Did the Wallabies get a pass mark in 2010?

 
pjbreck Roar Guru

By pjbreck, 3 Dec 2010 pjbreck is a Roar Guru

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Wallabies celebrate win

Last article I was still pretty scathing of the Wallabies, even though they beat Italy. I think as it was my second post, my pent up frustrations were taken out – perhaps undeservedly. So I think I had better say a few positive things.

What to say after the win against France? Finally!

That is what I have been waiting for – a team that knows when to kick -and kick well- and when to run.

I thought once the front row changed to Robinson and Slipper, it stood out further that the we were not necessarily to blame for scrum collapses. I feel we were a bit hard done by in the first half. The scrum that had Ben Alexander sin binned, I just don’t understand how we can get penalised.

The French No. 1 clearly goes to ground first. What is Alexander to do but to go to ground? Not saying that our scrum was 100 per cent, but once terms were level, we started to hold our own. I think the pack needs both Moore and Polata-Nau.

When to play each will be interesting as both offer so much around the paddock, though Polata-Nau’s mo and fro might give him the edge!

A great scrum, of course, set the backs free. And when unleahsed, they look great.

Early on in his Wallaby career, I was concerned about Kurtley Beale at fullback, but he has made that position his own. He has really matured as a player. I think the freedom he gets at fullback makes him so dangerous.

Quade kicked well and always has the opposition second guessing. That too gives the backs just that little bit extra room.

Adam Ashley-Cooper? I think he has finally found his home in the back line. His running is so direct and strong, and his defence is just great. He needs to be in the defensive line especially when you have SBW and Nonu on the charge.

Not that the rest of the backs were bad – they were all great – but I can only salivate at the prospect of regaining Ioane to give greater grunt. I think he is the final piece in the backline puzzle.

So from a look back over the year perspective, after the injury setbacks and some indifferent form throughout the year, the backs look like they are turning the corner and building an outstanding attacking platform.

As to the forwards, much has be said about the Australian scrum over the last few years. This year we had so many injuries, it was always going to struggle. I think on merit our scrum is getting better – just hope the referees rule on the actual scrum not the perception – not saying it is perfect but getting there.

Some of the forwards have gained invaluable experience this year. James Slipper, Salesi Ma’afu spring straight to mind and things can only improve.

I actually think the Wallabies get a pass mark for the year. There was a lot of learning – doing that BEFORE a World Cup year is good – especially in the front row and in shaping the backline. This should have us in good shape for next year.

I can’t wait for the start of Super Rugby next year, then the World Cup. Let’s hope the Australian teams can dominate the Super 15, giving us the spring board to bring back Bill next year.

Go you Wallabies!

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