The Wallabies are always contenders come World Cup time regardless of their form in the intervening 4 years. Losing to Samoa in the build up to this year’s tournament was less than ideal, but perhaps helped to crystallise views on a number of players. The Australians have traditionally been blessed with creative genius in the backline but have perennially struggled to compete up front (who can forget that quarter final in Marseille four years ago?). This year’s squad look to have turned that on its head, however.
Forwards
Up front, the Aussies have worked tirelessly on improving their scrummaging, to the extent that they came out on top at a rain soaked Durban in the recent Tri Nations match; a scenario that would have been unheard of three years ago. Whilst a fair amount of the credit should go to the grizzled Argentine-Australian former international Patricio Noriega, the emergence of some fine international props in Sekope Kepu and Ben Alexander, together with the irrepressible Stephen Moore at hooker makes for a powerful front row. The hooking berth is particularly competitive with Moore continually pressured by Saia Faingaa and Tatafu Polota-Nau. The grunt in the second row comes with the hugely experienced Nathan Sharpe – the sort of player that every team needs. Again, there is great competition in this area of the squad, with James Horwill fresh on the back of leading the Reds to the Super 15 title leading the team. Throw in the likes of the returning Dan Vickerman and Radike Samo and the engine room has a variety of options.
The back row will be hugely competitive with the contrasting styles of the abrasive Rocky Elsom and the arch-scavenger David Pocock. Whilst Elsom has experienced a fitful Super 15 season, and has seen the captaincy move to James Horwill, the Wallabies have in Pocock the one player who can currently stand comfortable toe to toe with Richie McCaw. Their battle in any knock out round could be sensational. At 8, the worryingly injury-prone Wycliff Palu remains a strong contender but with both Scott Higginbotham and Ben McCalman having strong Super 15s. It is difficult to choose a definitive starting 8 for the Wallabies, but regardless of who starts, they will be ultra-competitive at the breakdown and will surely secure enough possession to set the glittering backline going.
Backs
The traditionally strongest part of the Australian team, this year’s vintage is no different. Will Genia is arguably the best scrum half on the planet currently and is another player hot off a stunning Super 15 season. He has quickly filled the gaping hole left by George Gregan and mixes up his game fantastically. His distribution is excellent and the power in his running game could make you think he was a fourth back rower. His link with Quade Cooper will be vital to the success of the Wallabies at the World Cup. Moreover, the ability of Genia to take some of the responsibility off Cooper could see the latter show the finer parts of his mercurial game. Cooper is a game breaker – the sort of player that can conjure something from nothing. He could well get his team out of some sticky situations with a moment of brilliance. With the oodles of creativity at 9 and 10 (as well as in the back three), it has been easier to drop the off colour Matt Giteau. This has allowed Robbie Deans to select two strong carriers in the centre, with Pat McCabe never giving an inch at 12 and Adam Ashley-Cooper oozing class at 13. As these two get their team over the gain line and getting their half backs on the front foot, there will be plenty of space for the back three. And giving the likes of James O’Connor, Kurtley Beale and Digby Ioane too much space will be suicidal for any opposing team. O’Connor is the sort of player that a coach has to make room for. A sublime reader of the game with the footballing skills to match and a surprising turn of speed make him a deadly threat out wide. Couple this with an unflappable temperament with the boot and the Wallabies have yet another match winner in their ranks. The combination with Kurtley Beale on the counter attack and the finishing ability of the rejuvenated Digby Ioane should make watching the Australians an absolute joy.
Overall
There is no doubting the ability in the Australian squad. However, doubts remain as to whether they have a genuine ‘Plan B’ that can win them the tight games. Further, there is some concern about the fitness of some key players, such as skipper Rocky Elsom. Whilst there are game breakers throughout the squad, mercurial talent can also gift points to the opposition – a criminal offence in a World Cup.
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