Wallabies coach Ewen Mckenzie will, next week, announce his squad for the 2014 French test series. The former Queensland coach will pick from an Australian conference packed with newfound depth. The question is, will Link pick the “tried and tested” or will he opt to follow his propagated policy of picking on form?
Matt Hodgson is tipped to be one of four Western Force players to be included in the Wallabies’ first squad of the season. Hodgson, Ben McCalman, Nick Cummins, Nathan Charles and Angus Cottrell or Kyle Godwin, depending on how Ewen McKenzie splits the forwards and backs, are all well deserving of selection. There may be more than five, if McKenzie is feeling adventurous. The Force, who only had claim to one regular Wallaby starter last year in Nick “Badge” Cummins, are often perceived to be a team of imports. However, exceptional form this year of the Australians within the team will make selection choices very difficult for McKenzie.
Under Deans’ reign, Matty Hodgson was labelled as too small for a national jersey but the captain of the Western Force is leading the competition for pilfers in 2014. He will certainly challenge the incumbent and 2013 John Eales Medallist Michael Hooper who is also in excellent form and tipped as a future captain.
Incumbents such as James “Big Kev” Horwill and Rob Simmons will also have their positions heavily challenged by the up and coming Luke Jones of the Rebels and of course the workhorse that is Scott Fardy.
It will be interesting to observe the direction in which Link will take the Wallabies as we head near the next World Cup. Will he pick on form or will he stick with the favourites? All will be revealed next week….
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