Some of you might find it ironic, but I actually tipped the Wallabies to beat the All Blacks in Brisbane last weekend.
I sensed the Kiwis were vulnerable as they had achieved so much in the last couple of weeks and Australia had everything to play for.
As it turned out, the game was of a poor standard, with plenty of errors, kept interesting only by the tightness of the scoreline.
Interestingly, the two contrasting personalities of the teams were very much on show in the last few minutes of the match.
Whereas the Wallabies were indecisive and afraid to take a chance on a field goal, even when in perfect position to take a shot; the All Blacks worked the ball up methodically into range for Dan Carter to have a go.
After the 80 minutes was up, the All Blacks, amazingly, decided to take a scrum from their own line. Now that’s what I call leading from the front, McCaw.
Unfortunately it didn’t win the game for them but that wasn’t the point. What stood out was the decision to run the ball from their own line after fulltime and the guts and determination it took to action this choice.
The fact that there were no tries scored is a sad indictment on both teams’ performances, but it was evident that the Wallabies played particularly negative rugby, relying on the super boot of Kiwi ex-pat to eek out a draw.
Based on the Wallaby performance, I don’t think we’ll see too much different from them on their UK tour. Dour play, kick the goals, and hope that’s enough.
Ever since Deans got rid of Matt Giteau and put Quade Cooper offside, the Wallabies have been devoid of flair, aside from the occasional bursts of creativity from the talented Kurtley Beale.
There has to be big questions asked about the Australian backline. What’s happened to the skill, the communication, and the movement?
If Deans is such a good coach, then why is our backline practically non-existent on the field?
Australia has historically been known for having unpredictable backs. Unfortunately, the vast bulk of the current mob are straight up and down. Even worse, they can’t catch and pass.
I agree with the fuss being made about the change of allegiance of Mike Harris.
Why do Australia go and import players – and coaches – when we should be developing these players ourselves? Remember, we were the first country to win two Rugby World Cups: 1991, with two teams – NSW and QLD – then again in 1999.
So why go overseas to get players and coaches?
We have ignored the grassroots in our country and the damage is now as clear as day. We have no depth of talent to call on. It’s desperate.
Wallabies vs New Zealand is what it should be. Not New Zealand A vs New Zealand B.
As for the upcoming Wallabies tour, I’m pretty confident the team will be kicking plenty of penalty goals. That’s traditionally been the New Zealand mentality.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but that is for the Kiwis, not us. We should be selecting guys for Australia who are willing to try things.
We want the flair. But Deans just wants to keep it all very simple. Yet we still can’t catch pass and play as a team.
Mike
Guest
Well said.
Neuen
Guest
NZ were as good on the day as the Wallabies allowed them to be. Unlike previous games they did not play a guessing game trying to spoil the AB's game plan in patches but executed their own and stuck to their guns. Seriously people couple of weeks back you were smashed and kept scoreless and then got bullldozed by SA. To pick themselves up like this is showing that the ability is there. I would still love to see Deans play Digby at 13 think he will be one of the legends in that position.
Neuen
Guest
Actually not. They been doing what they have been doing since the 80's and score from counter attacks. You won't see them throw it around from deep in their own half.
Chivas
Guest
It depends on three things, the pass, the depth you are standing and the ability to snap the drop kick. They oncoming players, you can't worry about... they will always know you are seting up same as DC did. the wallabies knew it was coming, but the ball is quicker than the man. I don't know if Phipps and KB have the confidence in each other and in themselves, I think is the greater issue on this occassion. That would have held them back rather than the concern regarding an ensuing chargedown if they screwed it up. Sooner or later you have to back yourself and damn the torpedoes. I think KB admitted as much afterwards.
Mike
Guest
jnr, on what I saw i wouldn't have gone for the drop-goal until perhaps the last couple of phases. I accept that the view from the stands is different to what the players see on the park. But there are other factors as well. The kicker has to watch the defence carefully - if the defence spot him early as he drops back and can co-ordinate their response, then there is a real danger that they will be on to him very quickly when the ball comes back. That can lead to a charge-down and runaway try.
Dan
Guest
you obviously know nothing about this topic.
Dan
Guest
nice ; )
Dan
Guest
SD not sure what your are trying to say all I was doing was correcting Johno the entrnal pessamist when it come to the Wallabies. "In the last 5 matches vs AB’S including last years RWC 2001 semi-final, the wallabies havenot scored 1 try vs the AB’S." RWC semi was IMO other factors including poor mamagment use of bench mainly attitude. so whats your point champ???
Rob from Brumby Country
Guest
Hey!
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Good point -- I think the Wallabies and our Super 15 Teams do too much Gym Work and end up like Gym Monkeys. Richie's strength is all natural from hard work -- neeed more road work and hard slog work and natural strengthening by pushing and shoving and wrestling -- not weights. Weights are needed but Rugby Players do not need to look like Arnie -- they need natural strength with speed and agility. I think this causes all the hammie injuries and tendons and muscle injuries.
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Read my Comment above Do not continue to help when continually knocked back -- go to other Countries who wants his expertise
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
A very poor coment. Campo has offered his services for many intiatives for Grass Roots Rugby and Aus Rugby and been knocked back by the ARU Typical ARU -- boys Club -- and Campo criticises the ARU - which they deserve -- and the ARU has been crap for years
jnr
Guest
happy hooker an mike they were on the 22 metre line and closer for an eternty and they couldnt set up a drop goal not the way it looked to me the wallabies looked like they were always thinkin penalty thats wat they played for and the all blacks just didnt contest they made there tackles and got straight up and realigned
jnr
Guest
i asked this question in another article i was at the game on wkend and i have a question for aussie supporters why do sum of the wallabies look like gym junkies when ritchie looks like he would struggle with forty mins
AdamS
Roar Guru
"There has to be big questions asked about the Australian backline. What’s happened to the skill, the communication, and the movement?" They died from neglect in the 2011 RWC. Happened to me once with some pot plants. And a goldfish. Easy mistake to make.
JB
Guest
HH, if I was conspiracy theorist, I would reckon Kepu's diving belly flop at that particular crucial moment just about desrves a swab! Mate, you would swear that only someone put up to it would do something so utterly, deliberately stupid.
aussie sports lover
Guest
By the way Campo, you were an Australian talent, so I would be interested to know why you are not involved with the wallabies. You can be a backline coach, someone who is "willing to try things" . Sure, you have pretty much criticised every single Australian coach since you retired but at least you are consistent in doing that so i don't think deans will hold it against you if you express your interest. The vast majority of us Roarers have plenty of opinions but few of us actually have your credentials, so the best we can do is really just offer opinions. You can do better than that, so why don't you?
Jack
Guest
Accept both are from Queanbeyan not Canberra.
Billy Bob
Guest
Another Campo hand grenade. No debate - just drop the bomb and run. Not for Campo the conversation to create mutual understanding. Just push a few buttons and collect the cheque. I don't think campo cares about Australian rugby. Really deep down he doesn't. He is just pumping out illogical opinion and a bit of popular prejudice and calling it his 'considered view'. Campo, I dare you. Respond to us who do care. as other article writers do.
hoqni
Guest
Rest assured, with Barnes, there will be a llot lot more kicking