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Michael Cheika’s international coaching began with an unconvincing four-point win over the Barbarians at Twickenham.
After having a comfortable 18-point lead with 12 minutes to go after Sean McMahon’s converted try, the Wallabies were forced to hold off the fast finishing Barbarians.
After his first win Cheika told the media, “The Barbarians game was the perfect game to work on our shape and set up.”
Cheika had started both Will Genia and Quade Cooper, who had not played many international game in recent times, and praised them after the game.
With Cheika’s new ‘shape’ to the Wallabies outfit, they were able to beat Wales in a thrilling game of rugby. Bernard Foley’s field goal secured the Wallabies a five-point win and continued Cheika’s unbeaten start. Israel Folau starred on the night, scoring two tries and running 200 metres.
After the game Cheika said, “Camaraderie is very important to us. We’re trying to build it off the field so hopefully when we go on the field on the weekend it transfers. The boys are a tight-knit group and we want to keep building on that for the rest of the tour.”
However Cheika and his men crashed back to reality after a loss to France the following week. The Wallabies didn’t deserve to be as close as they were – losing by three points – as they did not capitalise on their chances in the second half. Rob Simmons was a standout for the Wallabies has he scored a try and won four lineouts, while both Genia and Cooper were subbed into the game during the second half and provided spark.
The Wallabies headed to Dublin to get back on the winners list, however they were unsuccessful as they lost another close game. With the scores locked at 23-all with just over 15 minutes remaining, Irish player Jonathan Sexton converted a penalty which was enough to seal the win.
Despite the loss, Cheika was pleased with the fight shown by the Wallabies saying, “We had some really good bits of attacking play.”
Twickenham was the next stop for the Wallabies. Both teams paid their respects to Phillip Hughes prior to kick off with a minute of applause. There were no stand out players for the Wallabies in the 26-17 loss, as the Englishmen ran in two tries. The Wallabies were under immense pressure from the first whistle as fumbles and dropped balls cost them dearly on the scoreboard.
The loss to England meant that this spring tour was the tours in almost a decade.
Cheika’s next big task will come in next September as the men in gold set their sights on clinching a third World Cup. Like the Socceroos, the Wallabies have drawn a group of death as they play England, Wales, Fiji, and Uruguay.
Host nation England will be their toughest assignment in the group stage. The Commonwealth rivals will face off in Twickenham, where the Wallabies have lost the last two games against the English. The Wallabies will have to look out for star English player Ben Morgan who humiliated the Australians in the last game they played running in two tries. As this match comes late in the group stage, it will be seen as a must-win game for the Wallabies.
The seventh ranked Welsh team could also cause some headaches for the Wallabies. Wales are emerging to be a serious contender at the World Cup, taking some big scalps over the past few months. Welsh player Leigh Halfpenny may cause a few problems for the Australians with his strong kicking game.
Fiji and Uruguay can be seen as easy-beats for the Wallabies, however if Cheika’s men don’t improve defensively the fast and exciting Fijian attack could score a few tries and cause an upset. These are the first two games that the Wallabies play and securing two wins will put the Australians in the box seat to make it to the quarters.
With 10 months to go until the Australians return to England, Cheika needs to find the best starting 15. A side that can play consistent rugby for an entire 80 minutes and not burn out towards the end of games or have 10 minute lapses of bad play.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.