I think our major problem is our lack of test level options at flyhalf. There are no test level flyhalves in Australia outside Larkham and when he is missing it shows. The options we have are..
Flatley: solid 12 but not a flyhalf, at test level very average at 10 (apart from a few games in 2003). doesnt bring enough creativity or organisation.
Giteau: againa much better 12. Individually brilliant he does not as yet have the ability to step up and organise an attack and create opportunities for other payers, as illustrated at the brumbies when playing at 10.
Norton-Knight: A handful of super 12 games, most at fullbak. Not ready to play test rugby yet, although is a promising player of the future. Needs at least one super 14 season leading a team from flyhalf IMO.
Makay: was good with NSW this super 12 season, probably the next in line if Giteau and flatley are injured. A solid player but not a world class flyhalf by any stretch of the imagination.
The rest are all nowhere near ready, Donnelly, when presented the chance at super 12 level has been poor, definately not ready for tests, Kurtley Beale, only 16 with very little experience.
When Larkham is in the side the wallabies look world class, when he is not, they look average. What we need is another flyhalf option. I dont think any of the options mentioned above are anywhere near ready to do half the job he does for us at test level ust yet. I think all the talk about Larkham not being the player to lead us into the 2007 world cup is bulls**t, when he is gone it is obvious how much he does for the wallabies and that none of the other options are anywhere near ready to take over.
