Are the Wallabies right to change their policy on overseas players

After the news broke today that Australia will now pick players who play their Rugby overseas could other countries like New Zealand follow suit. To be selected for the Wallabies you need to have had an ARU contract for 7 years and to have played more than 60 tests. This now means that Matt Giteau, George Smith and Drew Mitchell are both eligible for the World Cup in September. This also means that the likes of James Horwill, Quade Cooper(Not yet confirmed), Adam Ashley-Cooper and Will Genia who are moving to Europe after the World Cup will be able to continue playing for the Wallabies. The Wallabies change in policy is because they feel this change will be seen as a way to get players to commit to Australian Rugby in their prime. Is this policy change to ensure their experienced players stay playing for the national side or are the Wallabies not confident in the ability of the talent coming through.

With so New Zealand players going to Europe after the World Cup would they consider changing the policy as well. Compared to Australia, New Zealand have a squad with far more strength and depth. One of, if not the best centre partnership in Rugby, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith are both leaving for France after the World Cup and for most sides that would be a huge blow but the All-Blacks have the players to cover their positions. the trio of Sonny-Bill Williams, Malakai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty would start for most International sides and will be perfect replacements for the departing Nonu and Smith. Another player is Dan Carter, who will go down as one of New Zealand’s greatest outhalves is leaving for Racing Metro but with Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett remaining in New Zealand after the World Cup, Steve Hansen won’t be too distressed about Carter’s departure.

The new policy will now give the Wallabies extra strength and depth in their squad but this could have a negative effect on the squad. Will it affect Australia's preparation for a game with players travelling from different sides of the world and with most of the players deciding to leave for Europe in their older years will this affect the development of younger players in the squad and they could see their chances limited and opt for a move to Europe before they even reach 60 caps. The big questions will be answered when Michael Cheika picks his squads for the World Cup and after.

Ciaran Fallon