JUNE INTERNATIONALS: PROJECTED AUSTRALIAN STARTING XV  

Published by
Myles Stedman

Loosehead prop: James Slipper

The most experience prop in the Australian squad, and one-time captain of the Wallabies, James Slipper is a shoe-in to be starting in the number one jersey against England on the 11th of June on his home ground in Brisbane.

Hooker: Stephen Moore

He is the current captain of the Aussies and an integral part of one of the most experienced front rows in all of international rugby. The safest bet to be making the first xv.

Tighthead prop: Sekope Kepu

Speaking of experience, tightead prop Sekope Kepu has 63 international caps of it, and he rounds out a front row that will have to be top of its' game against one of the worlds' best and most experience scrums.

Lock: Sam Carter

Man of the match on debut against France in 2014, injuries have limited Sam Carter to just 11 more caps since then, but Australia's best lock prospect will look to have a big series against the English and book himself a spot in The Rugby Championship.

Lock: Rob Simmons

The Wallabies' best second rower and main lineout foil is another must have in any match, especially against a nation as strong as England. With as many quality lineout options as the Poms have, Simmons will need to be at his brilliant best to give the green and gold an advantage in that area.

Blindside flanker: Scott Fardy

The Aussies' second-best lineout option, Scott Fardy has aged as gracefully as a fine wine, his game getting bigger, better and more expansive, as the hair on his head goes the other way.

Openside flanker: Michael Hooper

Despite many calls for his relegation to the bench in favour of a more traditional openside, Michael Hooper cannot conceivable be left out of any Australian xv. His leadership, defence, ball running and steadily improving pilfering are all too necessary at his position.

Eighthman: David Pocock

He is the best player in the country, and perhaps the best in the world – David Pocock's case for inclusion is as simple as that. The pressure he piles on at the ruck is the reason his countries' backline has so much space to work with when he snatches the footy back off the opposition.

Halfback: Nick Phipps

With Will Genia rested by Michael Chieka, Nick Phipps will move into the starting role. Phipps has been drilled for his inconsistency at both test and club level, but at his best he is capable of being Australia's best halfback.

Five-eighth: Bernard Foley

One of the great things about having Phipps start over Genia is that it provides nice consistency and understanding in the halves, as he will pair with incumbent five-eighth and fellow Waratah Bernard Foley. Foley had a great World Cup, where he proved once and for all he is the Wallabies' best fly half.

Wing: Rob Horne

Hardly the quickest or most electric winger there is, but with Drew Mitchell rested, Rob Horne provides great stability and defence on the flanks. Always in the right position on attack and defence, he will need to make sure he is ready to take on English sensation Anthony Watson under the high ball.

Inside centre: Matt Toomua

Aussie rugbys' latest ‘Mr. Fix-It', Matt Toomua can fill in suitably at 10 or 12, and with Matt Giteau rested and Kurtley Beale injured, it will likely be 12 against England. Wasn't given much time to shine at the WC, but has always flourished in a starting role.

Outside centre: Tevita Kuridrani

It seems the entire state of Queensland is keen to rush Samu Kerevi into the starting lineup off a fantastic year with the Reds, but it would be madness were he to unseat Tevita Kuridrani at outside centre. With Conrad Smith having retired from the All Blacks, Kuridrani now takes over the mantle of best international 13.

Wing: Luke Morahan

With Australia's best wing options rested, injured and playing sevens, Michael Cheika may be tempted to turn to a bolter who hasn't played international footy since his 1 cap in 2012 - Luke Morahan. The utility back is playing some of the best footy of his career at the Western Force, and I believe he should be rewarded with a call-up against the English.

Fullback: Israel Folau

Given Israel Folau's fantastic play in the centres recently, many have been tempted to move him there at test level too. The fact is, Australia's depth in the centres is good, and not good enough at fullback, meaning Folau will probably maintain his mantle of second-best international 15.

Bench: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, Ben McCalman, Nick Frisby, Christian Leali'ifano, Taqele Naiyaravoro

Published by
Myles Stedman