK, we don't exactly need another 7 but Pocock's there for the future. Palu's finally stepped up and Brown is cover for both him and Rocky, who's matured into world class
• 13 - Cross, Stanners, AAC, Horney in the future. The list goes on.

As for the spots that are still a worry:

• Props - I'd love to be able to fool myself and believe the same guys who've failed before are suddenly different. But can't.
• Full-back - Latho leaves big boots. I'm sure you guys will howl about Shepherd & maybe Shmoo but I'm to be convnced on the big stage for these guys at 15. Chook might have a jihad on him but Gerrard offered a solid option back there. AAC is still an experiment there
• Inside centre - I seem to be in the minority being unconvinced about Barnes at 12. I think he's a misplaced 10 (ironically by Cooper for Qld). Stanners is a 13 and Carter a young basher. Will be watching Tyrone Smith with interest and O'Connor in a year or so.

With a bit of sorting out this season all of the worries above can be allayed, except the props. Roll on Tri-Nations!

[gustafsl]

Is it normal for them to specifically name players not considered for selection due to injury?

If it is then ok.

But if this is something new, I get the feeling they've done it just to avoid people getting upset about selections.

[Jehna]

Little shocked about digby as well...i'd say gerard is far more deserving...he must be spitting chips

What about Rocky? i assume he's sorted out his ARU contract then?

[TOCC]

I like the look of the Australian team - given the fact Drew and Stanners will obviously join it when they are fit.
Then there will be whole load of guys get the shove if they don't perform when the under 20's are finished as well.
I would suggest Pocock and maybe Wykes will get elevation to the Wallabies.
Not forgetting Pek and Daruda are just below the line as well!
There will be increase on the 5 Western Force players in the squad as the Wallabies Gold war wagon destroys all who dare to challenge them!

wykes and daruda wallabies??

ya gotta be kidding me, maybe in the future(2009/2010), but they are definetly not wallaby material yet.

[gustafsl]

Little shocked about digby as well...i'd say gerard is far more deserving...he must be spitting chips

Might be that they aren't sure about Shepherd at full back so they are putting Gerard on Australia A so he can get maximum game time in case he is needed.

[greenandgoldrugby]

I like your thinking, even if it does sound a little wishfull....

[jargan83]

P.S. AJ must be seriously injured, it's the only logical explanation.

I thought that AJ was told by Force management (coach's) that he has a few areas that he has to work on?

[Moses]

having the hardness of a lemonade sandwich would be the first thing he needs to work on. Perhaps being part of a scrum that doesn't get constantly embarrassed at Super 14 level would be another thing to work on.

[AndyS]

Perhaps calling Al Baxter "The Gambler" is being a touch unkind.

Can we call him Trestle Table instead? After all he does fold in the middle

I've frequently heard him called "Jellyback" as well - makes for a jelly/doughnut front row.

[robyn <3]

I've frequently heard him called "Jellyback" as well - makes for a jelly/doughnut front row.

throw the lemonade sandwoch in the mix and we have ourselves a tea party!

[GIGS20]

Manila.......after the folder!