Wallabies lacking our depth

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. Photo / Getty Images

The Wallabies are the first of the big nations to reveal their World Cup squad, probably because they don't have any more useful games like the ITM Cup.

So they all traipsed out to Sydney Airport to satisfy their major sponsor and coach Michael Cheika unveiled his squad for the nation's rugby followers to dissect.

The main talking point was the decision to take two hookers and two halfbacks, with Nic White an unlucky omission.

The Wallabies squad is solid. They're ranked third in the world behind New Zealand and Ireland, and beat the All Blacks 27-19 in Sydney.

So which Wallabies would fit into the All Blacks' starting 15 and how many others would squeeze into a 31-man squad?

Let's start with Israel Folau. He's a different athlete with the best aerial skills in the sport and an attacking game which always threatens. He is still learning but is a rare talent, a game-breaker even when the Wallabies battle.

Adam Ashley-Cooper and Tevita Kuridrani are the only other backs the All Blacks would take. Ashley-Cooper has more than 100 caps, can fill any role in the back four, has still got pace and is a great read on defence.

Kuridrani is an even younger version, a centre with power and an attacking edge, and whose reads on defence have improved.

No question David Pocock and Michael Hooper would cut it in black. Big time. Their combination worked a treat in Sydney, where their workrate was massive and they overshadowed even you-know-who.

With his experience and skill, Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore would be one of our hookers, while as much as it sounds like heresy, there is also a lot to admire about the Australian props. Young loosehead Scott Sio and tighthead Sekope Kepu helped anchor a scrum which has shunted the All Blacks this year and are more effective around the field than the All Black front-liners.