De ja vu, following a pattern, again flattering to deceive. Whatever you call it, the Wallabies’ performance in Paris had a familiar ring to it.
Simple errors, missed tackles, annoying knock-ons. It was a miracle that Australia almost won the game considering they spent most of the match doing their best to lose it.
The inconsistent French finally turned up after going missing in the three-Test series in Australia earlier this year.
It was a come down of sorts for Michael Cheika’s Wallabies in only his third game in charge, after two wins.
But let’s not flay the team too much.
Yes, they were poor. Yes, they will have to do much better against Ireland this weekend and next year if they are to have a good World Cup. But the potential and the talent is there. They almost pulled off a victory despite playing at about 50 per cent, which is something.
Cheika’s game-plan – winning fast ball, playing off the front foot, a hard edge in the forwards, relentless workrate and energy – can work at Test level. But the man and his players need a little time to get their heads around it. The Waratahs’ tough boss will let his players know that Saturday’s showing just isn’t good enough.
There’s isn’t much time, but they do deserve a little leeway.
To borrow a line from Ange Postecoglou and the Socceroos, good performances, not necessarily results, are important at the moment. The big lure is the World Cup next year.
Succeed there and a so-so spring tour in 2014 is quickly forgotten.
A defeat and impressive display over a struggling England at Twickenham in two weeks’ time is more crucial than victory over the Irish or the French. The close win over Wales builds confidence for when the two teams meet again in 12 months, extending the mental advantage we have, and so would a good display against the Poms at their fortress.
The Wallabies showed signs of tiredness on Saturday after a long, long campaign and it would be good to see Cheika refresh his line-up.
Let’s see Quade Cooper and Will Genia at 10 and 9. Let’s give Matt Hodgson a starting spot and throw Sam Carter another lifeline.
2014 for the Wallabies has been a mixed bag. But there is some depth and experience being built. Henry Speight coming into calculations, hopefully Nic Cummins back in Australia in 2015. Tevita Kuridrani standing tall.
Two decent hookers, Stephen Moore and Tatafau Polota-Nau, to come back in. David Pocock to hopefully return. Karmaichael Hunt to potentially put his hand up next season, which would be wonderful. More experience for Israel Folau. Will Skelton to continue to develop and become an 80-minute player.
It’s not all negative.
Certainly what happened at the Stade de France on the weekend was frustrating. Our scrum must improve. But there’s still two games to play.
Four good performances and wins out of five would be impressive. It’s still achievable. Three from five would be respectable.
More answers will come at the Aviva this Saturday.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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