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Deans has attempted to balance the opportunity to win silverware with the need to continue to evolve the Wallabies and “reward” performance (or the lack thereof) while finally showing loyalty and confidence in the players.
This is a mature and sensible approach to the Wallabies in the current context.
Silverware is important for the confidence that a tangibly successful campaign creates and the higher profile for the sport.
Silverware also helps the ARU to re-establish the Wallabies as Australia’s team, as evidenced by the number of Wallabies jerseys in circulation and audience figures.
Evolving the Wallabies is very important as experience in big games will be an essential ingredient in future campaigns, and in particular, the RWC.
Evolution is also an important part of the natural fibre of any sporting team, as shown by the failure to evolve George Gregan out of the team at the correct time.
As for Dingo’s rewards, the starters and new cap Brown get a carrot.
Waugh, McMeniman, PTN, Dunning and Tahu get the stick.
In Tahu’s case, Dingo probably went a bit easier on him because he is new.
Deans showed loyalty to AAC, Hynes and Tuqiri. In return, he expects them to reply with massive games.
Anything less and it will be stick time for them too.
Cross deserves special mention for the way he has gone about his business, letting his actions do the talking. He has become a stronger player through more than his share of adversity in his career to date.
Dingo has advanced the Wallabies by his selections.
The question is whether the chosen ones will repay Dingo, and the Wallabies supporter base, with a win.
Tuqiri, Mortlock, Sharpe, Baxter, Waugh and Dunning must know that this is the last chance for them. Hynes and AAC are risking losing a starting position.
The Northern Hemisphere Spring Tour is the ideal opportunity for a spring clean.
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.