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The art of the goalkicker in Australian rugby seems to be dead. For a few years now, the ability to kick goals accurately and consistently has been worringly absent in Wallaby ranks.
The days of Matt Burke knocking them over, John Eales nailing a winner from the sideline or a stellar Michael Lynagh conversion are long gone. And oh how we miss them.
Goalkicking in rugby is exceedingly important, no matter what the standard. From under-12s to subbies, a good goalkicker is worth his weight in gold. It’s no different in Test rugby.
Often tight, bruising encounters, Test games are often settled by the difference of a point or two secured from a goalkick. The Wallabies seem to have forgotten that fact.
For several years we have lacked the presence of a gifted goalkicker to call on in times of need. Since the end of Stirling Mortlock’s days in a green and gold jumper, we have seen many players handed the kicking tee but fail to achieve the level of consistency that other rugby nations enjoy.
Matt Giteau was in charge for a few seasons and, off the top of my head, I can remember three Tests (Scotland 2009, Bledisloe 2010, England 2010) that the Wallabies lost thanks to relatively easy Giteau misses.
We’ve seen Kurtley Beale knock over a winner against the Springboks, but not seen much of him since then.
James O’Connor won a Test in Hong Kong against the All Blacks last year, but hasn’t managed to live up to those heights again. Quade Cooper has had a few goes, but he seems more worried about the next chance he has to niggle Richie McCaw.
What’s going on Robbie Deans?
Berrick Barnes has perhaps been the most talented kicker since Mortlock, but injury has kept him out of most Wallaby sides. But even when fit, if he’s our best kicker, should he be on the bench?
Shouldn’t a quality goalkicker be one of the first names put on the teamsheet for every match?
It’s a problem that three games into the World Cup, we still really don’t who is our best kicking option. It’s also a problem that there seems to few quality kickers coming through the Super Rugby ranks at the moment.
For future Wallaby teams, is there someone in juniors or in clubland with a golden boot we can call on?
Unless we can clone Matt Burke, or rejuvenate Michael Lynagh, things don’t look good.
Just like a competitive scum, a functioning lineout and a world-class scrum-half, the Wallabies won’t be winning any more World Cups until their goalkicking dilemma is sorted out and fast.
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.