By LeftArmSpinner -
November 29th 2009 @ 5:50am
Get a Roar profile
Loading ...Related coverage
Wallabies prove they can do it
The Wallabies defeated the Welsh with an all round, high level performance. This win showed, as did the defeat of the Springboks in Brisbane, that this is a potent squad when they get their act together.
As in the game against the Scots, the Wallabies dominated all aspects of the game and the underlying statistics. However, this time, they took their chances. This time, the more highly rated opposition didn’t play well. Unlike in the Ireland land, the Wallabies sustained their performance. They didn’t lose concentration and go to sleep in either the middle of the game or in the final 10 minutes.
Aside from the desperate need for a win to avoid further psychological damage, this Wallabies team came to Cardiff as a team on the cusp. It was either the cusp of an abyss or the cusp of turning around their very poor 2009 season. Put simply, it was backs to the wall. Enough is enough. It was time for a stand, time for this team of youngsters to play the rugby they are capable of. It was time to replace the hyperbole with a real performance.
Turning to the tour overall, we have learnt that this team can match it with the other nations. Several young players have come of age, including Will Genia, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Ben Alexander and David Pocock. Dean stood up as captain of the undefeated Dirt trackers and deserves more game time with the Wallabies.
Cliff Palu, Stephen Moore, James Horwill (belatedly) and George Smith have rediscovered their previous best form.
Benn Robinson, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Rocky Elsom have maintained and enhanced their reputations at the highest level. Elsom has developed as a leader by having to sup the bitter sweet experience of life as a captain.
Drew Mitchell and Mark Chisholm will never wear a Wallabies jersey again, unless injuries significantly thin the ranks of back threes and locks.
Matt Giteau is NOT a 10. As the official Man of the Match against Wales, he showed us that he had been far from his mercurial best for most of season 2009 and in particular in the previous five games. It is clear that he is an unhappy chappie who is brings off field matters onto the field.
James O’Connor, at just 19 years old, is on the verge of greatness. Kurtley Beale has deservedly won his first Wallabies cap.
Finally, to Robbie Deans, his co coaches and selectors, I offer my sincere thanks for making the tough decisions that were needed to take back control of the Wallabies from the players.
We may look back on this tour as the turning point in the Wallabies renewal and the commencement of another golden era for the Wallabies.
As always, the most important game is the next one.
Super 14 Tipping now live on The Roar. Join now.
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(118)
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:57am | Report comment
‘Finally, to Robbie Deans, his co coaches and selectors, I offer my sincere thanks for making the tough decisions that were needed to take back control of the Wallabies from the players.’
Lol. You’re from another planet. Where have you been over the past two weeks, LAS?
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:52am | Report comment
KO,
rewind the tape. Since the discussion began about this tour, and even through the domestic season, I have never been that worried about the scoreboard. I wanted them to play passionately, with commitment and good rugby. the scoreboard will come. Having said that, passion and commitment are non negotiable!!!!
Lets be realistic. After all, they left our SUNNY shores effectively with a very young squad and team, without a fly half/playmaker or a decent, in form lock to bless themselves with and then lost their VC.
I refer specifically to the player power that has dogged all things Wallaby for years, too many years. Lets not get into the cultural stuff. I know that you are just being argumentative and we have been thro that on previous posts.
So to the tour: They beat England: nothing special but it was England at home and the Wallabies were, in addition to the above issues, were rusty as was England.
In Ireland, Ireland are a very good team, and with a bit of luck could challenge for a semi final in RWC 2011 if everything was equal. Wallabies played well in patches.
Scotland: a dominant performance in every facet of the game but the Scots didnt lie down and the Wallabies playmaker and goal kicker had another shocker!!!
Wales: another possible semi finalist at RWC 2011, but comprehensively beaten by the Wallabies.
In summary, I believe that the issues are clearly identifiable. All will correct themselves with experience and hard work, except for who will be the playmaker. For me, it is either Barnes or Cooper, but Beale could do it but It is also possible that Halangahu or Toomua could also. Both are an similar players to Barnes. Clever but without the glamour stuff/skills.
there are more than enough inside and outside backs to choose from, but probably not enough time to blood them all.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:13am | Report comment
Oh come on.. be serious.
‘Lets be realistic. After all, they left our SUNNY shores effectively with a very young squad and team, without a fly half/playmaker or a decent, in form lock to bless themselves with and then lost their VC.’
‘So to the tour: They beat England: nothing special but it was England at home and the Wallabies were, in addition to the above issues, were rusty as was England.’
No, no and no.
I’m not interested in peculiar essays, out of interest I merely asked where you had been for two weeks. And no, we haven’t been through this, btw, and nor am I being argumentative I just happen to think that the comment I highlighted is rather comical:
‘I refer specifically to the player power that has dogged all things Wallaby for years, too many years. Lets not get into the cultural stuff. I know that you are just being argumentative and we have been thro that on previous posts.’
All you have ever done in relation to this topic is make ridiculous and proof-less claims as far as I’m aware, but there you go.
fred said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:54am | Report comment
knives, exactly.
we have been told there is no cattle,that giteau is no good;but all the games have been winnable if the tactics,motivation is right.aust no 3 beat wales;and where is wales depth,what an ordinary performance without some of their better players.
good to see the scrum dominate and giteau show his skills even tho berated by coach and scribes.
LAS,you must have been watching a different movie,i thought giteau played agst wales not benched .there was only one guy fighting for survival agst wales,just fortunate the all blacks were not the opposition
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:11am | Report comment
fred, he did play well, when in space but where were those performances over the past few months???
fred said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:23am | Report comment
killed by tactics that didnt suit and demotivation
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:23am | Report comment
Thanks for the article LAS, and I agree with many of your sentiments, but not all of your conclusions.
Yes! :
“this is a potent squad when they get their act together. As in the game against the Scots, the Wallabies dominated all aspects of the game and the underlying statistics. However, this time, they took their chances. ”
No:
“Finally, to Robbie Deans, his co coaches and selectors, I offer my sincere thanks for making the tough decisions that were needed to take back control of the Wallabies from the players.” Not really sure what you mean by this, and its too soon to say anyway.
Congratulations to the Wallabies to a good victory earned in trying times!
Rickety Knees said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:59am | Report comment
Leftie – I just hope that the boom or bust nature of Wallabies play is over and that they can deliver a consistant performance.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:05am | Report comment
RK, spot on and that will be the first post of the new season in 7 months time, just as it was after the Brisbane Boks game!!!!
Obviously, I am yet to be convinced but you would expect that this tour will have benefitted the young guys.
I will watch to see if they have learnt any lessons once they get through the froth and bubble games at the start of the 2010 season………
Pete said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:29am | Report comment
“Matt Giteau is NOT a 10.” Well in light of the Wallabies display against Wales and his man of the match performance I look forward to seeing a player for the Wallabies who is a number 10
Well done Wallabies (and particularily GIts) for picking themselves up from the game from hell, to turn in a performance of this calibre. I guess the Cardiff Blue win really did pump them up…
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:06am | Report comment
Pete, one swallow doesnt make a summer!!!! Giteau is a 12. I agree that they did well to pick themselves up. maybe the cardiff game showed the starting boys that the cavalry is coming for their positions.
Rickety Knees said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:45am | Report comment
Giteau played mainly second receiver – and was brilliant. It will be a great battle between Barnes (if the dullards at the Waratahs play him at 10)/Giteau and Cooper next season Let’s hope that a few of the younger second rowers put up their hands as well.
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:56am | Report comment
completely agree, each time Giteau was at second receiver, he looked better, the backline clicked, more space, more clever running and putting the others into gaps leading to tries.
nashi said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
I third that. Gits made the line breaks in space. The little chip through wide out. To me he looks every bit the NZ style 12. With Gits/Barnes/Cooper/Beale/O’Connor about the selectors seem to have a few options at 10/12. I really don’t give a hoot who plays 10 or 12 as long as 10 has a good wide ball and 12 has some unpredictability. I would argue of those in the mix Barnes/Cooper have the wide ball. Gits/O’Connor/Beale have the sparkle.
The back line is still crying out for a quality winger, Hynes is solid but Mitchell is a goof.
Pete said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:20pm | Report comment
I agree LAS, just being cheeky after recent postings about Gits. Glad the Wallabies turned in a good performance.
Davey said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:31pm | Report comment
Pete
Watch the game again and come back and tell us what position Giteau was standing at for his 3 try assits.
ohtani's jacket said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:35am | Report comment
Good win to the Aussies. If the tour proved anything, it’s that Deans needs to keep weeding out the crappy players from this Australian side.
nashi said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:17pm | Report comment
OJ, he is finished with the roundup, now its just a couple of tall weeds that need to be rooted out.
Rockin Rod said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:13am | Report comment
He may have been the official man of the match only beacause i dont think a man of the match has ever been given to a player that has only play 40 min. That first 40 from Pocock was just about the best i have ever seen from a number 7. And then George to come on and take over exactly where Dave left off was just incredible. Robbie is getting the best out of these 2 blokes.
Notice how good Gits looked at 2nd receiever outside Cooper. Defence didnt know what to do. He would not look good at 12 outside Barnes as Barnes is too predictable.
Well done Wallabies, enjoy the night
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:17am | Report comment
‘He may have been the official man of the match only beacause i dont think a man of the match has ever been given to a player that has only play 40 min.’
It has, Rod. A sub. I don’t know whom but Jonathan Davies said it had occurred previously.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:08am | Report comment
KO, but davies was always a tat erratic himself, as a player. Sublime skills and I loved to watch him play.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:14am | Report comment
Davies should know as he was referring to an award that he had handed out.
CraigB said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:11am | Report comment
you can win a MoM coming on in the 2nd 40, but never after only playing the 1st half
Campbell Watts said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:43am | Report comment
So I take it Rod you haven’t seen much rugby?
Sure Pocock is a great ball snaffler, but “That first 40 from Pocock was just about the best i have ever seen from a number 7″ says to me you have not watched a lot of games. Yes he is a great tackler and turn-over merchant – but do you ever see him linking up with his backs, supporting the guy making the break and putting away the finisher?
No – because he is quite one-dimensional as a open-sider.
Watch some McCaw games if you want to see a REAL WORLD CLASS OPEN SIDER.
Howi said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:54am | Report comment
Agree. When George came on I thought he would just be made to look a shadow of Pocock (who was the heart of the Wallabies in the first half). Instead he seemed to have stepped up 2 or 3 gears and looked as gritty and perhaps more agile than ever. Pocock-Smith could be an awesome interchange pair for a couple of years to come.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:08am | Report comment
now that is what I can using your bench!!!! more please
Dean Pantio said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:50pm | Report comment
“That first 40 from Pocock was just about the best i have ever seen from a number 7″
Is that the first game of rugby you’ve seen? I’m guessing the majesty of watching Josh Kronfeld take over from Michael Jones and then the unearthing of the best open side flanker in the world, quite possibly the greatest open side flanker the game has seen in McCaw, you are unaware of? If so, then you’re in for a treat. You’ll be stumbling for superlatives to describe the magnificence of what you will see.
Pete said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:30pm | Report comment
I agree McCaw is brilliant. Did you see him in the France game. Towards the start of the match, the French were on their way to score down the right wing after a length of the field play just after NZs first try. McCaw is jogging back to get back onside and the French pass it into him and the try in bombed. The Ref shrugs his shoulders and NZ are given the ball. Replays show that McCaw went out of his way to dilberately head back through the French back line to get back onside to cause interference. The NZ commentators referred to is as McCaw’s devine intervention… on another telecast, the UK commentators had another word for it ‘cheating’. I’ve seen other players yellow carded for it. There is no doubt he is brilliant, but I’m stunned he gets away with so much.
katzilla said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:42am | Report comment
‘James O’Connor, at just 19 years old, is on the verge of greatness.’
Way to put the knockers on him Chisholm. Playing 2 decent games against 2 northern teams doesn’t put you on the precipice of greatness.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:46am | Report comment
Don’t be too surprised, katzilla. A few games ago this team were the worst ever, and now we’re back to the ‘golden generation’ chat. It’s all harmless I suppose… until the next loss and then we’re back to reading about overpaid ego-maniacs.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:20am | Report comment
knives, I have never said that they were the worst team ever. I said that there was an issue with the lineout, the lack of a playmaker and Giteau was performing in that critical role very poorly.
Dean Pantio said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:39pm | Report comment
KO is replying to katzilla and makes no mention of you, yet you feel compelled to reply “I have never said that they were the worst team ever. I said that…”? Ego much?
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:18am | Report comment
here is my support for the “greatness” comment. He is 19, 19, very very young. He works hard all the time. He is a very naturally gifted player. brave and always at it trying something.
He has been thro the wringer at the hands of the AB’s and, to a lesser extent, the Boks…… and He probably was brought into the test team a bit early but has come out the other side surviving it and possibly better.
I didnt say he was great yet, just on the verge. A S14 season at 12, outside the SA guy, (name escapes me) and he will be better again and then two more internationals seasons before the first of his three RWC’s.
katzilla said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:31pm | Report comment
If he had stayed in NZ he wouldn’t have gone away on the Under 20s tour. He wouldn’t have made the team.
On the verge implies that greatness is merely a stones throw away.
Maybe you would be better off saying that he has great potential.
Jerry said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:51pm | Report comment
He would have walked into the U-20’s for NZ, what are you on about?
katzilla said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:40pm | Report comment
Im on about Robbie Robinson played fullback and Cruden played 1st Five.
Both alot better then O’Connor.
If you want verge of greatness then those are two players who will definately wear black one day.
Justin said | December 1st 2009 @ 8:59am | Report comment
Ever heard that he plays 12 in the S14? Thats his spot.
Dean Pantio said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:41pm | Report comment
The verge of greatness. LOL He’s played how many tests? The verge of greatness, hahaha.
Campbell Watts said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:45am | Report comment
Gits is so not a number 10!!
Notice the 2 tries he set up were from 2nd reciever? When Barnes is back next season you WILL NOT SEE GITS IN THE 10 JERSEY!
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:45am | Report comment
Lousy match when you look at what followed in Marseilles.
NZ are the supreme force in rugby. Everyone else is playing catch-up.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:47am | Report comment
1st half was good. 2nd half wasn’t.
Howi said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:56am | Report comment
Lousy match?? Takes a hell of a lot to please some.
Campbell Watts said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:08am | Report comment
In comparison to the AB’s France game though??
I thought Wales were decidedly average tonight – yet the French side were on fire in the first half, the AB’s just played a level above. Granted the 2nd half was not the same quality – but both side were trying to score tries for the whole 80 min!
I’m with you Potty – AB’s the supreme force!! No try score against them for their last 2 northern hemi tours!!
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:22am | Report comment
It would seem that the Boks have hit the wall. I cant comment as I haven’t seen any of their games. But age will weary them at some point. and if so, they dont have much time to rebuild, having given everyoneelse 2 years head start.
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:29am | Report comment
Not convinced Pothale. The good, the bad, and the ugly, and more holes than a swiss cheese in the french defence. I wouldn’t read too much into this game. But congratulations to New Zealand nevertheless!
katzilla said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:00am | Report comment
The most enjoyable thing to come out of this is the self destruct sequence being initiated by the boyos over at 606.
Most of them predicted that scoreline lol. But not that way round.
They’re calling on Gatland to be fired now. Now theres one NZ coach people would love to see come home
ohtani's jacket said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:01am | Report comment
Ah, Wales and New Zealand coaches. It always ends so well.
Dean Pantio said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:37pm | Report comment
Definitely. Let the Welsh find their own coach.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:25am | Report comment
Ahhhhh, Katzilla. Yes, thanks for the reminder of how insular and vindictive the Welsh can be. Shades of the reaction to the Push over try in 1984…………..I was there and there was no singing and they didnt even go to the pubs afterwards, just back to the valleys to watch S4C.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:27am | Report comment
Obviously they’re not the only nation of peoples to react like that (ahem)…
In fairness Gatland has played a dangerous game this AI and has come badly unstuck. He shouldn’t go, but if there isn’t a positive reaction during the 6N then he’s in trouble.
Bay35Pablo said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:46am | Report comment
KO, as opposed to Deans who should go .. ?
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:32pm | Report comment
Mmm… I’m waiting until then next 3N and 6N until I form a conclusion. If I were a Wallaby fan I’d be thinking that this one win doesn’t remedy the depression of the season, and if I were a Welsh fan I’d be furious at the arrogance of my coach. Australia has Sharpe and Barnes to come back and Wales has A.Jones, R.Jones, Phillips, Shanklin and Byrne to return, so I’m sure both sets will be expecting a lot more in the future.
Viscount Crouchback said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:54am | Report comment
Quite. And when I was there in 1995, the horrible creatures urinated on the terraces. It was quite grotesque. A barbarous breed indeed.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
but you are royalty!!!
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:51am | Report comment
Can I just make one point! All this talk of committment hides one thing – the fact that Australia were very accurate and showed good skills during the 1st half. That’s why they scored the tries they had previously fluffed, not because they wanted it less in previous weeks.
BennO said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:30pm | Report comment
KO, the point you make is a no brainer. The question is how and why did they play with those skills this week and not in previous weeks?
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
KO, commitment comes in many forms thoughout the game. they were very sharp mentally, switched on if you like, their tackling was great, the intensity at the breakdown and accuracy was great. they played at a higher tempo and Wales couldn’t go with them. last week, they were rolled in tackles. this week they did the rolling!!!! it is jsut that simple when you add it up over a whole game.
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:59am | Report comment
Hey Pothale and Knives Out, still waiting to see you guys type “Congratulations Australia, well played! ” Its not that hard is it?
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
Parisien – don’t be silly. I already said in advance that I wanted Australia to win. And in case you hadn’t noticed, I posted substantially throughout the match in the live blog. Where were you?
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:33am | Report comment
I was at Cafe Oz watching the game, whaddya reckon? And I think you said something along the lines of wanting Australia to win just to put those Welsh boys in their place…
come on, give it up, its really easy…
by the way, congratulations to Ireland for beating SA!
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
See it wasn’t that difficult, Parisien.
Well done to Australia for beating Wales and England, and showing that snatching that draw with Ireland wasn’t just a fluke!
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:49am | Report comment
LOL! Thanks Pothale, love your work and your humour! Even Kidney said Ireland were fortunate to get away with the draw against Australia. Aah, just three points short of a grand slam in the end!!!!!
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:37pm | Report comment
What did Declan Kidney say specifically?
AndyS said | November 30th 2009 @ 6:26pm | Report comment
Well, for the sake of accuracy, he said specifically:
“I suppose you could say we escaped…Australia played a good game. They put us under a lot of pressure. We were never on the front foot.”
(http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-sport/ireland-snatch-late-draw-with-wallabies-20091116-igm7.html)
and
“If you had given it [the draw] to me two minutes before the end of the game, I’d've taken it”
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8361567.stm)
Viscount Crouchback said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
Why did you want Australia to win, Pothale?
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:34pm | Report comment
Do grow up for goodness sake. I congratulated Australia on another thread. The irony is glaring given that you are so begrudging: “Oh, Australia smashed Ireland!”.. “NZ smashing France means nothing!”
Spook said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:14am | Report comment
The Giteau bashing is getting a bit much. With regard to bringing off field matters to the team…I daresay you are relying on pure speculation like most other wannabe journos or do you have any hard facts for us to consider?
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
Giteau behaved like a grumpy, PMT affected teenager at the press conferences prior to leaving the shores of Oz. Fact!
Cattledog said | November 30th 2009 @ 11:45pm | Report comment
You just have to look at his demeanour on the field, talk about a grumpy teenager. The only smile I’ve seen is when he’s given MotM award. He needs to stop berating players if they make an error. He makes enough himself. Whilst I recognise his talent, he’s NOT captain material or VC for that matter, IMO as he hasn’t shown enough leadership for my mind. Deans it seemed had also noticed this!!
Viscount Crouchback said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Wallabies good. Wales (as usual) hilariously lacking in mental strength. I do love the boyos from the valleys, but no nation comes close to them for flaccidity in the face of adversity. They need everything to be absolutely perfect to have a hope of winning against a major nation – as soon as they lose a bit of form or suffer a few injuries, they lost the plot completely and play like like dead men walking.
Congrats to the Wallabies for sticking at it – but did I notice a bit of laziness there in the second half when the match was won? NZ would have run in another three tries, but the Wallabies seemed content to mess around and even (absurdly) stick over a drop goal when twenty points up.
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:40am | Report comment
“NZ would have run in another three tries, but the Wallabies seemed content to mess around and even (absurdly) stick over a drop goal when twenty points up.”
Quite right. I think the drop goal was an attempt to be smart but was really quite stupid, with room out left for another try.
They almost allowed Wales to play themselves back into the game.
Maybe they’ll learn ruthlessness as they get older…
KP said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:54am | Report comment
Hey boys,
I was at the game in scotland, watched the ireland and welsh games on TV – the ONLY difference was that today they found an early try and opened up the game, same could have happened in ireland, and definetely same could have happened in scotland.
great game to the boys, great to see Australian forwards finally dominating a game, the backs need a bit more polish but in 2 years time we’ll win it!
c’mon boys get on board! (NZ will NEVER will a world cup, Wilkinson cant win it off his boot in two years time and the SAFFA’s are gettin too old)
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
Eh – much as it pains me to say it, Ireland handed Hynes a gift-wrapped try in the first five minutes of the Ireland match. They didn’t get near the tryline again until Mr Elsom barged over.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:53pm | Report comment
KP, I hate to remind you but Mitchell scored in the first few minutes against Ireland and then went on with it until about 30 minute when Ireland started to come back at them.
stillmissit said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:58am | Report comment
Guys a good win but against a very poor Wales who unfortunately lost a few players in the first half. We did score some tries by putting the ball downl.
My thoughts are that had we played Ireland this week we would have had our pants taken down,I also thought that Scotland played more committed rugby than Wales. We were guilty again of sitting on our arses in the first 15mins of the second half.
I have really enjoyed this Nth Hemi tour and although I still have little faith in our ability come next TN’s we are starting to understand what it takes to win. Lets hope they dont forget during the S14. We still have not opened the box of these jelly babies that would allow them to morph into a great team.
The North are becoming more competitive particularly Ireland and France and it will be interesting come RWC time.
SA’s kick and chase tactic has come undone. Overused and therefore predictable, it also allowed the excellent SA forwards to clock off for a large part of the game and they are paying the price for that. Thank god that this tactic has run out of legs, I was starting to fear that we would see 5 years of the kick and chase game. I guess you could say we are not totally out of this phase yet after watching the start to the 2nd half Aust v Wales.
It does not wipe out the ignominy of the ‘White Flag in Wellington’ but all in all a pass mark. Deans will be breathing again and it will be onwards next season with Giteau at 12.
Bay35Pablo said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:48am | Report comment
“SA’s kick and chase tactic has come undone. Overused and therefore predictable”
Was always going to happen. When something works, the first thing every other coach does is work out how to beat it.
Tragic said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:01am | Report comment
Interesting game I thought. I almost saw a resurgence in the Welsh at one stage when, despite having had three tries scored against them and being outplayed in every facet they were still in the game due to a couple of unforced errors by Australia and a couple of other silly penalties that they gave away. I think that Knives Out was spot on when he pointed out Aus’s accuracy. There wasn’t much that they didn’t execute well, but they were letting the Welsh back into the game with pointless misdimeanours and unforced errors. That side of a champion team’s game is always minimised. The bounce of the ball was with us also with a number of injuries to the Welsh including to their most threatening back early in the game. I thought we were in for another interesting evening when I saw the faces of the Wallabies prior to the game, and all their furrowed brows and sagging body language, and then Giteau’s kick off…..
Agreed LAS, they showed us they can be good when they put it together. I would like to see them run it a bit more in counter attack and broken play though. I think there was another try in this game against a Welsh team that mysteriously went missing and lacked any potency in attack. They really never threatened the try line, although being within striking distance for a long period late in the game.
Excited about the prospects for Queensland in the next S14, and wished Beale got some more time on the paddock. I think we are yet to see the best out Kurtly Beale and it will be interesting to see if he stands up next season.
Anyone know the score for the NZ FRA match??
bennalong said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:38am | Report comment
Tragic, I don’t thik the error rate or misdemeanors were the issue. I agree with you and Parisien however about the return to defensive kicking. It was the lack of running that put us under pressure. The penalties seemed to be the ref chastising their CHOICE to defend rather than true misdeneanors.
It was a strange reffing performance but acceptable in terms of advantage play and his balanced calling of arbitrary penalties
Tragic said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:57am | Report comment
The unforced errors that I was referring to were penalties that led to points, the points being the factor on the scoreboard keeping them in the game. Palu was offside when Mitchell knocked on to him, which was one penalty (I hate that this can’t be an accidental error and therefore scrum), and Hynes being in front of the kicker was another meaningless 3 points. There were a couple of others involving good counter-rucking by the Australians, but I felt maybe they were perhaps over-enthusiastic at the breakdown and the penalty ensued.
The spear tackle, although not converted, was another pointless penalty.
Kicking the ball away is a territorial tactic, not necessarily a choice to defend, and useful when nothing else is on and you don’t get people running it back at you (as you have pointed out), but Wales’s ball retention was very admirable, you have to give them credit, they just lacked the knockout punch.
Lindommer said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
The mown grass creating panels across the field showed neither Hynes nor Palu were offside, they were both inline with the kicker or the Aussie ball handler. Barnes was in error as he was for the Welsh forward pass to their right wing: it was as inline with the passer as is possible to get. But the one which annoyed me the most was Mumm’s penalty for being offside; Hynes put the entire Australian team onside by running from behind the kicker. On at least two occasions a Welsh chaser continued on from in front of the kicker without admonishment. Don’t this lot of officials talk to each other? So much for the iRB’s “assistant referee” regime.
Although I will say in favour of Barnes any match he whistles is usually a good spectacle.
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:14am | Report comment
It wasn’t just the errors that almost allowed the Welsh back into the game – Australia also started kicking more, as if they were almost trying to defend their lead, or play “smart”, and “territory”, and in fact just succeeded in allowing the Welsh to run with the ball a bit more, thread a few passes together, and start getting back a bit of confidence.
When you’ve got your foot on the throat, keep it there! (watch NZ v France)…
Tragic said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:32am | Report comment
Precisely. The kicking tactics were mostly justified due to their accuracy though, and kept the ball down the right end of the paddock, but there were a couple of opportunities that they could have really stuck the knife in and didn’t, when the ball had been poorly returned in a kicking duel, for example. I think this is what makes the all blacks so dangerous – that it is certain that they will always at least size up the opportunity to score a try.
On another point, I think that Australia’s defence was admirable, albeit against an impotent Welsh attack, and they didn’t give away penalties when they were under pressure. Witness Elsom’s tireless efforts close to the ruck, and gettting straight back on his feet after making a tackle or getting off the bottom of a ruck. This, and the swarming support play that follows a break-out (typified by the All Blacks), is what the so-called ‘passion’ factor gives you. I have witnessed too many years of lazy Australians in support play and getting back in defensive alignment.
bennalong said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Aaaaah, LAS(sic).” Yes. Thanks for the reminder of how insular and vindictive the Welsh can be”
KO’s comments should have caused you to pause and think. The pars of the Roar have been full of bile and vindictiveness about the Wallabies.
They played very well and comparing it to the AB’s v France game, Pothale, is mean spirited and pointless
(Powerful but…..Yet another game full of infringements and bodies all over the place.Carter great)
For stretches in the second half they went off the boil and I thought my predictions that they would dominate but come up with a narrow victory were going to be spot on. Glad to say I was wrong.
Giteau deserved MOM, IMO. He was playing second receiver to Quade Cooper most of the match and this is why he performed so well. Moving bodies, time and space are what he feasts on. And confidence. Robbie Deans can acknowledge his seniority and ego and give him 10 to wear, whist QC stands in for BB. It’s one of the benefits of dual pivots and it was textbook this morning. Beale and Tomua not in contention at this stage
Agree with the comments about David Pocock and George. Deans has done well to get the old master back on his game. His multi-dimensional performance was superb.
Don’t know why you singled out (well, along with Chisolm) Drew Mitchell to never again wear a Wallaby jersey. No doubt it’s his error rate, but he does lots of things well most of the time.
Regarding the boy wonder, you may be right about him verging but he hasn’t got a starting position yet. I guess he’s competing for outside centre but he needs maturity
As one of the optimists I feel great. The tour was up and down like previous history but the certainty was there in phases in every match. It certainly overwhelmed the Welsh in the first half and despite switching off the attack a fantastic defence in the second confirmed a different skill set.
The future is bright(except for the ETS)
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:57pm | Report comment
Bennalong, Mitchell is now the only player in the team without the necessary ticker or passion. Giteau is out of position.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:37pm | Report comment
benn, remember the first try, the two props show lovely ball skils, get it to Mitchell, goes in and out to draw the defender, then throws a forward pass to Horwill,. thankfully it was not picked up.
sheek said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:28am | Report comment
One of the criticisms often leveled at this current Wallabies team is that there are loafers who don’t always put in.
Isolate their two good wins against the Boks & Wales from all their other dismal fares, & you wonder about the truth of this criticism. Winning regularly at international level is tough going. All the same, these guys are being paid handsomely for the privilege of representing their country.
This team will get better by RWC 2011. It certainly can’t get worse (can it?). However, in saying that I don’t see a world cup winning outfit here, even allowing for improvement. Brave words, but I’ve always been willing to put my neck out. I kinda think the Wallabies will be better by 2015 (a very significant year for Aussie anyway).
The problem remains, there aren’t enough world class players in this Wallabies team, even allowing for improvement from the young guns. But then again a lot also depends also on where some of the opposition are in their development two years from now.
Viscount Crouchback said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:51am | Report comment
I thought they loafed when ahead in the second half today. In fact, bizarrely, today’s second half did more than anything to support the O’Neill view that these Wallabies are indolent blighters.
Bay35Pablo said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:51am | Report comment
Ireland knocking off the Boks suggests we did well to draw with them. This really is a good Irish team, although I wonder if they can maintain it for 2 years. Would love it if they went far in 2011 (although not at Australia’s expense please).
Would have been great if the ABs had been playing the Irish this tour. That would have been a VERY interesting Test.
Viscount Crouchback said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
The ABs would have won easy. Just like last year – and every year before that.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
Oh you of little faith, VC. It’s gonna happen some time. Next year in NZ would be nice.
warrenexpatinnz said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:38pm | Report comment
Well done to the Wallabies a good solid win with some flair and attacking nouse. It was more pleasing to see less mistakes whilst attacking and the result was tries. A little hard to gauge we they are at in combinational play and who will have first dibs on 10, 12 and 15 so will be an interesting start to next years internationals.
What I do believe will come out of the NH tour is the Aussie Super 14 sides, namely the Waratahs and the Brumbies is a group of young players thirsty to impress and maintain the spot in the national side. Now that can only be good for the Wallabies as a team.
The best thing of the NH tour witnessed by all and sundry and in some cases grudgingly acknowledged by the Euro rugby press, sometimes lauded was the front row dominance, in fact the pack in general. Yes the lineouts were poor on occasions but thouroughly enjoyed a young front row building towards being the most dominant, if not currently, world’s best.
Cheers
Brett McKay said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
Yet another great write-up Leftie, and it was great to see an 80-ish minute display from the Wallabies. It was one of those games where they really had nothing to lose by attacking early and it paid handsome rewards. Wales admittedly were decimated by injury in the first half, but the Wallabies could only – wait for it – “play what’s in front of them”
I’ll echo the Viscount’s thoughts above, I too thought the game dropped off in intensity with about 20 to go, but the Wallabies deserve plenty of credit for not letting Wales across their line. Scrum was rock solid, lineout was pleasantly reasonable, and the breakdown was brutal.
I would have been happy if Pocock was MotM, for he was just a class above, but George Smith deserves all the platitudes coming his way for his second half display, which let everyone know that stories of his demise are greatly exaggerated. It would have been fitting if Pocock and Smith shared the MotM, actually. Giteau had his best game in a good while, but once again was most dangerous running from 12 onto wide Cooper passes.
Once again though, the Wallabies now need to prove that they’re only as good as their next game. Winning the public back depends on it. This was a great end to the tour, but we want more now.
By the way Leftie, what did you make of Giteau’s kicking?? I thought from the right and his shot from halfway in the first few minutes were very, very good, but he still stabbed at kicks from the left, rather than kicking through the ball like he did otherwise. He still needs to rectify this, or else it may be worth considering using a right-footer (Cooper, Barnes?) for kicks from the left.
And Mat, more of this morning’s form in a Brumbies strip next year please….
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
Brett, It has been Giteau’s kicking style since he first started taking the kicks, and I agree, on the first one, it was a cracker, particularly after the kickoff blunder. But the closer ones the ones that dont need the power to make th distance were still pretty ropey. from my viewing, they didnt have much shape to them.
ThelmaWrites said | November 29th 2009 @ 11:26pm | Report comment
Brett
Remember: “So Robbie when can we see some silverware?”!
Two I think: the Cook Cup for the Australia v England, and that one for the Welsh match. What’s it called, the second one?
Cheers.
ThelmaWrites said | November 29th 2009 @ 11:31pm | Report comment
Dear Editors
Why are my comments awaiting moderation again? How have I transgressed?
Sam Taulelei said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:56pm | Report comment
After a meandering international season with some poor quality matches it was nice to end the year with two back to back entertaining matches in Cardiff and Marseilles.
Congratulations to the Wallabies and to all their loyal fans who have been through the mill following their side. Perhaps Pocock shouldn’t submit any more posts as he played his best game in the gold jumper and the team won!
LAS love your indomitable spirit and unwavering faith in the side, we can all get carried away in following our own teams but your passion for the Wallabies stood out for me this season, even if your team didn’t.
Congratulations also to Richie McCaw in being named IRB player of the year for the second time, the Boks for being IRB team of the year for a third time and Declan Kidney as IRB coach of the year for the first time. No quibbles from me on any of the recipients.
LeftArmSpinner said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:40pm | Report comment
Sam, thanks. Yes, I am passionate but hopefully not one eyed nor unable to call it as it is when things are bad. I look at it more from what the signs are telling me about the renewal phase the team is in and the state of their minds.
ohtani's jacket said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:17pm | Report comment
Yeah, as someone who correctly predicted how bad the Wallabies were from their opening match, I think you deserve a ton of credit Leftie.
OldManEmu said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
Just two comments shortly before I take a well earned rest from the Roar over summer.
1.
Cattledog said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:58pm | Report comment
Thanks OME…but I thought you were going to make two comments BEFORE your rest? Have you fallen asleep again? LOL
The way it is! said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:26pm | Report comment
Well done Wallabies as they had the game won by half time but lets not get carried away with this win as I felt the Welsh were very poor across the park. We took our chances when presented but overall a solid professional win. Let’s hope that we string wins together next season, if they had beaten the Scots it would have been a pass mark of a tour. I stll can’t get the image out of my head of a kiwi coaching our national side but I must get over this.
Shahsan said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:56pm | Report comment
Amazing how, in a week when the northern press had joined the southern brethren in lamenting the state of the game when we suddently get three quite magnificent games in one day. Not the best games of all time, but three compelling, entertaining atches — for different reasons. Just shows that a lot comes down to attitude and whether teams want to play positively or not.
On another note, I notice that Italy were awarded a penalty try against Samoa after the SECOND disrupted scrum, which had disintegrated and was no longer a scrum. Gives credence to what was said a couple of weeks ago i nItaly vs NZ, when the ref didnt have the guts to do the same thing depsite NINE scrums being disrupted, principally because one team slyly kept collapsing knowing that teh pushover was on. (yes, i know Paddy O’Brien said Stu Dickinson was wrong but nothing he says since RWC 1999 should be given any credence. And besides he is a Kiwi).
Just proves once again that, in the referees’ mind, there is one law for the small nations and one for the big ones.
SteveDarke said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
“This win showed, as did the defeat of the Springboks in Brisbane, that this is a potent squad when they get their act together.”
Yeah well, that’s how I would describe the French as well, who are nothing but consistently inconsistent. The Wallabies are in danger of becoming a ‘one-game’ team – they can pick themselves up for the odd game, but the rest of the time are only average.
The Boks were like this for many years (but seem to be sliding in this habit again), the Kiwis were never in this category.
A team that can play the odd great match is not a great team, they are simply lucky. Play enough matches and eventually you will click and record a stirring victory, until the next game you play when it all goes to hell again.
Harry said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:13pm | Report comment
Heh a great win for Australia, how good to see some tries scored and running rugby, congratulations Matt Giteau in particular for a deserved MOM display. I was one of those calling for him to be dropped and that would have been a big mistake (err I still think 12’s his best postion). A great way to end the year and they can now regroup, enjoy the summer and the S14 (jeez back to supporting Qld)
Amused to see KO (aka Knuckles?, or is that Fred) leading the sniping with the usual suspects Viscount et al joining in. Boys, Wallaby teams don’t do ruthless and dominate ala New Zealand. Its just not our nature.
tarpo said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:06pm | Report comment
What a wonderful sight to see the Wallas competing in the oppos lineouts!! please keep this up, it says (to all, the oppo team, the fans & yourselves) “we are here to win & make it as hard for you as we can by fighting every inch of the way”.
The common denominator with the Wallas two very good performances this year, last night & Brisbane was Mr Barnes as referee, conincidence?
Harry said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:58pm | Report comment
We do seem to play well under Barnes and the other pommy ref Chris White (IMO the best ref going around) and it can’t all be coincidence. Kaplan has us jinxed and can be relied on to give 2 or 3 crucial decisions against us for no discernable reason in most tests, we struggle with any Kiwi and most Celts.
Bay35Pablo said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:08pm | Report comment
Kevin Mitchell in the Guardian makes the point the Welsh were coming off in numbers injured.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/nov/28/rugby-union-wales-australia
Never helps any team, but then we have had the same problem before and overcome (the injury replacements against the Boks in Brisbane ended up being 2 of our best).
Chris said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:10pm | Report comment
Even when Giteau plays BRILLIANTLY you can’t bear to compliment him!
Sportym said | November 29th 2009 @ 11:36pm | Report comment
Here we go again, one good win and suddenly we are looking good, Not buying into it, I watched last weeks game and if anything wales made us look good out there. I am getting tired of all the bagging that Gits is getting, while at the same time all the praise that O’connor is getting, well O’connor has cost us more games then Gits this year, how the hell he was a starting 15 is beyond me. And the amount of money we are throwing at this 19 year old, he will be a much worse then gits when it comes to being selfish/ego.
We are in the same situation with Gits as we are with Deans, you cannot get rid of the cause there is noone better. Cooper is way too inconsistent and barnes way too injury prone.
jus de couchon said | November 30th 2009 @ 12:59am | Report comment
Good to see all the good rugby. Its been a bit dire up until saturdays beauties. Should shut the critics up for a bit.
ThelmaWrites said | November 30th 2009 @ 1:20am | Report comment
Strange, no one has said anything about Wayne Barnes in this thread. There was a bit in the Live Blog thread. Hmmm.
Terry Kidd said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:53am | Report comment
“Matt Giteau is NOT a 10.” Well in light of the Wallabies display against Wales and his man of the match performance I look forward to seeing a player for the Wallabies who is a number 10
Thats right Pete, and I agree with RK also, Giteau is not a 10. The difference in this game was that he played deeper and wider, allowing Cooper to stand the 10 position …. and Genia was able to hit either reliably with good passes …. proof is the lead up to TPN’s try …. Giteau was very deep and ran wide on the loop, he came almost from the fullback position, Genia hit him with a great pass behind the decoys, and Giteau runs into a hole outside a prop, TPN (who was one of the decoys) backs up on the inside.
Giteau was deeper and wider playing at 12, the second receiver, thats where the improvement came, he was executing, not calling. I also thought that Cooper played quite well and his defence was good.
The battle of the inside backs in the Oz S14 franchises next year will be very interesting. I hope that Link allows Cooper to run the Reds games with what he sees, rather than make him play 10 man rugby. Cheers,
Jameswm said | November 30th 2009 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
If NZ are a class ahead and the rest are playing catch-up, can someone explain to me how they couldn’t beat SA this year, even at home?
ohtani's jacket said | November 30th 2009 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
They’re not.
They’re there or thereabouts. They accomplished what they set out to do and managed to salvage their season and restore their credibility. The Wallabies made a hash of a winnable Grand Slam tour and the Boks thought they’d done enough this year, so naturally the All Blacks’ tour was better, but it has no real bearing on how the Tri-Nations will go next year and it’s not like we achieved all of our aims. We still have no back-up for Carter or McCaw.
Shahsan said | November 30th 2009 @ 3:32pm | Report comment
Parisien said | December 1st 2009 @ 12:17am | Report comment
OJ, I think that’s a good and fair summary.
Ora said | November 30th 2009 @ 4:24pm | Report comment
And can you explain South Africas capitulation come end of year tour?
Justin said | December 1st 2009 @ 9:13am | Report comment
Good win.
We need a lock badly but we have a number injured so lets see after S14. Other than that I think the pack is pretty solid and unless there is a bolter most will be in the RWC team.
Besides Genia I think every position in the backline is up for grabs. Next year I would guess that Gits, Digby, Ashley and maybe Barnes are the only certs, but in what positions?
Deans needs to get this sorted by the end of next year (preferably much sooner).
Cant wait for S14 to kick in to get a good look at players in the rightful (?) positions…