McKenzie forced to rethink selection

 

McKenzie made a big call before the Rugby Championship began by playing the versatile Kurtley Beale at flyhalf ahead of the in form Bernard Foley.

 

The tight forwards for the Wallabies have also let down the coach down after they were bossed around in the set pieces by the All Blacks in  the 51-20 rout on Saturday.

 

Nic White is another one who has been pinned as a weak link, he has struggled to form a seamless partnership with Beale.

 

McKenzie has admitted that he will need to make some changes when the Wallabies face the Springboks in Perth in two weeks time.

 

"You have to respond after that (the loss)," McKenzie said.

 

"The bottom line is, when you go through their [teh All Blacks] point-scoring, predominantly it's off turnovers from us.

 

"You always go back to the selection drawing board. 

 

"Selection is a one-game contract."

 

While Beale has been solid, but not spectacular, in the No.10 jersey over the first two Tests, White has not yet developed a solid combination with him.

 

The Brumbies scrumhalf could face the axe in favour of counterpart Nick Phipps, who was on the field in the latter stages of the game when Australia looked to mount a comeback.

 

Phipps's playmaking partner at the Waratahs, Foley, also looked to steady the Wallabies' attack when subbed on and could be a factor when McKenzie reassesses his backline.

 

The Wallabies will also be forced into changes due to a number of injuries.

 

They are expecting to lose hooker Nathan Charles to a suspected rib or pectoral injury, while wing Pat McCabe could face an end to his career with another neck injury.

 

As far as forced replacements go, McKenzie is expected to recall James Hanson for Charles in what will be Australia's fourth-choice hooker.

 

Tevita Kuridrani may take the outside centre jersey from Adam Ashley-Cooper, who would move to the wing to cover McCabe.