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The Wallabies loss in the World Cup semi-final is the best thing to happen to Australian rugby since we were last successful in ‘bringing back Bill’ 12 long years ago.
Sure, it still hurts right now.
We were outgunned, outplayed, and with Anthony Mundine’s latest farcical win, the only thing left to console us, it’s no wonder the pain from Sunday still remains.
But as the dust settles on another campaign, take a long view and you might be encouraged not to despair too much.
In 1999, the Wallabies were where the All Blacks are right now. Aging players, carrying the scars of past defeats, who had – over long years of experience – gathered the mental resilience to survive the pressure cooker of World Cup rugby and emerge victorious. This is where the men in black find themselves.
Some of their main men have been around so long you’d think they are in possession of the ring from Lord of the Rings, and their advanced years, while perhaps slowing them a little physically, have given them the experience to keep the collective cool head needed when the pressure is as high as it gets.
When asked the difference between the sides after Sunday’s match, Robbie Deans put it well: “What the AB’s have is a group who has suffered on many occasions.”
They’ll win this World Cup, and good for them. They deserve it. The elder statesmen can then retire safe in the knowledge they once held the greatest prize of all, and fulfilled a nations desperate desire.
In contrast, deep down we knew that we hadn’t earned it they way they have. A RWC win would have been a surprise – a well received win with just a shadow of Stephen Bradbury. Sure, we’ve pulled out some unlikely wins before, but this seemed like a bridge too far – especially after our effort against the Irish.
Don’t worry though, because this is where the good news begins. Our loss in 2011 will become our victory in 2015. Not just our loss, in fact, but the manner of it. The lack of fire, the feeling we left the battlefield without firing our first shots. Its frustrating, and not just for the fans.
As time thankfully distances us from last Sunday, the players have harnessed that frustration and turned an eye to the future, and for some, our defeat has changed the playing field. Digby Ioane, originally set to move to Japan, is rethinking his future to include another crack in England. “That hollow feeling is going to stick with me and it makes me definitely want to play in 2015. I want more of it, another chance.” Great news.
And don’t forget Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale. Six weeks ago the overseas clubs and rival codes were bashing down the door. Our two most electric players were every chance of being lost to the game, and they may well have been, if they had added World Cup success to their resume.
Now, the dynamic has changed. League power brokers have lost interest in Cooper as quick as you’d expect, and the man himself has a point to prove in the 15 man game. Beale, meanwhile, echoed the sentiments we have heard from Cup players every four years – the tournament bonds a team in victory, but especially in defeat. ‘We have all become really good mates which may help down the track in decisions pending on contracts and what you want to do. Its certainly influenced me’.
Australia fielded the tournament’s youngest side, and those yet to hit the quarter century present an impressive list – Cooper, Beale, O’Conner, Pocock, Genia, Horne, McCabe, Simmons, Faingaa (twice), Kepu, Higginbotham. All these names could be on the team list in 2015, and all with four years of experience, of last gasp wins and crushing losses, and of World Cup defeat behind them.
Oh, and there is one other name to add to that list – Deans. Forgetting the sour grapes of Matt Giteau and his overworked Twitter account, there is a push for Deans to stay at the helm for four more years. While having Ewen McKenzie in the fold would also be a boost, Deans has earned the respect of the playing group through a re-building phase. Let the man reap the rewards.
After all, he brought – sorry, he’s bringing – these superstars through.
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.