- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
As many of you would agree, the second Test was one of the very worst performances by the Wallabies I have ever seen.
My frustration does not come from the result. Losses are a part of the game. No, it was the manner in which Australia lost.
More of the wash-up from Wallabies vs England
» Pulver not happy with AAMI Park surface
» Nine talking points
» Match report: England clinch the series
» DIY player ratings
» Roar Forum – what changes should the Wallabies make?
» WATCH: Highlights from the match
All credit to England, they defended valiantly, but they did not win the game. Australia lost it for them, for the second game in the row.
Handling errors, poor discipline, poor decision making and a complete lack of creative thinking led to Australia coming out of England’s half with no points, after repeated assaults on the English try-line.
What makes this loss hurt all the more is that it was against England. It stings that much more. I say this as an English-born, naturalised Australian who currently lives in the Middle East.
A few thoughts after the game’s outcome.
To start on a positive note, I thought that Australia’s back three were solid and dependable. Dane Haylett-Petty showed improvement over last week, Israel Folau didn’t do anything wrong and Rob Horne put in another determined performance, when he got the ball.
Regarding the forwards, I thought Mike Hooper again gave a hundred per cent on the field and despite a few ball spills, Sean McMahon stepped up to the occasion. I also give credit to Sam Carter for retaining the ball in contact and not giving away dumb penalties.
The lineout seemed to function relatively well. The Brumbies combination of Rory Arnold, who provided a bit more go-forward this time, and Carter seemed to be a good calculation on Cheika’s part.
Now to the negative, starting with the Wallabies’ entire play. It was a complete mess, with no attacking spark.
I really believe Australia missed Kurtley Beale here. It was one-dimensional and towards the end of the game seemed to lack any direction. Cheika has run out of ideas and this showed in the world cup final.
Eddie Jones figured the Australian game plan out and countered it. Steven Larkham needs to figure out a new attacking game-plan that isn’t just passing the ball from side to side. Otherwise, he should go.
As Michael Foley has pointed out with the Western Force, good players don’t necessarily make good coaches.
It’s also time for serious changes in the team. Fardy was downright awful tonight. If Cheika really is serious about internal competition for places, the number six jersey should be handed to McMahon. Samu Kerevi was ineffectual tonight but he will get future opportunities. Tevita Kuridrani needs to be dropped – he is utterly one dimensional and predictable.
Folau at 13 and DHP at 15 for next week please. Also, bring in Liam Gill at seven and put a proper No. 8 at the back.
Finally, as a side thought, I believe that Hooper must be found a new position on the field. If in the forwards, move him to six but I honestly think that an open-minded coach can put Hooper in the centres.
He has pace and plays a hard running game. At least if he’s in the backs people can stop complaining about how our No.7 seagulls on the wings.
That’s it for now. I have many more thoughts that I’m sure I will discuss with some of you here on The Roar. What did you think about the match?
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.