From: alex@cs.uow.edu.au (Alex Zelinsky)
Subject: Re: Future Australians
Organization: Dept of Computer Science, Wollongong University, Australia
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 09:24:02 GMT

peterda@cs.uow.edu.au (Peter Donald Asquith) writes:

>With all the speculation about the future of Horan
>as a rugby player it is probably worthwhile 
>speculating on the positions that need changing 
>in the Wallabies. I certainly hope Horan (in
>fact all the Wallabies) stay with rugby. Farr-Jones
>should be replaced as captain by Slattery. McCaul will
>be replaced by Waugh with maybe Morgan being groomed
>as the replacement for Gavin. There is an absence of
>5/8s in Australia, I haven't seen Kahl perform, and
>I think Wallace is too small. Jorgensen has a mortgage
>on Campo's wing, with Kelaher a certainty at full-back.
>I guess the tour to the UK will indicate the willingness
>of the selectors to look to the future. 

I would go further. Australia should be preparing for the
its World Cup defence. Certain players have got to now.
Campo has nothing left to prove, he says is not interested in
touring. He will be well into his thirties by the next WC. He
is now picking and choosing the matches and where he plays. Very
similar to Simon Poidevan's antics. The selectors did the right thing and
stuck with David Wilson, although Poidevan made it clear he wanted
to play the Springboks. The selectors should put Campese out to pasture,
while he is at the top. Farr-Jones chose the right time to go.

Dropping McCaul will cause a howl of protest from the Queenslanders
(especially Chris Handy - TV commentator who adores his "Sgt. Slaughter").
If McCall wins a lineout Handy raves about it for the rest of the game.
His form has been very ordinary over the last 2 years. There is a plentyful
supply of 2nd rowers in Oz at the moment. Gavin may be too old by the next
WC. However, he has a horrific run of injuries, and deserves a chance to prove
himself.

I think the selectors have got to consider dropping Tony Daley. He looks
unfit. Apparently Dwyer has consider this option several times, but Daley
was given last minute reprieves. Former Test Prop Mark Hartill and Andrew
Blades are possibilities.

This takes me to Michael Lynagh. I hate to say this, but I think he has
to go. It should be done soon, as this will give his replacement plenty of
time to settle in before the next WC. Alternatively it presents the chance
to trial several players. Lynagh has been in the Aussie side for his 
kicking skills. But in the last 2 seasons, he has lost touch. Just look
at his goal kicking record (very poor). His kicking for touch 
has been dismal (at least 2-3 times in each Test this year he
has failed to find touch). His kicks in general play have also been
ordinary. Lynagh has served Australia very well, he has played nearly 10
years at the international level. Lynagh has already played his best
football. It will only be downhill from here in. Under no circumstances
should Lynagh be made Test captain, to lead Australia into the next WC.
It will be a repeat of the mistake made by choosing Andrew Slack to captain 
Australia in the '87 WC when he was past his best.

Australia must look ahead, and rejuvinate the team. The World Cup team
is yesterdays team. We need an infusion of new blood. Slattery should be
named as the captain. He has plenty of experience as Farr-Jones understudy,
and has captained Qld this year with distinction.

Now that I have that off my chest. What do you rugby-netters out there
think?

Cheers

Alex Zelinsky
Univ. Wollongong