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The pain of watching Scotland gallantly defeat the Wallabies was palpable. The Wallabies had taken some steps forward with their performances against England and Ireland but have taken a massive step backwards with their inept performance in Edinburgh.
Reviewing 2009 will show that Australian teams performed poorly in the Super 14. This was exacerbated by a winning ugly ethos that dumbed down the game (which in turn drove spectators away) by playing low risk kick and chase tactics (that more resembled the forcings back we used to play as kids). The Waratahs were the worst offenders here.
The backs were not given the opportunity to express themselves, thus losing the opportunity to develop their skills with ball in hand. What is of greater concern is that lack of decent second rowers – in another posting I suggested that Robbie Deans have a chat to Dan Vickerman whilst in the UK. This is now an imperative.
There is a lack of depth in the Wallaby ranks which is a direct reflection of the Super 14 performances.
Robbie Deans now has had to select a sevens player with just one Super 14 match experience. This in itself is an indictment on rugby in Australia.
Robbie broke ranks with John O’Neill and suggested that Australia needs a national championship – this is now patently obvious.
However, even if John O’Neill did have a change of heart and instituted one in 2010, the benefits of a National Championship are three to five years out.
So where to from here?
In my opinion, our ability to compete in 2010 and the next Rugby World Cup are firmly in the hands of the Super 14 coaches.
We can forget about being competitive if they continue with low risk one dimensional kick and chase rugby.
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.