Director of rugby Scott Johnson insists form will eclipse experience when the Wallabies squad is finalised for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.
Johnson, who is a month into his role as Rugby Australia's Director of Rugby, says the depth of the talent in Super Rugby has given him cause for optimism and reckons that the four Super Rugby sides have exceeded his expectations.
Johnson made it clear that no player could rest on his laurels before the 31-man squad to travel to Japan in September was named saying:
“Players pick players. What I mean by that is that if their form is good enough, they get picked,”
“They usually determine their fate. There’s the odd choice where we have to split them but if a player’s form warrants selection, he’ll get selected.”
Johnson believes all four teams boast enough quality to push for a play off spot in Super Rugby.
“The depth is better than I thought from afar. Not everything’s good but certainly not everything’s dire either,” Johnson said.
“Don’t let anyone tell you we don’t have any talent in this country. It’s impressive and I’m buoyed by it.
Johnson talked up Kurtley Beale, one of several candidates to start at fullback if Israel Folau parts ways with RA.
“As a broken-field runner he’s fantastic. It’s good to see him get the ball with a bit of confidence,” he said.
“It’s nice to see him back freewheeling. I thought he kicked out of hand really well too.” Johnson was also unconcerned by the lack of rugby for world-class flanker David Pocock.
Via: Fox Sports
