Before the ink was dry on newspapers reporting the Wallabies’ loss to Scotland, the whinging began. “It was the wind”; “it was too cold”; “too wet”; “there wasn’t a long enough rest after the weekend”; “we need an Australian coach, not a Kiwi”; and so on.
The torrent of complaints and excuses following Scotland’s hard-won victory over the Wallabies in a wintry Newcastle last night has been as heavy and relentless as the rain that fell on Hunter Stadium.
The fact is that Australia were out-muscled, out-manoeuvred and out-played by the better team on the night. The plaudits should be heaped upon the Scots for a valiant win, in what were atrocious conditions.
However, I don’t think that the weather can be really used as an excuse. From where I was watching, in the comfort of my lounge room, I couldn’t see individual storm clouds following only the Australians. The Scots played in the same conditions.
As for suggesting that the Scots would be more used to these conditions, I would counter by saying that the Australians regularly play away games in NZ, a country with a similar climate to Scotland. Besides, it does also get cold and rainy in Australia in winter too, and take into account the members of the Scottish team that hadn’t toured here before may even have been looking forward to a bit of warm weather and sunshine.
Theirs is a nation that has been brought up enviously watching the perpetual sunlight of Home and Away, they probably had more of a shock from the weather than the Australians did last night.
As for the lack of a rest after the weekend, the turnaround is only marginally worse than the non-tier one nations had to contend with at last year’s World Cup. Yes, they complained, rightly so, but they got on with their games and in some cases gave the big boys (with their seven days rest) some scares.
And when did the Scots arrive in Australia from the UK? I’m not sure when they did – hopefully someone reading may be able to supply the date – but having travelled that journey a few times I’ve usually still been suffering the effects of jet-lag weeks later.
And I didn’t have to front up to an international test while feeling that way. No, the Scots were probably still not 100% over their flight, and so, I think that we could compare their state to the Australians’ lack of rest time and maybe ascertain that both teams were likely to be handicapped in some way last night.
Finally, the subject of the coach: a Kiwi. It has often been said of Robbie Deans that he doesn’t have Australian interests at heart. I’ve even seen it implied by some conspiracy theorists that he’s deliberately dismantling the Wallabies at the behest of New Zealand Rugby.
Seriously?
While having an overseas coach leading any national team is always likely to be a contentious issue for some, it’s worth remembering who it was that masterminded Scotland’s victory last night: Andy Robinson.
An Englishman.
And while there is some antagonism between New Zealand and Australia, which usually only ever manifests itself in a bit of banter about national stereotypes, it is nothing compared to the rivalry between the Scots and English. Theirs is the oldest international sporting rivalry in the books.
There have even been wars fought between the two nations for crying out loud.
So, while the loss to a team ranked 12th by the IRB will smart – and for what it’s worth, I really do think that the Australian media puts too much emphasis on rankings, but then that’s a topic for another article – I think that it’s probably time to congratulate the Scots on their victory, move on, and look forward to what the Welsh may bring.
HardcorePrawn
Guest
As it's been over a week since I posted this, my first article for the Roar, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for reading and commenting.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
" I think that it’s probably time to congratulate the Scots on their victory " Good sentiment. Agreed.
Jerry
Guest
I realise it's a pretty infrequent thing for the Wallabies to beat the AB's, but 5 points isn't a whipping in anyone's book, Sprigs.
nick
Guest
Thats the crux though Brett. THIS game might have been that way but what about the other failures? Samoa Record SA loss 10-1 Abs record Losing to Scotland last time around and the general sense that no one has any idea what direction is up at ARU HQ? In isolation each one of these things is not a big deal, put together it really is a celebration of mediocrity
nick
Guest
To be fair Spiro did blame the wallabies for not using the wind rather than just the wind itself. He even gave us a lovely story from his early days concerning why he never 'gave away the wind' or somesuch. I love spiro
wannabprop
Guest
Err, from the general to the specific: - game plan (with contingencies) - strategy to effect that plan, tactics, and selections to effect all the above. All of which were amateurish - AGAIN! Of course the players also need to put their hands up (and they are held accountable for their performances), but ultimately main responsibility rests with the (head) coach.
Ivan
Guest
How is the loss the coaches fault ?
Green Lantern
Roar Pro
Fully agreed. The best side did win and I dont think Australia can even be allowed to blame it on the weather. Is'nt it ironic how a team like The Springboks can grine out ugly wins in cold windy wet conditions and certaintly their type of Rugby suggest that it suits them, but then again come to South Africa and you will find hot humid weather. I mean some of these boys never saw snow or terribly cold weather before (Etzebeth, Coetzee) but then they go to New Zealand and perform. How do they do that? And NZ is the oppisite, cold weather but all their players love to run. I think there should be a rule that no-one is allowed to blame the weather ever again.
Baldy from Manly
Guest
The best team won on the night - congratulations are in order - we had no plan B. Our blokes are professional footballers but they could not move the pigskin thru the hands in the backs to move the SCOTS defence around - they did not even try. McCABE & AC should of been bought on as both are direct and get that extra metre. Against WALES we need the weight coming from all 8 all game, not like the debacle that cost us the Test. Noticed the leg speed and agression of HOOPER. I would of had IOANNE at 13 for Saturday - fast feet, steps & swerve. Winners are grinners - should of seen the SCOTS party in Manly last night.
Dasher
Roar Guru
Best post-match article I've read about that game. There were ample rugby (and life) lessons to come out of the game for the players, administrators and fans, and we all must learn from them.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Funny I don't feel so bad about the loss and I am surprised at the number of article about the game. We were never in the hunt and Scotland wern't either, but as someone above stated the old maxim 'scoreboards never lie'. What I would like to know from the geniuses here is what would you have done ie what team would you have chosen and what tactics? Lets not go over the O'Neil scheduling issue it is a non event as it was agreed to and done. Personally I would have told them to get out there and score early as the game would only get worse as time went on. I would not have started Higginbotham for this game its not his go he is more flash and dash than hard grind and might have chosen Mowen as the starter at No8. I would have brought on Nick Phipps in the second half and told him to use the wind, attack them close to the ruck with Mowen coming round to support and his outside backs if we were in their 40. Also look for the drop kick if within their 30m. . The end result
Brett McKay
Expert
great article Hardcore, all very valid points. At the end of the day, it was a Test match, and the Wallabies were betaen by a better side on the night. It's not that hard to admit..
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Was around 20-25 years ago last lived down there. Days like that were rare but you would get a couple of them a year. Was funny when I first came to Aussie. I would walk around in shorts and jandals in the middle of winter and people would look at me like I was nuts.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
nice read Hardcore. All very valid points. never thought would see the day some rugby players/commentators/fans would call a 10deg matchday temperature 'cold'. If the wallabies arent fired up on Saturday they will never be.
Riccardo
Guest
You a little bit tender there Sprigs? The Wallabies might struggle again Saturday mate and that contest deserves your full attention first. That said, with the return of many from the injured roster, and with 2 home games you may be right about a Wallaby win at home later in the year, although I'd be surprised it was the thrashing you're predicting. One thing for certain though Sprigs, is that the Wallabies won't win over here and I'm prepared to bet with you now that the All Blacks will win at least 1 over there. Unfortunately I support the hapless Blues so no smart retort there! :)
stillmatic1
Guest
how many games did the wallabies win against the ABs last year, sprigs? love the quintessential cherry picking that you are coming up with too!! do you call it confidence or delusion?
M.O.C.
Roar Guru
Did you not ever go outside in winter Jarmen ? - we used to play Saturday morning rugby barefoot in frost in the King Country, temps easily were sub zero - I have no sympathy for Genia and his cold pinkies! - maybe he should invest in some gloves like Mortlock used to wear when he next plays in the cold.
stillmatic1
Guest
wow. and got whipped well and truly by the ABs in the WC!! so there, sprigs.
stillmatic1
Guest
the ref, sprigs, the ref.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
KD, that's a common trick of the Australian media; witness how whenever Russell Crowe gets into some sort of trouble he suddenly reverts from being described as "Our Rusty" to "the Kiwi-born hellraiser" or "Australian-based New Zealander Russell Crowe". :)