As we review the Australian national rugby team for the year so far there have been improvements, but there are still glaring deficiencies in the Wallaby game.
Robbie Deans came into the Australian head coaching position with an enviable reputation and resume. A former All Black himself – his coaching pedigree began when he led the Canterbury Provincial team to the championship in 1997. Taking over from Wayne Smith at the Super franchise of the Crusaders, Deans would cement his reputation as arguably the world’s finest domestic coach by taking Canterbury to five Super rugby titles.
Taking over from John Connolly, the straight-talking New Zealander did not have as uphill a battle as many first thought. “Knuckles” Connolly had made no illusions that the Wallaby team needed changes, foremost in the pack – although the magic he had worked with Queensland, Stade Francais and Bath – was not always apparent with Australia.
The defeat to England in the 2007 World Cup emphasised what many thought was a failed reign. Whatever the opinion, it was a mixed period for Australia, only defeating the All Blacks once, but inflicting a 49-0 drubbing of South Africa.
Now that the Wallabies have completed their Tri-Nations campaign, it is easy to reflect on the positives of Australian Rugby – as well as their glaring Achilles heel.
In the mid-eighties, Australian rugby became a world power; first with an impressive Grand Slam win in 1984, and then with their first series win on New Zealand soil in 1986. It was the emergence of the Ella brothers that signalled what many believe is Australia’s traditional forte – running rugby.
Deans was to bring back the free-styling attack back to Australian rugby while ensuring continued improvement in the tight and blooding fresh talent in the absence of stalwarts Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham and George Gregan – although many thought the later outstayed his administration as Wallaby inside half.
This new talent has become apparent. Working under the traditional New Zealand system of second five-eighth, Berrick Barnes has become an influential figure in the framework – his presence sorely missed in Australia’s last two Test matches. Peter Hynes, has come from nowhere to be the Wallabies most dangerous three-quarter. Ryan Cross will be the national outside centre sooner rather than later – while abrasive lock James Horwill is already being touted as a future Australian captain.
When Dean’s first five matches included the scalps of Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand, it seemed as if the man named “Dingo” had indeed put the Wallabies on top of the world pecking order. In attack, the Australians had quickly grasped the intuition of punishing opposition mistake and quick counter attack play – a la the Crusaders. In nine games this season they scored a solid and steady 24 tries.
But it then came crashing down. Despite breaking the trend with a historic victory in South Africa, two of the heaviest defeats in Australian Test rugby history were suffered at the hands of the All Blacks in Eden Park and then Ellis Park. To say that the Wallabies were outplayed is a fact; but another harsh reality showed that they cannot compete with other tier-one nations whom play to full potential.
Whilst Australian rugby supporters will argue this last point, the All Blacks were down and seemingly out in Brisbane playing far below their par – but the Australians could not finish the job. It is this mental character that won the Wallabies previous such games against their mightiest foe. No matter how powerful previous New Zealand teams have been, the Wallabies have always believed they can win. This belief appears to have deserted the “scrappers” of world rugby.
Defensively, Deans made a point that he would alter the Wallabies defensive systems; with John Muggleton a casualty of the new coaching regime. While modern rugby history shows that all teams struggle when changing such structures – what happened to “if it isn’t broke, why fix it”. The old Wallaby almost league style of defence was unmatched in world rugby, but the most glaring hole in 2008 was in the midfield defensive channel. Conceding 21 tries in six Tri-Nations matches is a viable concern. Has this season seen the beginning of the end for Stirling Mortlock?
Last, but not least, the Australian forwards. The great consistency of the Wallaby pack – their aerial attack, seemed to desert them in key games. There is no issue with depth or ability, but there is no Australian hooker dominating the mix. The loose forwards have had similar issues, although there must be grave concern now that Rocky Elsom is effectively departing the national set-up. Take the first choice Wallaby backrow out and there is not much to speak off, without any disrespect to Phil Waugh – but he had a poor international season.
The Australian scrum is still maligned and deservedly so. In matches between South Africa and New Zealand there were a total of 60 scrums, with eight resets and eight collapses. Matches involving Australia saw a total of exactly 100 scrums, with an atrocious 40 resets and 65 collapses. I do not wish to disrespect any man who has represented his country, but Al Baxter and Matt Dunning are far from international class props. With the ARU tinkering with eligibility and representation rules, maybe a change to allow foreign props could allow the Wallabies to attempt to contest a scrum?
Beware the world if Australia can actually manage to legitimately threaten this crucial set piece.
Still, it is still a pretty good first season. Sure, Deans had a short turn-around after being with the Crusaders, but he also had a huge advantage working with the ELVs in the Super 14.
A tough end-of-season tour awaits the Wallabies, where “Dingo” will no doubt continue refining what he will hope will become his green and gold masterpiece.
UPCOMING MATCHES
Saturday 1st November New Zealand V Australia Hong Kong Stadium
Saturday 8th November Italy V Australia TBA
Saturday 15th November England V Australia Twickenham
Saturday 22nd November France V Australia Stade de France
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Written off ahead of the weekend in several quarters, the Crusaders have responded with full vengeance after smashing the fourth-placed Rebels 39-0 in an…
The big prop has only scored three tries in his career with the last coming in 2010.
The kick failed to pass the 22-metre line.
In the Canterbury region, it's not claret but pinot noir.
The Crusaders scrum was dominant, so rather than risk yellow cards or penalty tries, Melbourne's coach replaced the three forwards at once.
The referee initially awarded the try but had to overturn it - presumably on advice from TMO.
