Australia taked on New Zealand in a few weeks time and with the World Cup next year its time for players to cement their place in the side as well as time for selectors to look to the future.
With some many great young players coming through the Australian Rugby League ranks right now, the Kangaroo’s have an embarrassment of riches.
The fact that you can pick an amazing Australian side despite the loss to injury of the likes of Lockyer, Thurston, Webb, Hunt says it all really.
So this is the Australian side I would select for the one off Test against New Zealand. Its a look to the future, a test of what we have got, but most of all, its been selected to beat the Kiwi’s on their home soil.
League Freaks Proposed Australian Test Side
1. Matthew Bowen
2. Israel Folau
3. Justin Hodges
4. Greg Inglis
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Braith Anasta
7. Scott Prince
8. Steve Price
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoneceva
11. Willie Mason
12. Nathan Hindmarsh
13. Dallas Johnston
14. Luke Bailey
15. Anthony Watmough
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Steve Menzies
Matthew Bowen gets the nod at fullback after being the best fullback throughout the entire season. Anyone that worried about his size not being enough of an impact against the Kiwi’s, half a look at what he has done against the bigger packs in the NRL, then have a look at the massive wingers and centers Australia would use, size wont be an issue.
I went with Folau on one wing because quite frankly he will be an Australian test player for years to come, so lets get him in the side now. I think he will be lining up in the centers for Australia at next years World Cup. As for Hayne, his form is sensational and must make the side.
Hodges makes the side as the incumbent while Inglis is moved into the centers off the wing after being sensational for Australia at Test level. No Gasnier? Thats because he hasnt played enough games.
I’ve gone for Anasta and Prince in the halves. Anasta was in great form at the end of the season and his size will be handy against New Zealand. As for Prince, he edges out Cronk just because he has an extra touch of class. Orford doesnt get close.
The front row picks itself. I went for Masons size in the back rower with Hindmarsh and Johnston the work horses. I also think with the forwards I’ve picked on the bench you get a good change of pace for the Kiwi’s to deal with when interchanges start.
As for Menzies, he has been playing great off the bench for Manly, he has the experience and would be a handfull for the Kiwi’s as they start to tire late in the game.
Obviously this lineup could need changes after the Grand Final should inujuries play a part, but I’d be more than happy to see this team represent Australia.
