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Let’s start by pulling no punches. The 2011 Rugby World Cup was a failure for the Wallabies, and a dismal one at that.
That’s not to say that 3rd place is always a failure. Of course we have to apply context to such brazen statements.
A bronze medal for a Wales would have been a ‘good bronze’, or even the Greens, (thanks to 12% of voting Australians) finishing 3rd in the recent Federal election (but let’s not open a new can of worms about the watermelons).
The Wallabies may have made it to the penultimate stage but their form throughout the tournament was scratchy, bordering on inept at times.
The passion and commitment shown against the Springboks was admirable, but the execution was nonexistent.
I could write for hours about why the Wallabies should have done better, but what’s done is done.
To borrow an already overused sporting cliché it’s time to ‘build for the future’ – in this case the 2015 World Cup in England, and even more imminent, the 2012 British and Irish Lions Tour in Australia – are the biggest contests on the horizon.
This month’s modified Spring Tour is as good a time as any to start.
Whilst the backline is stacked with typical Gen Y fringes and body ink, the forward pack has shown signs of aging.
While players like Nathan Sharpe, Wycliff Palu and Rocky Elsom have been loyal servants to Australian Rugby, it’s unlikely that they will play to 2015. In the case of the former two, it’s unlikely they will play beyond this season.
If Deans is serious about Australian rugby succeeding (no, winning Tri Nations does NOT count), he will willingly blood young players on this tour. Key word: willingly.
Elsom is a bit of an enigma, a robust and explosive player who for whatever reason seems to drop a ball, or miss a tackle that even a mug like this blogger would be ashamed of.
Evidence of this was seen in the Rugby World Cup semi-final with a poor attempt at tackle on Israel Dagg, which led to the game’s opening try.
Scott Higginbotham deserves his chance. In and out of the Wallabies line up in recent times, he has been brutal and skilful in Super Rugby and has the ‘take no prisoners’ approach needed at the highest level.
It’s time for him to have an extended run at six.
The aging second row also needs youthful reinforcements. Vickerman and Sharpe are well into their 30s and should not feature again.
Despite a fairly ordinary World Cup, Rob Simmons has done enough to earn a starting spot based on his efforts at the Reds.
The other youngster who should be blooded is Sitaleki Timani – over 200cm tall and 120kg, his form was excellent for the Waratahs this year and looks to be getting better with each game. When he hits, they stay hit.
Other young players to keep an eye on include Liam Gill, a 19 year old open side breakaway from the Reds (even if this position is our biggest strength thanks to the brilliant David Pocock).
Ben Tapuai, another banana bender whose stinging defence and strong ball running were instrumental in the Reds victorious season, is another option for the backline.
James O’Connor is no stranger to rugby fans, but even his career now needs to progress with a move to inside centre – the Wallabies midfield is desperate for some attacking flair.
Robbie Deans must make these tough calls now for two reasons: One, these younger players will need four years in all conditions to develop into top line ‘World Cup quality’ players, and two, his tenure as coach will ultimately depend on it.
Potential Wallabies team for Spring Tour
1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Robinson
4. Horwill
5. Simmons
6. Higgintbotham
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Barnes
11. Ioane
12. O’Connor
13. Ashley-Cooper
14. Mitchell
15. Beale
16. Polota-Nau
17. Kepu
18. Timani
19. Gill
20. Phipps
21. Turner
22. Tapuai
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.