Mitchell goes wide for Pacific Nations Cup decider

[travelling_gerry]

Western Force’s Drew Mitchell will shift from fullback to the wing for Australia A’s Pacific Nations Cup decider against New Zealand Maori on Sunday.


World Cup Wallabies utility back Mark Gerrard will start at fullback, while Mitchell’s Force team-mate Richard Brown is also in the fifteen.

the rest from the West....

[robyn <3]

go drew!



and brownie too

[force addict]

Brownie will do us proud and show Deans he is worthy of a 1000 Wallaby Caps

[robyn <3]

Brownie will do us proud and show Deans he is worthy of a 1000 Wallaby Caps

dreww too!

[laura]

I believe that Drew Mitchell on the wing is a productive move by Phil Mooney. Mitchell performs better on the wing, in my opinion and this will utilise his abilities better amd should result in more tries. I also think that he will have a greater chance of Wallabies selection after demonstarting said abilities on the wing.

Mark Gerrard will provide a suitable replacement, for Mitchell in the 15 jersey, and is a qualified player who I feel will perform well as fullback.

I am confident in Richard Brown's ability and believe he has earnt his spot int starting 15. I am intrigued to see how he performs at this level.

I am ambivalent as to Brett Sheehan replacing Ben Lucas and Al Campbell replacing Van Humphries.

In my opinion, the Australia A team can beat NZ Maori. It will be a hard fought game but I believe they have the skill to beat NZ.

[Burgs]

Shouldn't have been at #15 in the first place.

[Thequeerone]

peps didn't say that 2 years ago - looking forward to Brown at #8 as well - hopefully with a bit more time there he will secure his berth. Looks to be a strong team - if they beat the Maoris it will be a real upset - Hope they do it.

[BLR]

Brownie will do us proud and show Deans he is worthy of a 1000 Wallaby Caps

I think you're exagerating a bit there.

[laura]

Maori clash last chance to shine
Bret Harris | July 03, 2008

AUSTRALIA A players will have their best opportunity yet to impress Wallabies coach Robbie Deans when the side plays the New Zealand Maori in the Pacific Nations Cup decider in Sydney on Sunday.

Deans will announce a new Wallabies squad on Monday for the Tri-Nations series.

Several members of the Australia A team, including blindside flanker Hugh McMeniman, fullback Mark Gerrard, utility back Timana Tahu, outside back Drew Mitchell, prop Sekope Kepu, winger Digby Ioane, halfback Brett Sheehan and backrower Richard Brown, will be pressing their claims for higher honours, if not in the Tri-Nations, then on the end-of-season tour to Hong Kong and Europe.

Australia A is undefeated in the tournament so far, having beaten Tonga, Samoa and Japan. But the Maori will provide Australia A with a much sterner test than anything it has previously encountered.

"When the draw came out, without jumping too far ahead, we thought the Maori would be the hardest game," Australia A coach Phil Mooney said. "The Maori will be a lot more difficult. This game will be a good indicator to who plays well under pressure.

more...Maori clash last chance to shine | The Australian

[WF2006]

Shouldn't have been at #15 in the first place.

Agreed wholeheartedly!