Carter backs Aussie pups

Carter backs Aussie pups

21 Jan 2008

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter believes Kurtley Beale or Berrick Barnes will succeed the great Stephen Larkham at pivot.

Both Beale and Barnes are at the beginning of their careers, although the latter did feature in the Wallabies’ World campaign last year.

“He would have learned a lot from that,” Carter told the Herald. “That will help his game this year. He will become a better footballer because of the experience. It is always tough being thrown into the deep end like that. But I thought he responded well on the field. He looked relaxed and a pretty confident guy.”

Beale is yet to play for the Wallabies, but should receive an extended run at flyhalf for the Waratahs this season.

“He is a young, exciting talent. He has a bit of X-factor … he can change a game. If he can get more consistency to his game, he will be a great player.”

Carter also listed the Force’s Matt Giteau and the Brumbies’ Julian Huxley as potential successors to Larkham.

“Julian plays a bit at fullback and Matt at scrumhalf and second five-eighth [No 12]. They are all capable of playing five-eighth [flyhalf] if asked. But it’s important to get game time in that position if they are to cement the No.10 jersey.”


7 Comments

  • 1.puff: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 15:45 pm

    Personally, I think Huxley’s best performances tend to come when he’s playing at 12.

    Looking forward, my choice for Aussie backline players would be:

    9) Holmes
    10) Giteau
    11) Tuqiri
    12) Huxley
    13) Mortlock
    14) Rathbone
    15) Shepherd (awesome player IMO)

    and the back-ups:

    9) Valentine
    10) Beale
    11) Gerrard
    12) Barnes
    13) Ashley-Cooper
    14) Staniforth
    15) Mitchell

    It’s their forwards, partciularly, in their front row where they lack quality in depth.

  • 2.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 16:59 pm

    i wonder if Carter learnt anything from his world cup experience…

  • 3.Patrick: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 17:44 pm

    That’s not a bad backline Puff. However, I doubt whether Julian Huxley will ever get a start for OZ. He played a couple of seasons in NZ in the NPC and did well. He’s just a tad short on pace for an International player, but he definitely has a very good rugby brain.

    I think Barnes is already in the team, he’s very raw and impetuous, but has everything required to be a good test player. Deans will bring him along nicely. Kurtley Beale is not so secure. He came on far too quickly, and wasn’t able to pull his current game back several pegs, and adjust to the higher competitive situations. A super great at High School and Sydney comp level, but has some way to go to be an International I believe,

    Patrick.

  • 4.Patrick: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 17:46 pm

    Carter may struggle to get a game with the Crusaders at No.10. I don’t think he will displace Brett at No.10. Carter now has to show that he has some GUTS and re-discover the will to get stuck in and compete !

    Patrick.

  • 5.leeanthonyw: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 18:25 pm

    puff – I agree with Giteau at 10. He was phenomenal for the baa baas at 10 last year. They would be mad not to use him there.

    This years Tri-Nstions will be very interesting, all 3 teams are going through a transition of sorts. If the Boks can keep most of their RWC squad together, they may pull off the unthinkable and win this years Tri-Nations. IF PDV thinks he can win it with a new team, we will get crushed.

  • 6.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 19:57 pm

    Oz will struggle at 10,Larkharm the great master has left.

    Beale is going to be a superstar with all the right guidance..But looking at Oz sport at present:Tuqiri,Sailor,Rogers,Fava,Andrew Johns,Ian Thorpe etc…There’s not a lot of that at present…Hope Glen Ella keeps a leash on the boy

    Quade Cooper could be one hell of a 10 as well but he must be a superstar first before parading as one…behavin like some sort of Diva

    Giteau is not a 10,he is one of the most naturally gifted players ever but his best rugby lies at 12 IMO.

    Barnes is cut out of the same mould as Elton flatley.Safe,not easily flappable,efficient but he is not the answer.Will be the fall bak option in yers to come.

    Huxley is a journeyman,will never hold down a serious spot in the squad.He lacks the physique,confidence,skills,flamboyance of a true playmaker.He is the equivalent to Wales Stephen Jones..Not quite there…

  • 7.Tomsta: Reply to this comment
    21 Jan 2008, 22:33 pm

    guys, carter is injured already. its his calf again. so dont expect to see that much of him this super season.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.