Chapman 'has to be' in mix for Wallabies

[mudskipper]

JOHN-PAUL MOLONEY 5/05/2009 10:32:00 AM


It's rare for a coach and captain to speak over each other in a press conference and rarer still for them to say exactly the same thing. But asked after Saturday night's 52-13 victory against the Queensland Reds whether blindside flanker Mitchell Chapman should be in the mix for Wallabies selection, ACT Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles and coach Andy Friend blurted out in unison, ''He has to be''. After being stranded outside the match-day 22 for the first six rounds, Chapman has made all his opportunities count since he was picked to start against the Durban Sharks in round seven.
He was part of a completely dominant back-row performance against the Reds on Saturday, a timely performance given Test flanker Hugh McMeniman's season-ending injury last week.

Chapman has been close to Wallabies selection, but injuries have so far thwarted his ambition. He joined the Brumbies last season from Queensland.

''I think everyone's desire to play for the Wallabies is probably what drives them in the end,'' Chapman said. ''At the moment I'm really happy playing for the Brumbies. Six weeks ago I wasn't even in the team, so I'm happy to be playing and what happens from there, happens.'' Friend said Chapman's work had been important to the Brumbies' late-season success.


http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news...s/1504519.aspx

[gotheforce]

he's gotta fight off the others, consisting of a possible rocky elsom, matt hodgson, phil Waugh (assuming Pocock and Smith gets the 7 jersey), RIchard Brown and Dean Mumm

[mudskipper]

Elsom who?... Brown is a No.8.... Waugh is out.... Pocock is a 7 not a 6... Smith is the in form 7... Mumm is a possible...

Champan gives a another genuine lineout option...

[jargan83]

Why is Waugh out, he re-signed with the ARU? Elsom is one of the best openside flankers in the world isn't he?
Posted via Mobile Device

[mudskipper]

Why is Waugh out, he re-signed with the ARU? Elsom is one of the best openside flankers in the world isn't he?
Posted via Mobile Device

It isn't a done deal yet with Elsoms return so I'm putting a ? mark on him... By the week of teh month Deans will announce the squad... Waugh got a small ARU contract... He isn't in teh 22 if pocock and Smith are fit....

[gotheforce]

Deans like to play 2 opensides sometimes at 6 and 7. Has done so in the past with Smith on 7 and Waugh on 6. Nothing's stopping him from doing the same again. Might even see Pocock at 6 and Smith at 8.

Rocky Elsom is a maybe on coming back, but if he does, he's probably ahead of Chapman in the 6 ranks.

Hodgson has been in top form at 6 and has been consistent at 6 throughout the tournament. Good defense, good aggression at breakdowns.

I'd imagine if Palu is in form and fit, he'd be the 8, So there is a possibility Brown goes into 6 to play. has also done so in the past.

Mumm is a huge possibility at 6. Been pretty good all year round.

Mitch Chapman has been great at 6. But he is facing some stiff competition. I'd see him in the training squad, but not a run on at 6. Maybe in the 22.

Might see quite a bit of Brumbies forwards in the mix though. There's been quite a few on good form. Chisolm before he was injured was going really good. ben Alexander by far is the best prop in the country. Stephen Moore will win selection again at 2.

[mudskipper]

If Elsom comes back he'll be first pick 6... If Deans goes for opensiders he'll pick Smith and Pocock... and Champan will get a bench spot or not make the 22 ... Mostly 2 opensides have been used to cover injuries... Rocky's had a good year in the North but will he come back to OZ?