British & Irish Lions - Weekly Wallaby Watch (Ioane & McCabe out of series, Barnes out of 2nd test:)

First topic message reminder :

Inevitably, there's been a ma-hoosive over-focus on these boards about whom the tourists are likely to be and little, if anything, on who the Australian test team are likely to be.

The point of this thread is to report week to week upon the players which the Sydney Morning Herald believes are the best Aussie players in each round of the Super 15, to discuss how this changes and to comment in light of these performances who the form test starters are likely to be for the Wallabies.

The Wallaby squad will be removed for all Super 15 matches on 7, 8 and 9 June in order to be 'quarantined' for 3 weeks leading up to the first test on June 22nd.

SUPER 15 MATCHES REMAINING FOR WALLABIES SQUAD UNTIL THE FIRST TEST: 0

A. WALLABIES SQUAD:

Ben Alexander	Prop	Brumbies	28	48
Adam Ashley-Cooper	Fullback-Wing-Midfield	NSW Waratahs	29	77
Berrick Barnes	Flyhalf/Inside Centre/Fullback	NSW Waratahs	27	50
Nick Cummins	Wing	Western Force	25	6
Dave Dennis	Loose Forward	NSW Waratahs	27	15
Kane Douglas	Lock	NSW Waratah	27	6
Saia Fainga’a	Hooker	Queensland Reds	26	18
Israel Folau	Fullback-Wing	NSW Waratahs	23	Uncapped
Will Genia	Halfback	Queensland Reds	25	41
Liam Gill	Flanker	Queensland Reds	20	8
Michael Hooper	Flanker	NSW Waratahs	21	13
Rob Horne	Inside Centre	NSW Waratahs	23	14
James Horwill	Lock	Queensland Reds	27	35
Sekope Kepu	Prop	NSW Waratahs	27	23
Christian Leali’ifano	Flyhalf/Inside Centre	Brumbies	25	Uncapped
Ben McCalman	Loose Forward	Western Force	25	21
Stephen Moore	Hooker	Brumbies	30	76
Ben Mowen	Loose Forward	Brumbies	28	Uncapped
James O’Connor	Flyhalf/Wing	Melbourne Rebels	22	37
Wycliff Palu	No 8	NSW Waratahs	30	46
Nick Phipps	Halfback	Melbourne Rebels	24	12
Benn Robinson	Prop	NSW Waratahs	28	56
Rob Simmons	Lock	Queensland Reds	24	23
James Slipper	Prop	Queensland Reds	23	34
Luke Morahan	Wing	Reds	23	1

B. CURRENT S15 TEAM STANDINGS (AUSTRALIA)
TeamPWLDBFA /-BnsPts

1. Brumbies	14	9	3	2	2	376	257	119	6	54
2. Reds	15	9	4	2	1	307	284	23	6	50
3. Waratahs	14	7	7	0	2	371	344	27	4	40
4. Rebels	14	4	10	0	2	327	439	-112	8	32
5. Force	14	3	10	1	2	233	323	-90	5	27

c. AUSSIE TEAM S15 RESULTS

Round 16
Crusaders v Waratahs, Full Time 23-22
Brumbies v Hurricanes, Full Time 30-23
Reds v Rebels, Full Time 33-20

Round 15
Rebels v Waratahs, Full Time 24-22
Blues v Brumbies, Full Time 13-20
Force v Highlanders, Full Time 19-18
Stormers v Reds, Full Time 20-15

Round 14
Rebels v Stormers, Full Time 30-21
Force v Sharks, Full Time 13-23
Waratahs v Brumbies, Full Time 28-22
Cheetahs v Reds, Full Time 27-13

Round 13
Chiefs v Force, Full Time 22-21
Reds v Sharks, Full Time 32-17
Blues v Rebels, Full Time 36-32
Waratahs v Stormers, Full Time 21-15

Round 12
Rebels v Chiefs, Full Time 33-39
Force v Reds, Full Time 11-11
Kings v Waratahs, Full Time 10-72
Brumbies v Crusaders, Full Time 23-30

Round 11
Reds v Blues, Full Time 12-11
Brumbies v Force, Full Time 41-7
Bulls v Waratahs, Full Time 30-19
Crusaders v Rebels, Full Time 30-26

Round 10
Hurricanes v Force, Full Time 22-16
Waratahs v Chiefs, Full Time 25-20
Reds v Brumbies, Full Time 17-17

Round 9
Highlanders v Brumbies, Full Time 19-30
Chiefs v Reds, Full Time 23-31
Rebels v Kings, Full Time 27-30
Force v Crusaders, Full Time 16-14

Round 8
Brumbies v Kings, Full Time 28-28
Hurricanes v Waratahs, Full Time 41-29
Force v Rebels, Full Time 23-30

Round 7
Highlanders v Reds, Full Time 33-34
Brumbies v Bulls, Full Time 23-20
Cheetahs v Rebels, Full Time 34-16
Waratahs v Force, Full Time 23-19

Round 6
Reds v Bulls, Full Time 23-18
Force v Cheetahs, Full Time 10-19
Sharks v Rebels, Full Time 64-7
Stormers v Brumbies, Full Time 35-22
Waratahs v Blues, Full Time 30-27

Round 5
Waratahs v Cheetahs, Full Time 26-27
Reds v Force, Full Time 12-19
Sharks v Brumbies, Full Time 10-29

Round 4
Rebels v Reds, Full Time 13-23
Brumbies v Waratahs, Full Time 35-6

Round 3
Waratahs v Rebels, Full Time 31-26
Reds v Hurricanes, Full Time 18-12
Bulls v Force, Full Time 36-26

Round 2
Rebels v Brumbies, Full Time 13-30
Reds v Waratahs, Full Time 25-17

Round 1
Rebels v Force, Full Time 30-23
Brumbies v Reds, Full Time 24-6

D. AUSSIE TEAMS OF THE WEEK

27 February 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ed Quirk (Reds)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

7 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Nathan Charles (Force)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Angus Cottrell (Force)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nick Phipps (Rebels)
10. James O'Connor (Rebels)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Nick Cummins (Force)
15. Ben Volavola (Waratahs)

11 March 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Anthony Faingaa (Reds)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

17 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Fotu Auelua (Brumbies)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

24 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Paddy Ryan (Waratahs)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Drew Mitchell (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

31 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

9 April 2013
1. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
2. Ged Robinson (Rebels)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Luke Jones (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Jason Woodward (Rebels)
15. Richard Kingi (Rebels)

14 April 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Rob Simmons (Reds)
5. James Horwill (Reds)
6. George Smith (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Rod Davies (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Junior Rasolea (Force)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jayden Hayward (Force)

21 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Heath Tessman (Force)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Liam Gill (Reds)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

28 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Faingaa (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Sam Carter (Brumbies)
6. Jarrod Saffy (Rebels)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

05 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Chris Alcock (Force)
8. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs)
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Cam Crawford (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

13 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga'a (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs)
5. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Rod Davies (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

20 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Laurie Weeks (Rebels)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Berrick Barnes (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Peter Betham (Waratahs)
15. Luke Morahan (Reds)

27 May 2013
1. Nic Henderson (Rebels)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
6. Chris Alcock (Force)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Tom English (Rebels)
15. Jason Woodward (Rebels)

E. SELECTED AQ PLAYER STATS TO DATE

Most Points
1. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 181
2. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 163
3. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 158
4. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 150
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 142
6. Joe Pietersen (Stormers) 140
7. Quade Cooper (Reds) 138
8. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 122
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 120
10. James O'Connor (Rebels) 106
11. Colin Slade (Highlanders) 85
12. Chris Noakes (Blues) 76
13. Daniel Carter (Crusaders) 70
14. Sias Ebersohn (Force) 63
15. Burton Francis (Cheetahs) 62
16. Jayden Hayward (Force) 60
17. Tyler Bleyendaal (Crusaders) 58
18. Tom Taylor (Crusaders) 52
19. Jason Woodward (Rebels) 51
20. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 50

Most Tries
1. Frank Halai (Blues) 8
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 8
3. Henry Speight (Brumbies) 7
4. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 6
4. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) 6
6. Alfie Mafi (Force) 5
6. Cam Crawford (Waratahs) 5
6. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 5
6. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 5
6. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) 5
6. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 5
6. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 5
6. Rod Davies (Reds) 5
6. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes) 5
6. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 5
16. Akona Ndungane (Bulls) 4
16. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 4
16. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 4
16. Jean de Villiers (Stormers) 4
16. Peter Betham (Waratahs) 4

Most Tackles Made
1. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 214
2. Wimpie van der Walt (Kings) 198
3. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 179
4. Ed Quirk (Reds) 176
5. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 174
6. Matt Todd (Crusaders) 167
7. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 163
8. John Hardie (Highlanders) 161
9. Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs) 160
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 160
9. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 160
9. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 160
13. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) 156
13. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 156
15. Liam Gill (Reds) 153
16. Francois Uys (Cheetahs) 152
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 146
18. Cornell du Preez (Kings) 145
19. George Smith (Brumbies) 144
20. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 142

Most Runs
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 126
2. Charles Piutau (Blues) 119
3. Digby Ioane (Reds) 114
4. Peter Saili (Blues) 107
5. Luke Braid (Blues) 106
6. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 105
7. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 104
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 104
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 101
9. TJ Ioane (Highlanders) 101
11. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 100
11. Tom Marshall (Crusaders) 100
13. Ben McCalman (Force) 96
14. Jake Schatz (Reds) 95
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) 93
15. George Whitelock (Crusaders) 93
17. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 92
17. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 92
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 92
17. Steven Luatua (Blues) 92

Most Try Assists
1. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 11
2. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 7
3. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 5
3. James O'Connor (Rebels) 5
3. Quade Cooper (Reds) 5
3. Rene Ranger (Blues) 5
3. Will Genia (Reds) 5
8. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 4
8. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 4
8. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 4
11. Elton Jantjies (Stormers) 3
11. Francis Saili (Blues) 3
11. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 3
11. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 3
11. Johann Sadie (Cheetahs) 3
11. Matt Toomua (Brumbies) 3
11. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 3
11. Nic White (Brumbies) 3
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 3
11. Winston Stanley (Force) 3

Most Offloads
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 30
3. Luke Braid (Blues) 22
4. Rene Ranger (Blues) 21
5. Ben Smith (Highlanders) 20
6. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 17
6. Robert Fruean (Crusaders) 17
8. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 16
8. Francois Steyn (Sharks) 16
10. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 15
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 14
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 14
11. James O'Connor (Rebels) 14
14. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 13
14. Charles Piutau (Blues) 13
14. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 13
14. Kyle Godwin (Force) 13
14. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 13
19. John Hardie (Highlanders) 12
19. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) 12

Most Pilfers Made
1. Liam Gill (Reds) 9
2. Rene Ranger (Blues) 8
2. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 8
4. George Smith (Brumbies) 7
5. Chris Alcock (Force) 6
5. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 6
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 5
7. Luke Braid (Blues) 5
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 5
7. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 5
11. Alby Mathewson (Force) 4
11. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 4
11. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 4
11. Jacques Botes (Sharks) 4
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 4
11. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 4
11. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) 4
18. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 3
18. Michael Fitzgerald (Chiefs) 3
18. Saia Faingaa (Reds) 3

Most Penalties Conceded
1. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders) 26
2. Ben Mowen (Brumbies) 20
2. Greg Holmes (Reds) 20
4. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 19
5. Ben Alexander (Brumbies) 18
6. Ali Williams (Blues) 17
6. Ben Franks (Hurricanes) 17
6. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) 17
9. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 16
10. Schalk Ferreira (Kings) 15
10. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 15
12. Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs) 14
12. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 14
12. Laurie Weeks (Rebels) 14
12. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 14
12. Sam Carter (Brumbies) 14
12. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 14
18. Angus Ta'avao (Blues) 13
19. Deon Stegmann (Bulls) 12
19. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 12

Most Turnovers Conceded
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) 34
3. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs) 29
4. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 28
5. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 27
6. Charles Piutau (Blues) 25
7. Heath Tessmann (Force) 24
7. Rene Ranger (Blues) 24
9. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 23
9. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 23
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 22
12. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 21
12. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 21
12. Hikawera Elliot (Chiefs) 21
12. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 21
12. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 21
12. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 21
12. Nathan Charles (Force) 21
12. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 21
12. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 21

Most Missed Tackles
1. Chris Noakes (Blues) 31
1. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 31
3. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 30
4. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 29
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 27
6. Mitch Inman (Rebels) 25
7. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 23
7. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 23
7. Pierre Spies (Bulls) 23
10. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 22
10. Brad Shields (Hurricanes) 22
10. Kyle Godwin (Force) 22
10. Sergeal Petersen (Kings) 22
10. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 22
15. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 21
15. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 21
15. JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls) 21
15. Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs) 21
15. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 21
15. Ronnie Cooke (Kings) 21

Sensible piece from Mr Cully at SMH about who he'd have in the initial 25 man Wallaby squad:

Who will squeeze into Deans' 25-man tent
May 6, 2013

Trying to squeeze in 25 names for the initial Wallabies squad to be announced on May 19 is akin to putting away a tent for the first time. Refilling the packaging is the easy part, but you are invariably left with a number of essential-looking pieces lying around with no apparent home.

Take the loose-forward mix. If the Wallabies selectors go for a 14-11 forwards-backs split, there might only be room for four candidates, and you could comfortably pick three opensides – George Smith, Michael Hooper and Liam Gill – alone. So there will be some long faces at each of the Australian teams, and coping with that will be a challenge for all the coaches, who until the selection cut-off point have had the juicy carrot of Wallabies selection to dangle in front of their troops.

There are two key things to consider before even going through the list of ins and outs. First, Super Rugby is not Test rugby, and it's certainly not British and Irish Lions rugby. It is a message that is lost at this time of year, when we immersed in the thrills of the provincial competition, but the Rebels v Chiefs try-fest on Friday night, for example, has close to zero relevance to what is coming.

Second, the styles of game played by some Australian sides (the Brumbies and Waratahs, most noticeably) are so drastically different that Robbie Deans will select the players he believes will produce what he has in mind. Some players will miss out not because they aren't carrying out their Super Rugby duties expertly, but because it might not fit in with what the Wallabies want (whether or not you agree with that plan is a separate issue).

With those two points in mind, especially the first one, it becomes much easier to chart a course through some tricky selection waters. In particular, players whom Deans has not seen react in a Test environment are at a natural disadvantage. It doesn't mean they can't be picked. For example, Ben Tapuai has been outpointed by Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), Jackson Willison (Blues) and Kyle Godwin (Force) in the past three rounds, opening up the door for the Brumbies No.12. But it makes it harder when the selection meetings come down to the 50-50 calls.

Quade Cooper is doing enough to make the 25, although Fairfax Media understands consideration is being given to excluding him and seeing how he performs for the Reds against the Lions on June 8. Cooper's attention to detail is the one thing that has stood out recently. His hanging restarts, for instance, have been consistently excellent. It doesn't sound like much but it is. Whether the trust has returned sufficiently for him to be the starting No.10 is entirely another matter. The return of the more versatile Berrick Barnes could even knock his chances of a bench role.
In other areas it comes down to tactics. At tight-head the Wallabies have faith in Ben Alexander, in which case Sekope Kepu's extra mobility from the bench is the smarter choice than a Dan Palmer.

Is this the 25 we think the selectors will pick? No. There'll be be differences. Ben Mowen's reputation as the unluckiest man in Australian rugby might remain, especially as Dave Dennis and Scott Higginbotham have really come into some form. But it'll be pretty close.

Cully's squad

Forwards (14).

Hookers: Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs). Props: Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Benn Robinson (Waratahs), James Slipper (Reds). Second-rowers: James Horwill, (Reds) Rob Simmons (Reds), Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs), Hugh McMeniman (Western Force). Loose forwards: Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), George Smith (Brumbies), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Ben Mowen (Brumbies)

Backs (11).

Halfbacks: Will Genia (Reds), Nic White (Brumbies). Five-eighths: James O'Connor (Rebels), Quade Cooper (Reds). Midfielders: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), Pat McCabe (Brumbies). Wings/fullbacks: Kurtley Beale (Rebels), Israel Folau (Waratahs), Digby Ioane (Reds), Nick Cummins (Western Force).

Very sensible article. Pretty much how I see it too.

There has been much clamour for the likes of Mogg, Gill, Lealiifano, Folau etc. to be parachuted into the test side but as Cully says "Super Rugby is not Test rugby, and it's certainly not British and Irish Lions rugby".

Also the comments on Cooper are fairly apt. He is improving but still has obvious shortcomings. Most noticably attitude related in recent years.

GunsGerms wrote:
There has been much clamour for the likes of Mogg, Gill, Lealiifano, Folau etc. to be parachuted into the test side but as Cully says "Super Rugby is not Test rugby, and it's certainly not British and Irish Lions rugby".

I don't see a problem with one or two players debuting against the Lions. There is never any issue with players making their debut against the AB's and SA which is a more daunting prospect, especially if it is in Jo'burg or at Eden Park. FYI Gill has already played 8 tests so it would hardly be parachuting.


I wouldn't be surprised to see Folau make the run-on side. Probably more likely he will come on as a sub at some stage. This guy is a freakish talent. Disregarding the Kings woeful defence last week, he still played some sublime rugby. His offload for the first try was SBW at his best. The SA commentator summed it up nicely...."and there's the magic". The try he scored showed his vision, a delightful step then in and away and power to take 2 Kings defenders over the line. Under the high ball , i reckon there is no-one better in Australian rugby. I will go out on a limb here and say there wouldn't be many worldwide (in rugby) who could match his aerial ability. When he played NRL he was good and the 2 seasons of AFL have made him exceptional. People are questioning whether he could handle the pressure of a debut in a Lions test; He made his debut in the NRL at 17, became Australia's youngest ever Kangaroo (national NRL side) at 18 and played State of Origin the year after. Some of these games, esp.the SOO are played in front of 60K+ crowds. Of any debutant, I reckon he has the temperament to handle the occasion. As you can guess, I am an unabashed fan. What makes Israel Folau an even more mouth-watering prospect is that he has only played 10 games of top-flight rugby and is getting better each time he plays. The only aspect that would be of a concern is his tactical awareness that only comes with experience. Additionally, the Waratah's 10 Bernard Foley has been in fine form this season. An ex-sevens rep, he is progressing nicely. Not ready for the test yet perhaps but a good prospect.

http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-HIGHLIGHTS-All-tries-10-72-Kings-V-Waratahs-Super-Rugby-2013/tabid/317/articleID/296550/Default.aspx

Most Tries
1. Henry Speight (Brumbies) 7
2. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 6
2. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) 6
4. Alfie Mafi (Force) 5
4. Frank Halai (Blues) 5
4. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 5
4. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) 5
4. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 5

Most Runs
1. Digby Ioane (Reds) 99
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 99
3. Charles Piutau (Blues) 92
4. Luke Braid (Blues) 89
4. Peter Saili (Blues) 89

Most Run Metres
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 1121
2. Digby Ioane (Reds) 960
3. Charles Piutau (Blues) 929
4. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 812
5. Tom Marshall (Crusaders) 784

Most Linebreak Assists
1. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 12
2. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 10
3. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 7
4. James O’Connor (Rebels) 5

Most Offloads
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 26
2. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 21
3. Luke Braid (Blues) 17
4. Francois Steyn (Sharks) 16
4. Rene Ranger (Blues) 16
4. Robert Fruean (Crusaders) 16

Most Linebreaks
1. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 10
2. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 9
2. Peter Betham (Waratahs) 9
4. Ben Smith (Highlanders) 8
4. Charles Piutau (Blues) 8
4. Henry Speight (Brumbies) 8
4. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 8
4. Kade Poki (Highlanders) 8
9. Alfie Mafi (Force) 7
9. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 7

Most Try Assists
1. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 9
2. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 7
3. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 5
3. James O’Connor (Rebels) 5
5. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 4
6. Francis Saili (Blues) 3
6. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 3
6. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 3
6. Matt Toomua (Brumbies) 3

Agree with every sinlge point you make there, Icu.

Also add to the fact that the more helter-skelter the Lions games are, the more broken play and counter-attacking there is - there is no better person to have on your side (in Oz, if not the world) than Folau. He would revel in the atmosphere and create a fair amount of damage.

Let's not forget too that the SA commentators probably don't know too much about his history in other codes so to hear them lost for superlatives only reinforces what we already know about his capabilities.

Okay. So we can officially pull on our asbestos underpants?

I agree Linebreaker - the more broken play the better! Opinion seems to still be divided on places like The Roar as to whether he should play but for me it's no question. I should add that we haven't seen much (if any) evidence of his kicking game. Whether this is part of the Waratah's game plan i'm not sure but GWS must have sent him to kicking school when they signed him. Defensively, he was a caught out a few times when he started but those errors seem to getting ironed out. he may make a few tactical/positional mistakes but IMO the attacking benefits he brings markedly outweigh any negatives. To ease him into it, probably best as a sub around 65min mark when players are tired and his ability to bust tackles would come to the fore. Fingers crossed he sticks around for a few more seasons at least. If he does he'll join Jason Robinson and SBW as the best league converts.

George Carlin wrote:Okay. So we can officially pull on our asbestos underpants?

Maybe not quite yet George but I could see him tearing it up if he comes on mid-way through the 2nd half. I am hoping RD gives him a crack at a tired Lions backline.

Don't know enough about the Oz team at the moment....huge admirer of the backs, 2 questions, is the pack up to it, set piece in particular, and is RD able to put aside the politics...is the camp united or is their still disharmony regarding Cooper?

What do we think about lock?

Horwill and Simmons to start with MMM on the bench?

Didnt realise Gill had so many caps. Speight is not eligable (yet) for the Wallabies correct?

GunsGerms wrote:Didnt realise Gill had so many caps. Speight is not eligable (yet) for the Wallabies correct?

Correct, not until 2014. What a shame. ()

GunsGerms wrote:Didnt realise Gill had so many caps. Speight is not eligable (yet) for the Wallabies correct?

I think saw a comment somewhere saying Speight is eligible in 2014. And according to Wiki (yeah I know) he joined the Brumbies in 2011 from Waikato, so 3 years' residency matches up with a late 2013 (NPC 2010 would have finished in October)/early 2014 (SXV starts pre-season in January) eligibility - he'd be potentially eliglble for the AIs depending on when he moved house, but not the Lions.


Edit, too slow as usual!

KB is at it again. I'd say he's blown his chances of playing against the Lions. Such a shame.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/beale-stood-down-by-rebels-20130509-2j921.html

Yes that is a real shame. I always enjoy watching Beale on the ball and was even more-so looking forward to him playing against the Lions.

That's such a shame - looks like he's having real problems holding it together.

So they're going to decide on the length of his suspension next week. Unless the suspension is a month or less, that that means he's going to miss the start of the Wallabies training camp on 7 June. Everyone clearly rates him as a good bloke and are desperate to help him, though.

There's an argument that putting him in the Wallaby squad may actually be better for his rehabilitation than leaving him out and hammer home his responsibilities as a professional athlete and colleague. I hope that he does feature because I'd like the Lions to be able to say that we faced off against the best (less Pocock).

Good thinking, George. I hope they do find a way to get him back in the side. However I think he's blown his chances.

George Carlin wrote:That's such a shame - looks like he's having real problems holding it together.

So they're going to decide on the length of his suspension next week. Unless the suspension is a month or less, that that means he's going to miss the start of the Wallabies training camp on 7 June. Everyone clearly rates him as a good bloke and are desperate to help him, though.

There's an argument that putting him in the Wallaby squad may actually be better for his rehabilitation than leaving him out and hammer home his responsibilities as a professional athlete and colleague. I hope that he does feature because I'd like the Lions to be able to say that we faced off against the best (less Pocock).

Attitute seems to be a common problem with Aussie backs:

Sailor
Tiquiri
Cooper
Beale
Giteau
O'Connor

have all come under fire for doing really stupid things. Whats going on over there?

Lack of discipline but also the bar has been raised and there is zero tolerance these days. Which makes Beale's 2nd infringement more worse - for him and us as well. Must be something in the air. Their egos blind their responsibilities when alcohol is added but some people just have underlying problems which the drink exacerbates. You'd think the worst offenders would come to their senses but it's too much to ask for some.

Linebreaker wrote:Lack of discipline but also the bar has been raised and there is zero tolerance these days. Which makes Beale's 2nd infringement more worse - for him and us as well. Must be something in the air. Their egos blind their responsibilities when alcohol is added but some people just have underlying problems which the drink exacerbates. You'd think the worst offenders would come to their senses but it's too much to ask for some.

I understand O'Connor going out and getting peed and chasing a bit of tail but some of the other things that go on are a bit strange.

Oh yeah, they're footballers, mate. You've been here... you know what they are like. It's never-ending controversy. The mind boggles.

Linebreaker wrote:Oh yeah, they're footballers, mate. You've been here... you know what they are like. It's never-ending controversy. The mind boggles.

I have been there and I have relatives in the ARU too so keep my ear close to the ground there. In any case they're not all like that. Pocock being an obvious example, Horwell too. In fact it is mostly backs that seem to cause trouble.

Of course there are also great/good examples.

Linebreaker wrote:Of course there are also great/good examples. So you're telling me you know more about the game here? You know bugger all obviously.

More than you might think. Still I dont get over to Oz enough to keep up to speed. Was meant to go for the Lions tour. Had tickets and accomodation for all tests and two god daughters to visit but I couldnt get the time off work.

Have you heard of Sydney/Irish rugby club Linebreaker?

No, where do they play? They have a very low profile here unless you're an expat.

Linebreaker wrote:No, where do they play? They have a very low profile here unless you're an expat.

I know they were only set up last year by a friend of mine. They are growing in size very quickly and bringing tag rugby to Sydney.

They play in NSW Suburban League, Latham Park, Coogee. Plenty of Irish in Coogee.

http://www.sydneyirishrfc.com/

Sounds good. Tag RL has been played here for a while though. You should see some of the women's matches - lightning fast and great ball handling skills. They just had the nationals up at Coffs.

Linebreaker wrote:Sounds good. Tag RL has been played here for a while though. You should see some of the women's matches - lightning fast and great ball handling skills. They just had the nationals up at Coffs.

Ah right, didnt know.

I played in a social mixed league once. Never got so many injuries in full contact union as I did in tag. I also broke a girls nose with my elbow by accident. Real low point.

Yeah, lots of tears, strains and ruptured achillies. It got to the stage when people were dropping off each week - out for months in some cases.

Was it her fault? Sometimes they put their heads in a bit close when going in for the tag.

They're just outlining all the breaches of the Code that Kurtley made on Rugby HQ. Pretty sad state of affairs. Discussions to take place and it sounds like they will help him continue on his "positive journey".

Israel Folau on now. They keep asking him about his future. Giving him a big rap now. 11th player since 2002 to top 200m in a match

Linebreaker wrote:Israel Folau on now. They keep asking him about his future. Giving him a big rap now. 11th player since 2002 to top 200m in a match

Looks like he will be the bolter then. Jake White doesnt think he should be picked.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/picking-folau-an-indictment-says-jake-white-20130503-2ixt6.html

Must say I felt the same way about Maitland.

I think both Maitland and Issy should play.

Interview with BOD coming up.

Discipline is the sharp edge of professionalism for me.

It's' the difference between (a) going out for a few beers and inadvertantly having a dust up with some sh!tfaced punter who wants to show off in front of his mortified girlfriend and (b) trouble of the drunken nudity/dwarf tossing/ferry jumping variety.

(a) stands a chance of being acceptable, (b) never does.

Not should it. Shrugging and saying that "boys will be boys" isn't good enough when you're being handed thousands of bucks a week to set a good example.

Linebreaker wrote:I think both Maitland and Issy should play.

Interview with BOD coming up.

Where are you watching this?

At home. Not far from Coogee.
It used to be called The Rugby Show. On every Thursday evening at 8:30pm.

There's a segment called the "Lion Tamers" On next.

Breaker - is the Lions series on Fox Sports over there? Must be.

Does that mean Justin Marshall and Kearnsey will be commentating?

Yes, Foxsports. Not sure about Marshall (no Kiwi policy!) but definitely the usual crew of Greg Clarke, Phil Kearns, Rod Kafer, Greg Martin, Tim Horan, Brendan Cannon, Sean Maloney, Nick McArdle (presenter)...and maybe a former recent player like Nathan Sharpe to chime in with special comments.

It might also be on one of the FTA channels... like Network10 (this year) but they have the commercial breaks and end up being 15 minutes out of sync by the end of every 'telecast'.

Linebreaker wrote:At home. Not far from Coogee.
It used to be called The Rugby Show. On every Thursday evening at 8:30pm.

There's a segment called the "Lion Tamers" On next.

Ive seen the rugby show alright. What was BOD saying?

Love Coogee there are some amazing places there.

Linebreaker wrote:Yes, Foxsports. Not sure about Marshall (no Kiwi policy!) but definitely the usual crew of Greg Clarke, Phil Kearns, Rod Kafer, Greg Martin, Tim Horan, Brendan Cannon, Sean Maloney, Nick McArdle (presenter)...and maybe a former recent player like Nathan Sharpe to chime in with special comments.

It might also be on one of the FTA channels... like Network10 (this year) but they have the commercial breaks and end up being 15 minutes out of sync by the end of every 'telecast'.

Maloney and Kearns are very excitable characters, good panel though. I usually watch their plays of the week segment.

GunsGerms wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:At home. Not far from Coogee.
It used to be called The Rugby Show. On every Thursday evening at 8:30pm.

There's a segment called the "Lion Tamers" On next.

Ive seen the rugby show alright. What was BOD saying?

Love Coogee there are some amazing places there.

Not much in the end. They just reiterated what a wonderful career he's had (and still having), showed your favourite tries from 2001.
He then said a little about "keeping his house in order", talked up Leinster and Sexton a bit (showed some footage of him nailing goals) and finally that "it will be a difficult task for Gats to pick his side". He was very humble and unassuming as usual.

Linebreaker wrote:
Not much in the end. They just reiterated what a wonderful career he's had (and still having), showed your favourite tries from 2001.
He then said a little about "keeping his house in order", talked up Leinster and Sexton a bit (showed some footage of him nailing goals) and finally that "it will be a difficult task for Gats to pick his side". He was very humble and unassuming as usual.

No doubt they have showed the Joe Roff try a few times too.

Good dude Joe Roff. He came over to my school to give some rugby training there once. His brother in law was our schools rugby coach.

Believe it or not Roff trained a very young Rob Kearney on a couple of occasions.

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/11562.php

No Joe Roff. They also showed the horrible tackle in 2005 plus some runs in 2009 before his injury.

Linebreaker, did you hear them mention than Canno made his test debut against the Lions? Or was i just imagining it?

I missed that. Would need to check it.

I noticed Canno gave Beale no quarter and said his behavior is inexcusable. Quite funny listening to him have his say. Agree with him in principle. The others were more open to the the suggestion that KB needs 'more help' and there is still a glimmer of hope. Such a pity this has happened.

I agree with Canno. As much as i'd like to see KB play against the Lions a line needs to be drawn somewhere. Just wish he stopped himself from having that 1 beer - at the Storm game i believe.
Was good to see Izzy say he's enjoying his time at the Tah's. He seemed to be leaning toward staying. Sounds like the opportunity for travel, the RWC and maybe the Olympics will keep him in rugby.
I forgot how good O'Driscoll was in 2001. Genius player. That was the first i've heard him interviewed - he comes across as great bloke. Wish he was one of ours.

Icu wrote:I agree with Canno. As much as i'd like to see KB play against the Lions a line needs to be drawn somewhere. Just wish he stopped himself from having that 1 beer - at the Storm game i believe.
Was good to see Izzy say he's enjoying his time at the Tah's. He seemed to be leaning toward staying. Sounds like the opportunity for travel, the RWC and maybe the Olympics will keep him in rugby.
I forgot how good O'Driscoll was in 2001. Genius player. That was the first i've heard him interviewed - he comes across as great bloke. Wish he was one of ours.

Quite apt that Beale plays for a team call the Rebels. Mind you was it really just 1 beer? If so its a bit harsh to baby players like that. I know that when Drico was his age he had the odd beer and smoke in Kielys in Donnybrook.

Nice comments re Drico.

He'll be heading back up to Sydney again they say.

Drico is all class though and obviously has his life well under control.

Linebreaker wrote:He'll be heading back up to Sydney again they say.

Drico is all class though and obviously has his life well under control.

He and Mrs BOD have just had their first Mini O'Driscoll so he's in a complentative mood at the moment.

He is still deciding whether to do another year with Leinster or just quit now. If the Lions win the series and he's involved, he may just go now I think.

George Carlin wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:He'll be heading back up to Sydney again they say.

Drico is all class though and obviously has his life well under control.

He and Mrs BOD have just had their first Mini O'Driscoll so he's in a complentative mood at the moment.

He is still deciding whether to do another year with Leinster or just quit now. If the Lions win the series and he's involved, he may just go now I think.

There is that chance and I always thought this would be his international swansong. However, given that Schmidt has just taken over the mantel as Irish coach I now believe that Schmidt will convince BOD to stick around a little longer. Aparently BOD is a big admirer of Schmidt.

He's still got a few years left in him wouldn't you say, GG?

Linebreaker wrote:He's still got a few years left in him wouldn't you say, GG?

Well Mike Catt, Stephane Terblanche and Simon Shaw all played to a high level as OAPs. Drico may have a year or two left. Time will tell.