7 Reasons why Australia should ditch Giteau's law

7 Reasons why Australia should ditch Giteau's law

With the Wallabies heading into a World Cup year off the back of one of their poorest year's in test history, we take a look at why the Wallabies should get rid of their policy of overseas-based players for the World Cup.

The current criteria for overseas-based players, AKA 'Giteau Law', to be selected are:

  • Minimum 60 Test caps for Australia
  • Minimum 7 seasons at Super rugby level

The rule also allows players to return to Test duty immediately if they have signed with a Super Rugby club for the following two years.

The ruling that was implemented before the 2015 Rugby World Cup opened the door for Matt Giteau, hence the name, and Drew Mitchell to feature at the 2015 World Cup. 

1. Will Skelton


 

The Wallabies second-row stocks weren't extremely convincing in 2018, with Adam Coleman and Izack Rodda the two standouts for the Wallabies. However, the side was notably weaker without Coleman in particular.


Skelton is in superb form and condition for Saracens lately after shedding a large amount of extra fat during pre-season. The edition of the massive second rower would certainly be a boost to the Wallabies squad for the World Cup.

2. Sean McMahon

 

McMahon was set to feature for the Sunwolves this season but an injury meant he failed his medical. McMahon would have still be ineligible for the Wallabies had he represented the Sunwolves this season.

The powerful no.8 was nothing short of sensational for the Wallabies before moving to Japan at the end of 2017 and would slot straight back into the Wallabies starting line up when fit. 

McMahon could also be the final piece in the puzzle that is the Wallabies back row that is trying to fit two fetchers in the side. He has an incredible work rate that will compensate for Hooper and Pocock's work over the ball.

3. Nic White

 

A classy operator, Nic White has gone from strength to strength since joining the Exeter Chiefs. With Will Genia a certain starter in the Wallabies line up and Nick Phipps likely to fill the second halfback spot, Michael Cheika will be looking at who would fill the final slot in his squad. 

Nick Powell and Jake Gordon have been handed debuts under Cheika but the experience White would bring to the squad is invaluable. 

4. Luke Morahan

With the Wallabies boosting a number of quality and versatile outside backs, Luke Morahan would be more of a luxury rather than a necessity.
 
 
 
The former Reds and Force man has been in sublime form for Bristol Bears this season scoring 6 tries and has vastly improved on his overall skills since leaving Australia. 
 
 
 
 
5. Liam Gill
 
 

 
The forgotten Wallaby openside is still one of the best openside flankers in Europe. Superb over the ball and a never say die attitude on defence, Gill is a key member of the Lyon pack and was named the Top 14 player of the season last year. 
 
 
 
The Wallabies have two world-class openside flankers in Michael Hooper and David Pocock but the latter has struggled with injuries of late. If Hooper or Pocock fall to injury before or during the World Cup, Gill should be the first player Cheika calls. 
 
 
 
 
6. Scott Fardy
 
 
The former Brumby has quickly become one of Leinster's key players since making the move from Canberra to Dublin, helping the side to a Champions Cup and PRO14 double. Fardy successfully balanced the Wallabies back row out during the 2015 Rugby World Cup and could do exactly the same in Japan. 
 
 
 
Fardy is one of the older players on this list but his age and experience would be key to the Wallabies. His ability to cover or even start in the second row is yet another plus and at the age of 34 he shows no signs of slowing down. 
 
 
 
7. Taqele Naiyaravoro
 
 
Last but not least the big unit of Taqele Naiyaravoro, who fell out of favour with Cheika before making the switch to Northampton Saints. The 120kg wrecking ball would provide the Wallabies back three with some serious firepower and some more options.
 
 

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