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The Wallabies’ performance in South Africa went a long way to deciding the Rugby World Cup squad of 30. It should also have calmed the rioting mobs of hoodies in London, I mean Australian Rugby supporters.
In the clammer to jump on a bandwagon and criticise, the mob has missed the bigger picture.
Forgotten over the past for weeks is that the Wallaby side is in a better position than most. All sides in world rugby are still searching for their best 15. With the exception of the All Blacks and Wallabies, none have even settled on their RWC fly-half.
Performances from all major unions, with the exception of the All Blacks, have been erratic.
England were dusted off badly by Wales in Cardiff. Wilkinson and Flood are battling for the number 10 jumper while just who will start in the centres and at 8 is still seemingly wide open.
Ireland have lost to Scotland and France in consecutive weeks. O’Gara and Sexton are no closer to knowing who the starting 10 will be.
Then there’s the Boks and the mad man who substitutes an ageing 104 test captain from a hooking position to play prop in the final 20 minutes of a test. And we think Deans is nuts?!
While still far from the perfect performance – at least 20 points were left on the park – it is no easy feat winning in the Republic and credit where credit is due.
Combinations were revived, individuals stood up and the rabid armchair critics so prominent in the last week were taught a lesson – yelling loudest doesn’t make you right.
Although still not at his best, Elsom had a better than solid game. He was a little too silent at times, especially during the Charles Manson like refereeing performance of Bryce Lawrence, but he led the team around the park.
His ball carrying was eye catching, his defence aggressive and line out work better than Roussow’s. Brad Pitt had lots of practice before he dusted off Angelina Jolly didn’t he?
Despite how we all feel about the Wallaby jersey, the reality of world cup years is that not every international is a ‘test match’.
There are dry runs and rehearsals for the real thing. Maybe, just maybe, Elsom’s run has been timed perfectly. It is beginning to look that way.
Higginbotham was a fish out of water at 8. Nobody can blame him for that, it is hardly his best position. But is he really ready to play tests at 6? He is only young and still developing a hard body. He is not in the mould of Finnegan, Cockbain or Elsom.
He plays much looser than say Kaino or Burger but tighter than Tom Croft. The jury is out and Deans has probably got it right to use him as a bench impact player.
Samo must surely have played himself into the 30. Palu will be well short of a gallop even if he makes it back. McCalman is not the answer.
Using both Higginbotham and Palu off the bench for the final 25 minutes of a test would be a formidable option especially if Polota Nau joined them.
Providing Deans saw what everyone else saw on Saturday, was he really wrong to have a look at McCalman as the incumbent before giving Higginbotham and Samo a go?
Speaking of stand outs on Saturday, Anthony Fainga’a should be nailed onto provide back up at 13 in the squad and perhaps even beat Ashley-Cooper to the starting jumper.
His combination with Quade Cooper, superb defence and scything runs must surely have caught the coaching box’s eye. They asked for players to stand up and Anthony Faingga did.
Amongst others, Moore proved just what a quality rake he is.
Sharpe returned from what the media referred to as ‘oblivion’ last week and turned in a game to be proud of. At no time did he look like a handicapped Macca’s worker swanning about at the chip frier. Maybe Dean’s giving him a kick up the back side was also a masterful piece of timing?
Finally, a special word for McCabe. He’s copped a heap of criticism. His courage, heart and work ethic is perhaps exactly what a back-line packed full of prima donnas and Khoder Nasser disciples needs to keep them honest.
I’d rather McCabe than a divisive, self absorbed pea heart like Giteau anyway and have no problem that Deans sees it that way too.
And so it is. The Wallabies have one test left before the campaign to bring back Bill from the dirty Saffir land begins.
As sure as Botha is a filthy player, the sun will rise on Thursday and the mob will be filthy will some selections and omissions is Dean’s squad.
Maybe, just maybe, we all need to put our differences behind us at that point and show a little faith.
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.