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The Wallabies have lost their second Test of the England tour, meaning the series has been a victorious one for England. Here are five observations I made from the Test.
1. I’m amazed at how mentally fragile the Wallabies were
This was presumably as a result of the pounding their forwards took in the first Test. The game was there for the taking if they’d just kept their cool- specifically Sekope Kepu’s dull shove on Maro Itoje at the first line out (which he probably reminded him about all game), Stephen Moore’s pointless shoulder charge after the Wallabies had been awarded a penalty and most of all the continuous kicking for touch in the second half.
If you’re dominating territory and possession, losing by only six points and get a penalty in front of the posts with 20 minutes to go, the only reason for kicking to the corner to try and muscle and maul your way over is hubris.
2. England’s back row dominance
If you chose a combined back row from the first two Tests it would be all white. Who’d have thought it?
3. Craig Joubert
With a terrible pitch and high tension, I thought he did pretty well to control the game and I don’t really understand Cheika’s criticism.
I certainly think allowing play to carry on if the scrums have collapsed but are stationary with the ball at the back (especially given the pitch) is a big step forward.
4. Phil Kearns
For reasons I won’t try to justify, I had to watch the game on YouTube after I knew the result with the Australian commentary. Given his reputation, I thought it might be an amusing side show but it was just embarrassing and a little sad, especially if you’re older enough to remember watching him play against Sean Fitzpatrick and trying to decide who was better.
How do you put up with him?
5. Where next for England?
A plea to All Blacks supporters – don’t respond to click bait from the odd delusional England fan. However 2017 could be interesting.
The Lions have got no chance given their schedule, preparation time and the size of the task (arguably harder than winning a World Cup) but if England can keep improving next year’s tour could be interesting.
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.