The Brumbies and Reds’ performances against the Waratahs and Force respectively were excellent and showed something missing in Australian rugby for a long time: neither team took their foot off the throat of the opposition and played out the 80 minutes.
Having said that, they weren’t playing Kiwi teams but the Reds in particular have been very good against our friends from across the ditch this year.
Rugby in Australia at the top level is not in the perilous state that some would have us believe, perhaps with the exception of the front row.
With coaches who are good selectors first and, second, can actually coach, then the Wallabies can work their way back up to being in the top two or three teams in the world.
Fraser McReight is my clear choice as skipper and not just because he is one of a couple of automatic selections and plays a lot of minutes.
In order to set the cat among the pigeons, here is my first Test team to take on Wales.
Fraser McReight of the Wallabies celebrates (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
15. Ben Donaldson, 14. Tim Ryan, 13. Len Ikitau, 12. Hunter Paisami, 11. Corey Toole, 10. Tom Lynagh, 9. Tate McDermott, 8. Harry Wilson (if fit), 7. Fraser McReight (c), 6. Rob Valetini, 5. Izack Rodda, 4. Darcy Swain, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. Matt Faessler, 1. Isaac Kailea (oh for a fit Angus Bell)
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Jock Campbell
The good thing is there are some very unlucky players who have missed out. Nick Frost, for example, had his best game for ages against the “Warastars” and if he retains that form would force a rethink.
The team will cause grief to the Tom Wright fan club, particularly the Stan Sport team, but the mistakes that he still has in his game seem to be overlooked because of his undoubted skills in other areas. There is still a lingering feeling that in the heat of a Bledisloe clash, a single mistake can be costly.
In this “Rookies” opinion, Donaldson is potentially a long-term 15 in the mould of a Matt Burke (solid, good pace, big boot and a first-choice goal kicker). Please note, this not to suggest that he is in Burke’s class at this stage but has a similar style. There are already the comments around Ryan and Toole being inexperienced and too small. But there is no substitute for real pace; the Springboks have proven that small wings cannot only handle Test rugby but can be match or, indeed, World Cup winners.
So, let the fun and games begin, and bring on Wales.
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