- Connolly has declared "experiments are over". Clearly, the Gregan-Larkham-Giteau-Mortlock back line will be back. I'm not sure we learned anything from the out-of-position experiments (Giteau at halfback, Ashley Cooper at inside center) other than they would be very bad selections if you've got other choices.
- There's a world of difference with Ashley Cooper playing at outside center instead of inside center. It seems clear that he is the no-brainer choice if Mortlock gets injured. (Why don't the Waratahs try to sign this guy, considering he's up for a new contract? He'd be a better choice than trying to convert Tahu!)
- Noone seemed to mention it, but Larkham had a terrible game against Fiji!
- From Australia A, I think Clinton Schifcofske, Ryan Cross, Lachlan Turner, Josh Holmes, David Pocock and Tatafu Polota-Nau have been outstanding in the Pacific Cup (admittedly, against weak competition). Ryan Cross, in particular, has looked good considering his move to inside center. I think any of those players could be elevated to Test level and not embarrass themselves.
- I also think that Australia A's Berrick Barnes' and Will Caldwell's stock has risen. I think Peter Hewat's has gone down, and I think Kurtley Beale hasn't really had enough game time to show anything one way or the other. I think Barnes' size will make him difficult to be elevated for the World Cup, but Norton Knight hasn't exactly set the world on fire...
- The Junior All-Blacks line up is pretty strong! They will give Australia A a run for their money in the Pacific Cup final.
I think if we pull ourselves together (in terms of wayward passes and dropped balls) that we're actually not looking all that bad! But the All Blacks showed quite a bit of improvement from their first test, and South Africa's first XV must have every top tier nation a little worried.
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