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Holmes gives Tahs boss a headache
Rupert Guinness
Thursday, January 25, 2007
There is a little spot on the head of Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie that could well develop into a worrying irritation in the next few days.
For whatever the outcome of tonight's trial match between NSW and the Crusaders, there is every chance he will be left scratching it as he tries to decide which of three players vying for the No.9 jersey is his best option.
Josh Valentine, Brett Sheehan and Josh Holmes all realise their game tonight at Aussie Stadium could swing heavily for or against them in their bids to be the starting halfback and in the 26-strong Waratahs squad that flies to Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Heading into tonight's clash, McKenzie was no clearer about where the three halfbacks stood in the pecking order and left the door open as to whether he would be come the Super 14 kick-off on February 2.
"We are still open-minded. It's going to be close. I don't think there is necessarily going to be a right or wrong selection," he said.
McKenzie would not rule out taking all three players to South Africa. It is a prospect that has arisen thanks to the developed versatility of the youngest of the three - 19-year-old Holmes. He has spent much of the off-season running with NSW in the outside backs as well as at halfback while Sheehan and Valentine travelled with the Wallabies on their end-of-season tour.
Were Holmes not to stand out as the halfback choice tonight - and McKenzie to think about fielding a reserves bench with five forwards and two backs against the big forwards-driven South African opposition - the 2006 Australian under-19s, -21s and A representative last year could be seen a viable utility back.
"We won't rule it out," said McKenzie when asked if taking all three halves to South Africa was a possibility. "We have to look at the coverage [of positions]. Every injury changes the thinking a little about who expects to cover what. Some, like Josh Holmes, have been training in outside-back positions in the off-season, so that is something he has been adding to his repertoire. If he is on the bench, he could play in different scenarios. We can play a 5-2 bench. We have done that in South Africa quite a bit."
Holmes, who played the first 30 minutes of last Saturday's trial against the Brumbies, has taken the prospect on board. He has become faster and muscled up, adding 2.5kg.
"I have put a bit of weight on in the off-season, on my thighs and have played a couple of other positions. 'Link' [McKenzie] said it might work to my advantage. Hopefully I am a more versatile player," he said.
Starting tonight and in his second appearance for the Waratahs since returning to NSW from Queensland after last season is Valentine, 24, who played the last 15 minutes against the Brumbies, coming on for Sheehan, who had 25 minutes.
Valentine, who has four Test caps from the bench, has a lightning pass and a dangerous midfield kick. And when he talks about the No.9 jersey, he is not just talking about the Waratahs strip vacated by Chris Whitaker.
"It's hot topic. In Australian rugby it is, too, with George Gregan, Sam Cordingley, Matt Giteau … a lot of people are striving for the No.9 jersey," he said.
Sheehan, who played in the midweek Australia A games on the Wallabies tour and is known for his robust play, would not be surprised if McKenzie rotated all three halves to suit match tactics.
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