So now that the Wallabies have won their first Tri Nations in a decade, it’s off to the World Cup, where hopefully we can complete a dream year for rugby in Australia.
However, even if we don’t reign supreme in the “Land of the long white cloud”, I still hope the Wallabies push on from here in the years to come.
Robbie Deans has spent the last four years putting this team together, all for the sole reason of bring ‘Sir William’ back to Aussie shores for a record third time.
In the process, the Wallabies have unearthed some of the most exciting players to the world of rugby in Beale, Genia, O’Connor, and, of course, bad boy Cooper.
To me, though, Deans has really done an outstanding job in bringing the more experienced players into their own as shown by last week’s historic Tri Nations victory (AAC, Horwill, Samo, Palu, Pocock and Moore).
My only concern with all this is the current “Jekyll and Hyde” Australia has about them.
Don’t get me wrong, Australian rugby is in a better place right now then it has been for ten years. Being the current Super Rugby and Tri Nations champions definitely makes for a successful year and winning the World Cup would simply be a “Trifecta, made in heaven”.
However, with the team Australia has put together, the Wallabies have to grab the opportunity that has been given to them.
It’s alright to say that Australia’s broken their drought and that this will hold the Australian public over for a few years to come. But, Australia in theory, has every piece of the puzzle set in place to take world rugby by storm.
It’s only a matter of gaining more belief which will lead to consistency and success in the future.
Personally, I won’t be too disappointed if Australia don’t win the Rugby World Cup 2011; my only wish is that they show better consistency in their pool and knock-out matches and prove once and for all, how far they’ve really come under Deans and co.
Everyone keeps tipping five teams as realistically having a chance of taking out the title in 2011. However, I’m going to be a bit more cruel as I think France and South Africa haven’t got the creativity in the backline or the naturally skilled players that England, Australia and of course New Zealand currently possess to take the title.
I would be very surprised if one of these three didn’t win the tournament this year, however stranger things have happened.
For Australia though, this year and beyond, will hopefully be the start of a golden run for the boys. All they need is the right attitude and commitment that was displayed in Brisbane.
P.S. Please bring the Bledislode home soon!
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.
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