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Saturday night’s victory against the All Blacks was one of the most impressive by an Australian outfit in recent times. But there are improvements to be made, starting with the midfield.
For a clue as to which area of the game New Zealand bested Australia, you need only look at the two names on their try scoring ledger.
Despite a courageous defensive showing in the first-half, particularly by Anthony Faingaa, the Wallabies’ centres were outplayed by Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, without a doubt the premier midfield pairing in world rugby.
Both tries from the men in black were somewhat soft and the result of a brilliant and natural instinct for running the right lines and finding the gap. It would be easy to put Smith’s try down to Carter brilliance alone, but this under plays the subtle beauty of Smith’s support play. Nonu’s try was pure class – something from nothing.
On our side of the coin, I cannot recall McCabe touching the ball more than a handful of times and similarly or even more so Fiangaa.
Two of Australia’s tries came from Will Genia snipes and the third from a brilliant but perhaps streaky try from a rampaging No.8. It’s fair to say that both of these players are going to be watched even more closely the next time the Wallabies meet the All Blacks and by other teams as well. This means that other attacking options must step up to the plate.
These other options are there to be sure in many guises. Ioane, Beale and O’Connor are three of the better tackle evaders in world rugby, but one thing is a certainty; their job is harder is teams can simply ignore our midfield as an attacking weapon.
Fortunately, Robbie Deans has selected a squad with other options. Principally and most likely to come into the starting side is Berrick Barnes. Known as one of the better tacklers in Australian rugby, Deans can select Barnes instead of McCabe knowing he won’t lose much in defence.
What he gains is multi-faceted: a second kicking option, a variation at first receiver giving Cooper the chance to stand wider with more space, a second ball player for the likes of Beale to run off, a goal kicking option, a leader.
Consider this selection done.
At outside centre, Deans may be musing with the idea of Rob Horne, but perhaps with Barnes at 12, Faingaa may retain his spot.
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.