Injuries and form are set to shake up the Australian Test side for Friday nights ANZAC Test match against New Zeealand.
A number of players who took part in the 2006 Tri Series are likely to struggle to make the side as others in great form can not be left out of the lineup.
The good news for selectors is that many of the form players right now already have Test match experience. Only a couple of players in the sights of selectors would be considered.
This is the Australian side that I would select:
1. Karmichael Hunt – Too good to leave out.
2. Luke Rooney – In career for and has test experience.
3. Justin Hodges – In devastating form.
4. Matthew Cooper – A quality player that would get the job done.
5. Matthew Bowen – Must be selected. Could have a great impact on the game on roving duty.
6. Darren Lockyer (c) – Best in the world.
7. Jonathon Thurston – Incredible form just holds out Scott Prince.
8. Mark O’Meley – For demands selection.
9. Robbie Farrah – The form hooker in the game.
10. Petero Civoneceva – Experience, he will get the job done.
11. Nathan Hindmarsh – Showed against Penrith he is back to his best.
12. Willie Mason – Always plays well for Australia.
13. Dallas Johnson – In great form for the Storm.
14. Shaun Berrigan – Great utility value.
15. Andrew Ryan – Will shore up the back row.
16. Brent Kite – In career best for for Manly.
17. Luke Bailey – Unlucky not to start.
I selected Robbie Farrah ahead of Cameron Smith for a couple of reasons. Firstly I think Smiths form hasnt been at its best so far this season. Ontop of that I think Farrah is showing he is simply the best hooker in the game today. I think its his time to take the Test jersey.
Matt King is unlucky to miss out as his form is great. I just see him more as a winger at rep level and I can not leave out Rooney or Bowen in the form they are both in.
The people calling for Jamie Lyon to be selected need their heads read. His form has been non existant since he left England, and thats including last years Tri Series where he was dropped.
Scott Prince’s form is up to Test level and he is very unlucky that Jonathon Thurston is not only the current Test halfback, but also simply amazing.
Anthony Minichello’s form has been brilliant in a beaten side but I think he would do well to miss this game and prepare for the upcoming Origin series, his form for NSW will dictate whether he gets his Test jersey back.
Its an amazing looking Test side with just about every player at the best form of their career.
They will be very hard to beat.
