Brendan Cannon: Stellar Super Rugby performances will push bolters into mix for World Cup selection
The notion that the Wallabies’ World Cup squad is already locked in is rubbish, and there is no reason a newcomer can’t force his way in with an outstanding Super Rugby season, writes Brendan Cannon.
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The notion that the Wallabies’ World Cup squad is already locked in is rubbish, and there is no reason a newcomer can’t force his way in with an outstanding Super Rugby season.
We start 2019 with an air of anticipation, knowing that the World Cup is just seven months away. After the debacle of last year, when it was tough to decide who out of Australia’s players and administrators performed more poorly, there is much to prove this season for both parties.
There is an abbreviated Test season so, of course, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika won’t be making mass changes, but right now, everyone starts on the same line, and I can see bolters from Super Rugby emerging for the campaign in Japan.
Isi Naisarani is an obvious candidate, but plenty of others should not be disheartened if they have been overlooked for national duties in the past because having experienced World Cup years myself, I can say with confidence that nobody is safe from the chop.
I was disappointed that Stephen Larkham’s axing from the Wallabies’ coaching staff wasn’t resolved last year, so we could start 2019 without that drama overshadowing the start to the season.
Larkham made his thoughts clear in that press release and it’s obvious he was unhappy with how it unfolded, but it was disappointing Rugby Australia could not have sorted out his situation sooner and drawn a line under 2018.
But with the first round of Super Rugby now upon us, I’m pleased to see that the Waratahs, Rebels and Brumbies have all re-signed their coaches beyond this season.
This is the first time I can remember that Australian rugby has such solidity in the Super coaching ranks, and it’s particularly important in a World Cup year when there will be an exodus of players heading overseas.
Having coaches who can manage their rosters beyond this year will greatly help each franchise plan for the future.
I’m looking forward to a new narrative being written, particularly by Australia’s Super Rugby players, who must take responsibility for their abject performances last season and turn themselves into winners.
Each Australian side has exciting prospects.
REBELS: I mentioned Naisarani earlier and in a team of superstars, I expect him to rise above all. Melbourne’s halves pairing of Will Genia and Quade Cooper will get most of the spotlight, and the way they play will suit Naisarani. I expect to see him get plenty of broken-field ball and play off the edges behind a strong forward pack. Naisarani has the potential to be the buy of the season.
BRUMBIES: I was happy to hear that Dan McKellar plans to rest his key Wallabies for away games only, ensuring the Canberra crowd will see their best team throughout the year. Someone in the forward pack will need to step up because the Brumbies simply cannot rely on David Pocock as much as they have. Given Pocock’s neck injury last year, he’d be the player likely in need of the most rest, and I hope a youngster like Rob Valetini can fulfil his immense potential.
WARATAHS: Jack Dempsey is a player who I’m tipping to have a huge year for NSW. By the sheer energy with which he carries the ball, Dempsey is a player who can inspire others around him to go to another level. After sitting out all of 2018 with injury, Dempsey will be a crucial figure in the Tahs backrow and a major factor in Australia’s World Cup plans.
REDS: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (previously Tui) experienced on- and off-field challenges last year and I believe that will have really strengthened him as a person. I see Salakaia-Loto as a natural leader for that young group of players in the Reds squad.
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