Wallabies Test Squad Announced
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The Wallabies squad for the first Test against Ireland at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne on Saturday 14th June was announced today. Robbie Deans the new Wallabies coach sprang a major surprise with Queensland Reds player Peter Hynes selected on the wing ahead of Adam Ashley-Cooper who was a revelation for the Wallabies in 2007. Peter Hynes, 25, had a strong season for the Reds and was consistently one of their best and has been rewarded with the first chance to lay claim to the wing position.
In what was previously indicated, Luke Burgess secured the half back spot which is vacated by George Gregan after his retirement from the Wallabies at the end of the World Cup in 2007. Luke had a sensational year for the Waratahs and leapfrogged both Brett Sheehan and Sam Cordingly, his more experienced teammates to secure the half back spot. Burgess will bring a up tempo game to the Wallabies with a sensational pass game and a half back that is keen to challenge the defensive line. He is also blessed with good speed and has a chance to cement his place in the side and build a strong combination with new five-eighth Matt Giteau who moves from inside centre to five-eighth in a direct swap with Berrick Barnes from the World Cup last year.
Other new selections in the squad are Ryan Cross and Dean Mumm. Ryan Cross who will take his place on the bench had an excellent year for the Western Force after switching from rugby league at the beginning on 2007. Dean Mumm who played strongly for the Waratahs all year was also rewarded for his strong season and will take his place on the bench after James Horwill got the nod.
The Wallaby forwards are a good mix of new talent and experienced test players. George Smith was selected ahead of the Phil Waugh as openside flanker. Nathan Sharpe and James Horwill partner each other in the second row. Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Palu secured their positions through strong and consistent performances for the Waratahs and will form a lethal combination with George Smith at the back of the scrum. In the front row is the hooker Stephen Moore who maintains his role from the World Cup and new the new front row partnership of Matt Dunning and Benn Robinson who are also teammates at the Waratahs.
Stirling Mortlock will captain the Wallabies again this season and will be keen to ensure the Wallabies put up a credible performance under the new Robbie Deans era.
The full Wallabies squad is;
Cameron Shepherd, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Wallabies team selection???
The Wallabies team will be announced on Wednesday in what will be an interesting sign of the future under new coach Robbie Deans. The forward pack is likely to be dominated by Waratahs players. What seems to be of great debate is who will pull on the No 7. Both Phil Waugh and George Smith have their fans but Robbie Deans is blessed with having two sensational players and only one spot with the No 6 certain to be Rocky Elsom and No 8. Wycliff Palu. I suspect George Smith will get the nod as his all round game provides that bit extra and the fact George Smith continues to win every domestic accolodate cannot be ignored. Both players will get ample opportunity this summer to show their respective abilities.
The back line is shaping as an interesting selection ground. The halves combination will be Luke Burgess and Matt Giteau and we can expect to see Stirling Mortlock and Lote Tuqiri who pick themselves. Adam Ashleigh-Cooper and Berrick Barnes are also likely selections at wing and inside centre respectively and Cameron Shepard is a logical selection at fullback. But it must be remembered Robbie Deans mentioned it’s a clean slate and anything in the past is not relevant now so anything is still possible. We will all know tomorrow.
Do you think Phil Waugh is better than George Smith or vice versa, leave you comments below.
Wallabies Squad Announced
The 30 man Wallabies squad was announced today and there were a few surprises under the new coach Robbie Deans. The most noticable exclusion was Mark Gerrard from the Brumbies who could consider himself unlucky to be excluded. Gerrard will instead be part of the Australia A squad and will have to press his claims for tri-nations selection against Japan, Samoa and Tonga in the coming weeks.
The bolter was Ben Alexander the 23 year old from the Brumbies. Having only played a handful of games off the bench for the Brumbies this year he has impressed the new coaching team with his technique and strong work ethic. Stirling Mortlock has maintained his role as the Wallabies captain.
The full squad is;
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner.
Forwards: Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Stephen Hoiles, James Horwill, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Paul, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Phil Waugh.