Steve Borthwick’s team selection presents opportunity for Wallabies
Tests in South America have certainly given the Wallabies a wealth of intelligence ahead of the Test in London, but Borthwick’s decision to back the same players to get a quicker start to November has also created a window of opportunity for the Wallabies.
As good a youngster as Baxter is (he is only 23) England are losing something by not starting Genge (and likewise Stuart). If Taniela Tupou wants to be known as a world-class supporter, now is the time to make it happen.
The Wallabies have the advantage in the back row blocks. Rob Valetini’s recent form has been a bit lackluster but he has a chance of establishing himself at Twickenham and Ford’s defensive weaknesses make him an obvious target for the Wallabies’ heavier ball runners.
The flip side is that England’s strong bench will theoretically allow them to return home with the wind at their backs. Wingers Tom Curry and Henry Pollock are potential game changers, while reserve No. 10 Fin Smith is a classy player who can both defend and attack.
But the Wallabies have the talent to start the Test well, and if they can put scoreboard pressure on England they could take the Twickenham factor out of the Test, or even turn it against the home team.
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The Wallabies’ selection omission was, unsurprisingly, the omission of Ben Donaldson. The Western Force’s playmaker has seemingly fallen further down the rankings, but he is still a player I believe can offer value at the highest level.
Carlo Tizzano is similarly unlucky after clearly proving he is of Test quality this year, but Tate may have paid an indirect price for McDermott’s injury.
The Reds’ half-time absence arguably reduced the flexibility of the Wallabies bench and its capacity to go into a 6-2 split; McDermott showed against the Lions that guarding the wing position is a legitimate option when needed.
For all the rumors of Len Ikitau, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper and James O’Connor being missed – and in my view, if you organize a Test outside the World Rugby broadcast period, you know what you’re signing up for – it is the combined unavailability of Nic White (retired) and McDermott (injured) that the Wallabies have taken some time to adjust to.
It’s a big test for Jake Gordon. It would be great to see him attacking from the side like he did in the second Test against the Lions. If the Wallabies can create those kinds of opportunities and get off to a good start at half-time, it will be Borthwick’s selections who will feel the pressure.
