By LeftArmSpinner
September 25th 2008 @ 8:17am
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All Wallabies are not created equal
Robbie Deans has assumed that all Wallabies players have the same toughness, passion and determination that characterises New Zealand’s All Black players.
They just have to pull the gold jersey on. This is a fatally flawed assumption.
For decades, and allowing for a few exceptional eras, Wallabies teams have lacked this mental and physical toughness. Specifically, several of the current Wallabies squad suffer from this terminal malaise. They are just not tough enough, not passionate or hard enough for the mental and physical battle that now characterises international rugby, and in particular, at the breakdown.
His first of two wake-up calls that his assumption was wrong was in Auckland and then later in J’burg. On both occasions, several players did not or could not cope with the intensity: physical or mental.
It is the same culprits every time: Dunning, Tuqiri, Sharpe, Mortlock and, to a lesser extent Waugh. These players have form. Further, they are senior players, at least by age, and Mortlock is the captain.
In J’Burg, they began to crack after about seven minutes. Mortlock dropped a regulation catch and kick, then attempted to run it out of the in-goal. One minute later, he mis-read the attack, and his opponent, a second rower, scored untouched.
Not only are they not providing the leadership required from senior players, they are showing the young guys that toughness is not a prerequisite for Wallabies selection.
Under past Wallabies coaches, these players were selected because their shortcomings were less obvious, there appeared not to be anyone else waiting “in the wings” and the coach had neither the time nor the courage to take a risk with an untried player in the lead-up to a RWC.
By comparison, Sydney University’s Tim Davidson has all these attributes as exemplified last Saturday.
In the 78th minute of the grand final, with the score 45-13 to Uni, the highly-regarded try-scoring machine and man mountain, Ratu Nasiganiyavi made a clean break down the far touchline from inside his own in-goal.
Davidson set off in cover defence and tackled the winger 25 metres out from the Uni line, showing great courage, determination, self belief, competitiveness and leadership for his team to emulate. It should be no surprise that Davidson has led Uni to four consecutive premierships.
Deans is a fine coach, but as a New Zealander, he may not be fully aware of this uniquely Australian rugby malaise. He is an excellent man manager and can get the best out of individuals and teams. People with this ability tend to believe that they can turn any under-performing player around. They only succeed when the player has the determination, passion and are inherently tough enough to play and succeed in Test rugby.
Deans needs to understand that the longer he leaves these players in the squad, the more damage is being done to the Wallabies short and long-term performances. They have had numerous opportunities and failed to take their chance. It is time to give someone else that chance.
Dingo, find the mentally and physically most competitive, determined and toughest hombres out there and give them a Wallabies jersey. Burgess, Sheehan, Horwill, Elsom, Barnes, Giteau, AAC, Smith, Cross, Hynes and Tahu will all be in the trenches. Dunning, Tuqiri, Mortlock and Sharpe will be “doing media”.
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Spiro Zavos said | September 25th 2008 @ 8:28am | Report comment
The case of Tim Davidson is one of many examples of how Australian rugby has been poorly served by its Super 14 coaches over the years, especially in NSW.
Also, I’ve always believed that compared with NZ and South African players, Australian rugby players coming through the system just do not play enougb rugby.
The new emphasis by the ARU on using the IRB Sevens is a move in the right direction. But exposing players to more 15-rugby is also needed. Of course, the Players Association has mandated a maximum number of matches the players can pplay each year, which is a foolish imposition.
Somehow, there has to be more hard rugby for the players coming through and better selections so that teams like Sydney University, which has been a dominant side for some years, gets the players in the rep squads that seemingly go automatically to Randwick. I say this as a Randwick supporter, too.
Blinky Bill - Bellingen said | September 25th 2008 @ 8:37am | Report comment
LAS - No doubt some will consider your words terribly negative about Australian Rugby and flog you for it. I however am forced to agree with what you say and would much prefer the Doctor (in this cas Dr LAS) to deliver the truth about my ailments than to sugar coat bad news.
Robbie Deans is used to a system that provides him with players that are skilled & tough. We have such players but they are fewer on the ground and that’s why Robbie will struggle to implement his changes as quickly as he wants to.
Our players need exposure to more tough games at the highest level and for longer for our skills and toughness to increase. Then Robbie will have the troups to wage his war. End of story.
Mike said | September 25th 2008 @ 9:16am | Report comment
Wow! How refreshing to read the truth! Not only do some of our current senior (and Junior) Wallabies lack toughness, passion and determination, but so do most of our writers and commentators.
Thanks for saying it the way it is! And please give my regards to Spiro.
Mike.
Rickety Knees said | September 25th 2008 @ 9:21am | Report comment
On the money Leftie - culturally we are different to NZ. In the land of the long white cloud men who play Rugby have “Mana” - this Mana empowers them as individuals. The tougher they play - the more Mana they get. This flows on throughout NZ in all levels of society where Rugby players are given enormous respect and carry themselves with that responsibiltiy with pride and passion.
The same does not apply to Australia. We have a largely “she’ll be right mate” atitude in the main - every now and then an inspirational leader will come along and seize the moment but by and large it is really only a “moment” by “moment” proposition.
I hope that Deans has the insight to see that when he compares the attributes of Horwill compared to (notso) Sharpe. Like you I believe that it is time to purge the Nancies out of the team and concentrate on developing a team of hard nuts. Deans, in his day to day management of the squad, could afford Mana to these players who always play hard and “take no prisoners” not matter what the circumstance or who the opposition is.
rob mccourt said | September 25th 2008 @ 9:40am | Report comment
Dear Left Arm Spinner & Spiro
The reference to Tim Davidson brings back memories of i think the 2005 Grand Final. if i have my dates right Sydney University played Eastwood. Tim Davidson played no 8 for Uni. Leroy Houston played no 8 for the Woodies. Leroy went on the end of season Wallaby tour with other Eddie Jones bolters such as he who cannot throw into the lineout ( a minor flaw in Australian rugby ). to any keen observer of Rugby it was obvious that Tim Davidson most importantly had a rugby brain,( as well as a brain which was well equipped for use outside rugby ) , and excellent physical rugby skills. he has the height but perhaps not the bulk but makes up for any deficiencies with his passion , leadership, and intelligent play. on that Grand Final day it was hard to see how any one with rugby insight would favour Houston over Davidson. over the last 10 years or so we seem to have lost the knack of recognising the good rugby players. we have chosen the schoolboy stars, those who are big and strong. but we have stopped picking Rugby players. And as a result we lose players who may not mature physically until they are 23 -25. 25 or 26 in most cases seems to be late to embark on your career. for whatever reason John Mitchell at the Force could not make use of Davidson. i am glad to see the Waratahs have snapped him up. But will they use him. i hope so. and in case you think this another whinge from a Uni supporter it’s not. i despise them ! well not really but most clubs would wish they could pick Australian representatives in lower grades
Ack said | September 25th 2008 @ 9:50am | Report comment
LAS,
Could not agree more, however would put a big question mark next to your call on Mortlock.
I would have put Baxter on this list last year as well (but rightly not this year - srummaging aside).
Rob said | September 25th 2008 @ 11:48am | Report comment
Boys,
Couldnt agree more. But what can you do about it? So frustrating when I firmly believe those players are out there but for whatever reason they dont get a start.
True Tah said | September 25th 2008 @ 11:55am | Report comment
rob,
whatever happened to Leroy Houston? I remember it was a big thing that he was selected for the Wallabies, and didn’t he go walkabout?
Was it another one of Steady Eddie’s inspired selections?
rob mccourt said | September 25th 2008 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
True Tah
he did go walkabout but has returned. played for the Reds this year and i assume will next year. To his credit and ignoring my cynicism he didn’t play that badly towards the end of the Super 14. But he sure isn’t the next Kefu or Finegan.
Bring Back Melon said | September 25th 2008 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
Couldn’t agree more.
There have been some notable exceptions. Hence the moniker…
Bring back Melon!
The Cougar said | September 25th 2008 @ 2:18pm | Report comment
Geez LAS, I reckon you’re being a bit tough on some of the Wallabies. Especially Mortlock. No passion and ticker? I’d put him up there with some of the bravest and fiesty players in the world. You see him when he scored that try cutting back on the inside in Sydney? You telling me those cries of ecstasy were from a guy going through the motions? You saying that his still phenomenal leg drive if from a guy that just wants to lie down?
Benny R said | September 25th 2008 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
Bad call on Mortlock - he for good reason is called the “Evil Wizard” in New Zealand. Consistently one of the Wallabies better players over the last 8 years.
greypower said | September 25th 2008 @ 4:04pm | Report comment
I agree with all the above, except for Mortlock, he plays with great heart and passion, but I think his body is tired and he is trying too hard, therefore making mistakes. Phil Waugh is also a passionate and brave player, but has outlived the no.7 position, he should be retrained as hooker (with his intelligence and rugby passion it would not take long). Our main problems are in the forwards, and the rugby press in Australia doesn’t give much credit to forwards, never mention “tight five” (don’t think some of them know what that means) whereas in SA and NZ forwards are revered and particularly props. Our main problem is that most young men in Australia grow up watching and following rugby league, even those who play rugby, and I believe also a lot of junior rugby coaches favour “league style” players, big and strong and making big hits, never mind about the skill and mental ability to play the game. This seems to filter through to some degree to representative selections for junior Australian teams. Some players develop in their early twenties, hence the necessity to keep an eye on club competitions. Further, we watch Currie Cup and ANZ cup games on Foxtel, while our non-Wallaby players either holiday or train in the gym!! There has to be some sort of elite competition next year after S14 and it has to be at least on Foxtel.
The best publicity Rugby can get is to begin winning again, not to “poach” high profile players from the other code.
sheek said | September 25th 2008 @ 8:23pm | Report comment
One of our toughest folk heroes - Ned Kelly - had to wear a hemet & body armour made of iron to protect him from bullets.
Bloody wimp!!!
LeftArmSpinner said | September 25th 2008 @ 10:47pm | Report comment
The Cougar, Benny R and greypower. I agree that Mortlock is brave in traffic and as a player in individual situations. I am referring to that determination, competitiveness, toughness and clarity of thought that the AB players have throughout a game as opposed to waxing and waning. For example, Mortlock went missing at altitude in J’Burg. He is the captain and a team such as the Wallabies could not afford for its captain to go missing!!!
Burgess, Giteau, Sheehan, Elsom and Horwill have it. Competitive, abrasive, determined to win, no matter what, clear thinking and aggressive. They never give up. It is much more than just being brave on occasions.
Eales, Farr Jones, Fittler, Thorpe, Perkins, Steve Waugh, Ponting, Hayden and Langer, McGrath, Warne, all had it as did Liz Ellis.
Put simply, they are winners, not because of superior skill, but toughness of mind and body.
Compare them to Mortlock.
We need to get rid of those that don’t and get more of those that do!!!
jools-usa said | September 26th 2008 @ 12:46am | Report comment
Would someone inform me of the bench strength during halcyon days, Eales, Larkham, Kefu. Burke?
Jools-USA
Benjamin said | September 26th 2008 @ 5:23am | Report comment
It certainly does appear that not all Wallabies are created equal. Nobody in the ARU, or Deans himself, decided to let Richard Brown know that he had been selected for the NH tour. He had to find out through the internet. First class.
I don’t see what difference King Kong would have made in Jo’burg. I imagine the backs were less concerned with Mortlock and more concerned with the rate of knotts at which the Australian forwards were being propelled backwards. To that extent Horwill would hardly have been any more inspiring. As I recall Giteau was just as headless as Mortlock. Rarely have I seen him take the game by the scruff of the neck. Mortlock has done Australia fine service. Typical Australian knee-jerkism. Why not go the whole-hog and replace him with Cross, it isn’t as if he has ever gone missing during a game. Unless you have a replacement in mind then it is completely moot.
Benjamin said | September 26th 2008 @ 5:31am | Report comment
Jools,
here’s a list of squad players, some utilised more than others;
Latham, Staniforth, Grey, Kafer, Howard, Whitaker, Strauss, Finegan, Cockbain, Williams, Bowman, Connors, Crowley, Noreiga, Panaho, Dyson, Darwin, Cannon, Foley.
Andrew Logan said | September 26th 2008 @ 7:20am | Report comment
LAS, I mostly agree with you, but the Bekker try example (”One minute later, he mis-read the attack, and his opponent, a second rower, scored untouched.”) is an incorrect call on Mortlock.
Bekker was Tahu’s man in defence, but he made the error of being second man in on the tackle made by (I think) Giteau on his inside. This meant that instead of continuing to cover the winger, Mortlock was forced to make a desperate attempt at Bekker. Since he was covering the wing, his hips were turned outward and he was moving left to right, so to reverse all of that and make an effective hit on Bekker was never going to happen.
Bekker was not Mortlocks man. Mortlock was actually doing what so many of us ask our defenders to do - trust the man inside.
Unfortunately on this occasion that man made a wrong decision, which led to the Bekker try.
LeftArmSpinner said | September 26th 2008 @ 10:43am | Report comment
Andrew, I was with you when I watched the Bekker try live, and saw Tahu, at the last minute try to take the inside man so as to cut off the pass, I thought, yep, wrong read by Tahu as he should have taken his man, Bekker. Just another league routine not fully purged!!!
Then, with all the criticism on Tahu’s performance, I thought that I would have another look at his mistakes. So, just 7 minutes in, there were three attackers on four defenders, if you include Hynes who was out of the line and about 2 metres deeper to cover the kick. Mortlock, the experienced player and captain, incorrectly lined up on Bekker, leaving the SA winger unmarked and Tahu marking thin air.
Realising the mistake at the last minute, Tahu tried to cut off the pass by taking the inside man. Mortlock then compounded his initial error by not taking the man he had lined up on, Bekker. Bekker walked over untouched. Tahu was never, ever, on Bekker. Mortlock was always on Bekker. I put it at Mortlock’s feet because he had the captain’s authority, was the experienced player, and made no effort to even lay a hand on Bekker.
Further, Mortlock’s two schoolboy, sorry U7’s, mistakes in the previous two minutes (dropped pass and trying to run and pass it out of the in goal) indicated to me that he was not getting enough oxygen to the grey matter.
Geez, with all this analysis, I now wish I had taken the time to analyse performances in my playing days like I do now. I might have learned something.
I was too keen to get to the club house bar, and the girls and then pub and then the parties with more girls……..Ah, on second thoughts, nope, I had my priorities right…………….
gavin said | September 27th 2008 @ 11:51pm | Report comment
Yes and the fact Davidson wasn’t called up is no surprise. It makes too much commonsense, and we can’t have that can we ?
Uni deserve 4 forwards on tour. I still think Dunning is fine.
Spiros, there haven’t been enough Randwick players on tour in the last 30 years. It’s all interstate quota
And get rid of Foley as assistant forward coach
LeftArmSpinner said | September 28th 2008 @ 12:42am | Report comment
Foley is coming to the Tahs!!!
Benjamin said | September 28th 2008 @ 3:27am | Report comment
I do not think that it would be common sense to pitch a semi-pro against So’oialo, Jones, Haskell and Parisse, Gavin. Although it would certainly brighten up my weekend.
ohtani's jacket said | September 29th 2008 @ 12:51pm | Report comment
Think your read on that Bekker try is all wrong, but the point I want to make is that it wasn’t so long ago that New Zealand went through a 6-7 year period of not having the same toughness, passion and determination as Australia.
One of the strange things about watching that Brisbane Test was how similar it was to those days, only this time the shoe was on the other foot. Whether that means the All Blacks are heading for a fall will be up to the coaching and selecting of Graham Henry and Robbie Deans.
LeftArmSpinner said | September 30th 2008 @ 1:13pm | Report comment
OJ,
I remember it well and, it suggests that toughness etc is relative between two teams. I agree with this.
Some teams are winners and some are not. I think we need to find more winners for the Wallabies and replace the losers with winners. We have done it with the coach.
It them becomes a cultural thing.
My perspective was over the past 30-40 years and that the exceptions were the eras around 1984, 1991 and 1999. (not just one year but a culture and squad that existed).