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It appears that the rugby union community in Australia are nervous, almost afraid to stand up and proclaim in an evangelical shout: “yes we can!”
Not only can the Wallabies challenge for the William Web Ellis trophy, they will be bringing it back, too.
Winning any tournament requires holding the right balance throughout the team and squad. There are three aspects that shall see the Wallabies through to the end; breakdown and set play strength combined with a well-measured back-line and multi-lateral strategy.
In regards to the breakdown and set play strength, this has been achieved over the last few months with the rigorous set-play training, the Australian forwards have endured during ‘scrum camps’ as well as the regular training camps.
Stephen Moore has emerged as a set play leader and while criticism has abated in regards to his scrummaging, it still resurfaces against the hookers’ line-out throw.
This is contestable, seeing as the second half of the Suncorp game saw him improve his throw immeasurably and the consistency in the lineout has grown throughout the Tri Nations.
What solidifies the forward strength is the intensity at the breakdown. David Pocock leads the way, boasting of impressive stamina and strength and this is reiterated by the aggression that the return of Vickerman has brought.
In terms of size, depth in the forwards has gifted the Wallabies with not only Radike Samo, but also the newly-appointed captain James Horwill as well as Scott Higginbotham and Nathan Sharpe.
The Wallaby involvement at the breakdown improved by 54% against the All Blacks and this was a lift in intensity that was already present the weekend before where they held an average commitment of 2.33 players per breakdown.
While we have not seen such aggression and commitment by an Australian forward pack for a decade, it would all be lost if the backline was not measured.
To be utterly frank, there are repetitive slanders and comments that have become incredibly onerous and this is the perfect platform upon which to respond. The Australian back line is a well oiled and complete package.
A second playmaker is not needed when the creativity of Quade Cooper is present, combined with the injection of Beale and O’Connors brilliance.
Their chemistry and unparalleled playmaking skills, allow the solidifying elements of the backline to find their place.
The consistency and near-faultless performances of players such as Digby Ioane, Pat McCabe and last weekend, Anthony Faingaa complement the sometimes erratic brilliance of Cooper and company.
Then of course, the full-stop to the poetic script, Will Genia.
Finally, the more precise element that shall see Horwill hoisting the World Cup, multi-lateral gameplay. The Wallabies have now shown that they have the ability to take a game to the place where it needs to be played.
A good kicking game, consistent and iron-clad defence as well as the most potent counter-attack currently on show, are nothing without the ability to alternate strategy and adapt to the change in playing conditions. By playing conditions, I refer to opposition, weather and of course, injuries or unforeseen events.
If you examine how the Australians presented themselves over the Tri Nations in its entirety, you see the ability to shift the game to where it needed to be played.
As the Australian team bid farewell Sydney yesterday, bound for New Zealand, they held a steadfast belief in themselves that they could win this World Cup.
I too stand by them and shall no longer lurk in the backgrounds, preparing to leap on some musical wagon as it speeds toward Auckland.
My allegiance and resolution stand firm; the question is, where do you sit?
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.