Travesty in Wallaby train-on squad selections
Exactly who has Matthew Burke p***ed off? His exclusion from the Wallaby train-on squad is sacrilege of the highest sporting order.
Eddie Jones seems to have gotten his way at last. He's been pushing Burke aside for a long time now - making him an outside centre and general utility back.
As for Ewen McKenzie, what is he thinking? How could Burke not fit into the Waratahs plans for next year? Ever since he came onto the field this season, Burke has given the Waratahs his all. Even though out of position at outside centre, he continued to break the line and create opportunites for his wingers and inside backs. His kicking game alone is still one of the best in the game.
Included in the train-on squad are names such as Latham, Gregan, Larkham and Sailor. Not so long ago, (particularly during the World Cup), pundits were calling for their heads. Latham just leaves me cold. He is not a shadow of the fullback that Matt Burke is. People seem to ride on those few precious moments when he does something that, after all, for a player at that level should be doing as standard.
As for George, his time had come during the World Cup, if not before. But, he has that safety net wrapped around him called the captaincy. Throughout the World Cup many were calling for him to step down, saying that Chris Whittaker should be given the No. 9 jersey. Same goes for Stephen Larkham. There were calls for Matt Giteau or Mat Rogers to be playing at flyhalf.
Now, the latest news is, that because Stirling Mortlock has injured himself, the selectors might call Burke back into the squad. This, after telling him he could not have a early release from his contract, even though Australia and NSW didn't want him. Give him a break! At least Bob Dwyer recognises talent and swooped on Burke's omission from the train-on squad to invite him to play for the Barbarians. At least the Barbarians will benefit from the presence of Burkey because their coach realises that a player of Burke's calibre should be treated with respect.