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They say rugby is the game they play in heaven, and our redeemer is the fullback.
Let it be proclaimed with wailing and gnashing of teeth that if this be so, then the prince of positions remains the openside flanker and hence the fallen angel in our biblical analogy.
In 1991 Nick Farr-Jones, Michael Lynagh and David Campese were nicknamed ‘The Holy Trinity’ by the English press. The miasma of rugby wit and angelic gifts between the three conjured up an alchemy that would take the William Webb Ellis Cup away to Australia’s shores, heralding in a golden age for Australian rugby until the retirement Saint John of Eales and famous Dragon slayer, Saint George of Gregan.
Once again the Wallabies face the old foe in the shadow of the valley of death, and they remain unafraid, for – as the Vietnam veterans’ saying goes – they are the meanest motherf*****s in the valley.
Australia saunter like a seasoned gunslinger with over a 1000 Test matches’ experience in their books. Our set piece is questioned and so is the fluency of the backline.
A backline that will re-establishes Matt Giteua to his rightful place as the most electric midfielder in the game. Although it was 10 years ago, it was on this hallowed turf that ‘Kid Dynamite’ was unveiled and had a poor opener. He came back in 2004 and tore us doubting Thomases to shreds. He was playing outside the current Wallabies backs coach, and his deceptive play at the line left England in tatters.
While he may be a step slower, the Australian barrow has become faster and tougher. With all due respect to David Wilson, Phil Waugh and Simon Poidevin we now have an unholy mix of Greg Cornelson’s mobility, Tony Shaw’s ruggedness, packed with George Smith’s intelligence… And by Christ we have it in threes.
Once unleashed to support outside backs known for their strength and discipline in the tackle (Adam Ashley-Cooper and Rob Horne), it will simply be a matter of time until the back three seem to multiply and appear all over the pitch, sideline to sideline, while heavy-breathing English packs wonder, “Oh Lord, why have thou forsaken us?”
This may usher in a new wave of forward thinking. So it is a Faustian gifted prediction that this game will give way to revisionist history the same war the godless hordes of the dark ages were defined after the bones were stacked at the temples. I expect a dominant display led by the innovative trio making the backline look angelic. Every missed tackle covered, every half break supported and every breakdown an breaking down of their opponents.
Welcome to rugby: the game they play in heaven, and hell!
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.