Waratahs, with Gibson in charge, could also feature in playoffs
Andrew Smith has returned from European duty with Munster and Montpellier to team up with Tevita Kuridrani in an imposing centre combination that is powerful and skilful.
The same can be said of Larkham’s finishers with heavyweight wings Henry Speight, Joe Tomane and Nigel Ah Wong vying for a place in the starting XV.
The Brumbies will have to brave a tough opening run, with clashes against the Hurricanes, Waratahs, Stormers and Chiefs in the first six rounds, though they have an easy tail–end to their schedule, finishing up against the Reds, Blues and Force.
Meanwhile, Daryl Gibson has taken over the Waratahs reins from Michael Cheika in Sydney this year with the latter concentrating solely on the Wallabies.
The former All Black centre has a wealth of talent at his disposal and it is not inconceivable that the Waratahs could outlast the Brumbies in the playoffs and reclaim the title they failed to defend last year.
In order for this to happen, those who are chosen to fill the spaces created by the departure of heavy-hitters such as Jacques Potgieter will have to embrace the challenge.
Skipper Dave Dennis, fetcher Michael Hooper, lock Will Skelton and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will need the help of a strong supporting cast.
They’ll get that from a backs division that boasts Wallabies Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau, and which has been reinforced by code-swopper Reece Robinson and former All Black wing Zac Guildford.
Flyhalf Bernard Foley will make a late start to the season after limping off in the team’s final pre-season scrim- mage, but that shouldn’t be a problem given that four of their first seven matches are against the Reds (twice), Rebels and Force.
Australia has a tradition of producing world-class fetchers; Pocock and Hooper the latest editions. There are few in the Australian conference this season who will play a more decisive role for their team than Pocock.
The subject of a tug of war between
BACKPAGEPIX the Wallabies and London Wasps, Pocock may begin next year as the highest-paid rugby player in the world.
The reason is that the 55-Test ballhawk generates turnovers that reduce the number of tackles his teammates are required to make while feeding the outside backs with precious opportunities to counter-strike.
Key player: Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)