By CraigB -
November 23rd 2009 @ 7:08am
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Australia’s army sent homeward, to think again
Sitting watching the dying embers of what proved to be Australia’s latest and most embarrassing loss in recent times, I found myself mentally torn on who to support for the first time that I can remember.
As I watched the Australian forwards drive towards the line, desperately seeking the score that would put them in striking distance, I felt nothing.
In fact I would say I wanted them to lose the ball. It seemed the most fitting way for the game to end.
With Scotland having put up a modern Hadrian’s wall for the last 79 minutes it seemed wrong that a late try would allow the Wallabies to squeak home and deny the Scots what they had earned.
The Wallabies did score however and then it came down to Giteau and for a second I wanted him to get it, get the kick and walk away with victory.
Then as he was lining it up and in the background I could see the Scots, crouched, angry, ready, like they were about to run the Olympic 100 metre final.
They were prepared to do anything for victory on this day and despite the fact they had no chance of actually getting to the kick in time they were were not going to sit idly by.
I thought to myself ‘miss you little pretty boy’. When he did whilst not happy exactly, I did feel the joy for the players and even more so the crowd who have been coming to Murrayfield with high hopes for years only to see them dashed time and again.
You see as much I love and support the Wallabies, this current collective are no such thing.
Sure some of the individuals within the side are worthy of the moniker, but too many are not and this is the ultimate team game.
This is not down to talent, sure Wallaby teams have been worse than this one. It is the attitude that it is all too hard that seems to come to the fore when anyone asks them the hard questions.
Questions like ‘Can you defend your line when victory depends on it?’ or ‘Can you get the ball past us?’ I don’t seem to see players ‘leaving it all on the field’ as is the modern saying.
The dissections of this game will no doubt take place all week on forums like this and pubs and lounge rooms. Hell it might even take place on tour in Wallaby camp.
Hopefully it will show the massive holes in the game style, but more importantly the culture in Australian elite rugby. As you do this though, please don’t focus entirely on the Australian woes that come from having all the ball and all the territory and still coming second.
Spare a thought and raise a wee dram for the Scottish players and Scottish rugby in general. They have shown us why we can love this game.
Even in the modern era with hit and run tours, no rucking and ice baths with players and not beer in them, they have shown that heart and pride can be enough.
The ability to refuse to accept what other people see as inevitable can get you to great places. That one off upsets can start a momentum that is nigh on impossible to stop.
For this Wallaby fan it also show that turn arounds can come quickly and that is why, regardless of this result I will be up in wee hours next week, hoping for our own Murrayfield
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(33)
Knives Out said | November 23rd 2009 @ 7:12am | Report comment
‘As I watched the Australian forwards drive towards the line, desperately seeking the score that would put them in striking distance, I felt nothing.
In fact I would say I wanted them to lose the ball. It seemed the most fitting way for the game to end.’
That’s a lose-lose attitude, Craig. Take it on the chin, get up and support your team. I recall watching Brian Ashton’s England v Tonga in the 2007 WC and feeling so wretchedly despondent having witnessed perhaps one of the worst rugby performances ever but I was still inwardly ecstatic that they won at the end of the match.
CraigB said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:26am | Report comment
‘For this Wallaby fan it also show that turn arounds can come quickly and that is why, regardless of this result I will be up in wee hours next week, hoping for our own Murrayfield’
Knives Out said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:28am | Report comment
Yeah, I know. I read that.
CraigB said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:39am | Report comment
This piece was as much about celebrating the Scots and it was bemoaning the Wallabies. I figure that will go on all week and I wanted to point out hat their are 2 teams out there. Whilst one did plumb the depths the other, through tenacity and state of mind provided a moment to remember for them and their supporters. It also serves as a reminder why we love sport in the first place. Regardless of the odds you are always in with a shot, I think the Australian players have forgotten that.
Knives Out said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:46am | Report comment
That’s fair enough. Scotland did well, no doubt about it. It will be interesting to see if they can beat Argentina. Personally I think Scotland are not looking good to go. It’s gone largely unnoticed that Italy played pretty well against SA on Saturday. Let’s be realistic – the game was a one off. The same result wouldn;t happen if you replayed the match a thousand times.
Campbell Watts said | November 23rd 2009 @ 5:07pm | Report comment
I’m not sure Knives!
The Scots passion and nationalistic pride was evident for all to see – that wouldn’t change if they played again this weekend. Their defence would be just as punishing, their kick-chase just as desperate, their organisation just as polished.
You think the Wallabies hunger could overcome this? You think their pride in the jersey would lift them from this INCREDIBLE LOW and graft for them a win?
I think not – they have hearts the size of peas and their commitment to the cause is as strong as the skin on a day-old custard!
This malaise runs far deeper than that!!
Diplomatic Immunity said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:55am | Report comment
“Let’s be realistic – the game was a one off. The same result wouldn;t happen if you replayed the match a thousand times.” To be truely realist you would have to say that if that same Wallaby squad fronted up again I would suggest that the result would be the same. Can you help me understand why that would not be the case?
Chris said | November 23rd 2009 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
For a start, with a usual success rate of around 75% the chance of Giteau missing that many kicks in a given game is less than 10%. Scotland did what they had to to get the win – and good on them – but they were bloody lucky. The Scots should be proud of themselves for beating the third best team in the world – but they were comprehensively outplayed in every single facet of the game except place kicking. A team that can only get into the opposition 22 once all game cannot expect to win often. I will eat my hat if they (Scotland) win another game in the next 12 months against anyone but Italy.
Ai Rui Sheng said | November 23rd 2009 @ 2:26pm | Report comment
The emotions of a team affect the kicker. Notice how often a kick is kicked in touch on the full when a team is rattled.
cookee said | November 23rd 2009 @ 6:37pm | Report comment
yes exactly right ,you are astute ,well done.and no one more responsible than coach denigration
Campbell Watts said | November 23rd 2009 @ 5:13pm | Report comment
Chris,
“they were comprehensively outplayed in every single facet of the game except place kicking”
The Wobblies defence was better was it?
The Wobblies kick-chase was better was it?
The Wobblies kicking from hand was better was it?
The Wobblies composure was better was it?
The Wobblies handling under pressure was better was it?
Better get that hat and some condiments ready for the pot eh?!!
Knives Out said | November 24th 2009 @ 12:47am | Report comment
Diplomatic Immunity, the Scottish scrum struggled, Ross Ford is prone to the yips, the backs seemed to lack basic passing and catching abilities and the kicking was not that accurate. I honestly think this is a one-off that was avoidable. There’s only so many times a good defence and nothing else will win games.
Harry said | November 23rd 2009 @ 9:24am | Report comment
Agree with you Craig, what I said on another thread …
There is also still a culture of arrogance and entitlement among Australian rugby, even among the supporters. Look at all the outrage here about losing to the Scots … a country that has been down in recent years for sure, but has a long and proud rugby history (eg. inventing 7’s, many great players over the years like Irvine and Hastings) and has learnt to make do with fewer resources. Until the poor structure (no depth, no domestic comp, test players allowed to cruise, pay structures wrong) of Australian rugby is addressed we’ll wallow about in mediocrity and results like this will be the norm … as they were before the grand slam tour of 84.
The good thing is the current side get a chance to put it all right on the weeknd against the Welsh … will it be the Great Golden Wallabies as seen in Brisbane and Twickenham or the Yellow mangy mursupials as seen at Muuryfield and Wellington? Actually I fear it might be the Perth version (inept, partially caused by late changes and lack of depth) we see.
Let us hope that Palu, Genia and Ioane (Robinson any chance?) get on the park for the test,.
cookee said | November 23rd 2009 @ 6:40pm | Report comment
great in twickers;are you guilty of pollyanna syndrome
cuzybros cuz said | November 23rd 2009 @ 11:28am | Report comment
australia was sent home te think again laddo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dAQ-u1B-BM
Bay35Pablo said | November 23rd 2009 @ 11:47am | Report comment
“They have shown us why we can love this game. ”
Actually, no. On passion yes, but in many ways this is everything about why rugby is flawed. A team can have no attack, and rely on defence for 80 minutes, and still win because they potted a few penalties. One try in 81 minutes is what we love about rugby?!?!
Ultimately, the Wallabies lost that game. Scotland didn’t win it. I have some solace in the fact that the All Blacks appear to be having problems scoring tries and putting teams away, so perhaps we aren’t so bad. However, this was in no way a great game of rugby, except in the way that Eddie the Eagle was great for ski jumping ….
Wal The Hooker said | November 23rd 2009 @ 4:42pm | Report comment
Pablo
I agree the game is flawed I wrote on the rugby heaven site. Why is it the ABs and WBs have forgotten how to score tries? 1 a piece its pretty poor. Now that comes down to execution ultimately, however the non stop kicking is now dominating every test match. Not to take away from Scotland’s gutsy effort but why are the rules designed perhaps unintentionally to make a game so dour. It’s bloody boring!
Even now, finally the English scribes who chastised the SH for the ELV’s are crying for change to the rules to promote attack. Funny that! They shunted the ELV’s and as a consequence are now realising that today’s bigger and faster players can be coached into defensive units, safety first, kick for territory and force a 3 pointer. Which brings me to my next few points, bring back the bloody ruck, reduce the straight arm penalties. Cut the points for penalties and field goals down to 2. I bet attitudes will soon change for more adventurous coaching and a better spectacle. Anyhow my 2 cents worth.
steve said | November 24th 2009 @ 12:11am | Report comment
The springboks scored some magic tries against italy(where the all blacks only scored two) and wales scored some pretty decent tries against arg……its about attitude and ability, something the all blacks lack and the wallbies just need to muscle up for once(like they did in brisbane)
Campbell Watts said | November 23rd 2009 @ 5:21pm | Report comment
Thats right Pablo – keep you head buried in the sand!
You were schooled! Out defended, out passioned, out kicked and out scored! So if your’re happy with that by all means!
But please don’t mention the ALL BLACKS in the same sentence as this PATHETIC Wallabies side, unless it goes something like:
“the Wallabies have now lost 7 games and counting to the mighty All Blacks”
The Scots played out of their skin and in every way deserved the win!
mick h said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:11pm | Report comment
Campbell, do you really think the current All Blacks side is mighty?
Yes they have beaten the Wallabies 7 on the trot, (unnecessary reminder but thanks anyway), but by your own brilliant observation we are “PATHETIC” anyway.
Why do Kiwis have to constantly bring up their own dominance over us in Rugby when we are beaten by another team. It gets boring and makes you seem churlish. And before you hastily reply with something like “well, he brought up the All Blacks first,” all Pablo was saying was that it seems the All Blacks have trouble scoring like past great All Black sides.
I don’t think you will beat France this weekend.
Campbell Watts said | November 24th 2009 @ 11:23am | Report comment
Mick,
Did I say anywhere they are mighty??
You’re right – this is by no means the greatest AB’s side – but they are FAR AND AWAY superior the the Wobblies!
I mearly don’t want the good AB’s named sully by being mention in the same breath as this Wobblies side!
No AB’s side – regardless of how bad – has ever lost to the Scots. We take great pride in such facts – perhaps the Wobblies need a bit of that pride!
mick h said | November 24th 2009 @ 3:22pm | Report comment
“the Wallabies have now lost 7 games and counting to the mighty All Blacks”
So yes, you did said the word “mighty”. By the way, we have lost a lot more than 7 games to the mighty All Blacks thank you very much. We take great pride in such facts!!!
As I suggested the Wallaby loss to Scotland has nothing to do with New Zealand or the All Blacks.
Do you think that the All Blacks will never lose to Scotland or Ireland or even Italy for that matter? If you do then your arrogance is astounding and you ideas are nothing short or dilusional.
I’d keep my mental energy on preparing for another loss to France this weekend if I were you.
captain nemo said | November 23rd 2009 @ 12:03pm | Report comment
pablo, I would love if the wallabies had the attacking problems of the All Blacks. In my heart of hearts I never saw this loss coming. even if Gitts had landed his shot, would of been a piss poor win in my books. No disrespect to Scotland, but there must be some pretty disapointed explayers from 10 years ago that lay a foundation for Australian rugby. Robbie Deans must be pulling his hair out. Can’t look at the big picture if you lose to Scotland
Bay35Pablo said | November 23rd 2009 @ 12:16pm | Report comment
Nemo, We are in more trouble than the ABs, but the lack of tries and finishing, given the low scoring 3N and similar issues for the ABs, means it may be partially the rules or similar, rather than solely the Wallabies themselves. Although they are a big part.
Campbell Watts said | November 23rd 2009 @ 5:24pm | Report comment
Except of course the All Blacks keep winning their games – a small point of contention I realise but one I find somewhat important!
Jameswm said | November 23rd 2009 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
Craig
Why don’t you name names? Who are the ones giving it all and who are those feeling an entitlement to be there and not putting in?
Bay35Pablo said | November 23rd 2009 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
James, was thinking the same thing. If it’s so bloody obvious, please do a player by player call ….
CraigB said | November 23rd 2009 @ 7:57pm | Report comment
Jameswm – I don’t think I ever mentioned a feeling of entitlement, but more a case of seemingly not being prepared to give all to the cause. It maybe something more along the lines of self preservation. That said those players from the 22 I feel are playing that way are as follows:
Chisolm, Horwill, Cooper, Mitchell
Then there are those who give there all but just aren’t good enough:
Cross, Burgess, Brown, Mumm
Lastly there are guys who suffer from trying to do too much and end up making things worse
Giteau
Midfielder said | November 23rd 2009 @ 1:47pm | Report comment
For the life of me I cannot see any help all these negatives articles bring other than to express a bit of frustration… the real question is if this is our best and we have one of the worlds best coaches …. what is happening at the elite player base …
Sheek has long argued and warned without building blocks being put in place that has a structure from park to test level this would happen… maybe it has started …. ask the question why is this the best squad we have… IMO that is the real question…
Campbell Watts said | November 23rd 2009 @ 5:27pm | Report comment
Midfielder,
Perhaps it may help shake this Aussie player myth that:
“We’re going OK, no need to try too hard, I’m still going to keep my spot and my ridiculous salary”
Hmm???
MarkH said | November 23rd 2009 @ 7:49pm | Report comment
We need bigger centres..I’ll toss one name in the ring. Stephen Hoiles. Can run can, can tackle. He wont make the side as a fwd but has a real chance as an inside. Small backs in Rugby cant cut it. Gits is a great player but he needs big centres to crash and break.
I dont believe we can go any lower, heads will roll in the coaching ranks. Game plans revised and changed. Whats done is done but the kicking needs to stop as ball in hand wins games. Kicking that ball away just makes it so much harder.
Campbell Watts said | November 24th 2009 @ 11:26am | Report comment
MarkH,
So the current IRB Player of the Year Shane Williams can’t cut it eh??
JimC said | November 23rd 2009 @ 8:02pm | Report comment
Harry – nailed it – You have no depth, the players that are there don’t play enough as you have no national comp, and thus most wallabies know they can cruise along raking in vast amounts of cash and travelling about in business class on the back of the deeds of players past.
But then when Giteau was revealed as the highest paid Australian player in any domestic code (ie not an EPL footy player or Bogut) a lot of rugby union fans said how marvellous it was and how it showed union was making great strides.
In the Lehman Brothers sense I guess. It said in the SMH today that the wage bill is A$27 million per year. That’s seven NRL squads. Does that make sense? Is there that much talent? If the mercenaries among ARU contracted players flee to the UK if their wages are brought into line with reality, does it matter? They won’t all leave. Horan and Little didn’t and none of the current lot are fit to lace their boots except maybe Barnes.
Questions that need to be answered I think.