Pick Giteau and Genia: how
THROUGH the week, I got to reacquaint myself with a piece of silverware that us Australians haven’t had our hands on since 2002. You’re not supposed to touch it because it’s not ours and you’re definitely not supposed to fill it with sponsor’s product and drink out of it. It is the pot at the end of the rainbow for the Wallabies as we lead into another season of Bledisloe Cup action.
Interestingly, the plaque recognising Australia’s win in 2002 is still not on the base of the trophy, but the current holders, I suppose, don’t really care about that.
The Wallabies have had a month’s preparation leading up to the first Test, giving them their best chance to get off to a flyer against New Zealand and, frankly, I’m more interested in winning than entertaining.
The return of Australia’s European players will make a massive difference in experience. With those guys in the team, the number of caps rises by 352, and gives us a significant advantage in game management.
So here is my team, with a few changes from the June Test series against England, for Saturday’s clash at the Olympic Stadium.
15. Dane Haylett-Petty. I really liked what he did against England. He was busy trying to spark something in attack, had high energy and was perhaps the only player to enhance his reputation through June. I saw plenty of composure from him only three Tests into his career and he could fill the No.15 role easily.
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper. With 114 caps to his name, he knows how to be a finisher. Will offer himself up to the ball players as an option.
13. Israel Folau. No doubt the most contentious change, moving him into the centres. Putting it in simple terms, get him closer to the action. The Wallabies need a player who can bend the line and ask questions of the defence. The ball wasn’t getting to our strike weapon during the England series and, as a result, limited his involvement. With no Kurtley Beale in the camp to spark things, Folau has to be moved to get more touches of the ball.
12. Samu Kerevi. My thinking is the Wallabies need to change direction in the No.12 role. It’s time to use a big body, akin to what our blokes have encountered from NZ teams. His mass generates a lot of momentum and most times he gets across the advantage line.