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Victory at Twickenham achieved, now to the quest for consistency

Roar Rookie
19th November, 2012
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Roar Rookie
19th November, 2012
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The Wallabies weekend victory over a pugnacious (albeit ‘Regal Purple’) opponent is the latest of an ever-growing list of victories that has come against testing circumstances and alongside a backdrop of adversity.

A Wallaby supporter would hope that this latest triumph will be the precursor to greater consistency, greater confidence and a successful 2013, which includes the landmark British and Irish Lions tour.

This coming weekend’s clash against a gallant but ultimately limited Italian side provides an ideal opportunity to get a winning sequence happening and begin some momentum that has been sorely lacking for the Wallabies over the past few seasons.

How many times in the past few years have the Wallabies produced a sterling performance full of grit, determination, guts and commitment, only to follow up with a meek, directionless showing?

The Wallabies should be feeling suitably pleased and proud of this latest performance at what is a tough venue and they should be heading to Florence feeling completely capable of disposing of the Azzuri, though certainly not getting ahead of themselves.

The Italians gave the All Blacks plenty to think about for a goodly portion of their Test last weekend, only to be overwhelmed later in the piece. The Wallabies will know that they have to turn up mentally and physically against Italy, who will ask them questions, particularly in the scrum contest.

A performance from the Wallaby tight five similar to the one they churned out against the English will be required to ensure an effective platform for the backs.

If the Wallabies can get the job done against the Italians, they then face a Welsh outfit down on confidence and over whom the Wallabies have had the wood for the past four years.

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A further victory over Wales would be three victories on the trot and an ideal way to head into next year’s big clashes against the Lions and in the Rugby Championship.

The horrific injury toll of this year is showing signs of slowly being relieved by the impending return of big-name players, either on the current tour or early next year.

The return of Sitaleki Timani had tangible benefits against England, both in bolstering the scrum and in being an enforcer with ball carries and tackles. Meanwhile, the expected return this weekend of David Pocock will mean an embarrassment of riches for Robbie Deans in terms of ball-fetchers, with the rising force that is Michael Hooper and the promising Liam Gill also in the Wallaby squad.

Consistency will be much more achievable with the heavy artillery back on deck providing guidance and composure to the emerging talents.

Combine this year’s discoveries such as Nick Cummins, Ben Tapuai, Kane Douglas, Michael Hooper and Liam Gill with returning proven performers such as James O’Connor, James Horwill, David Pocock and Will Genia and it’s not difficult to see that big things are possible for the Wallabies, not only next year but heading into the next World Cup and beyond.

Bold as it may seem to say, a new golden era could be not too far down the track for the Wallabies, who have weathered quite a storm in 2012.

Minus the aforementioned seasoned campaigners, Australia still whitewashed Northern champions Wales, beat a feisty Pumas outfit twice (including the game in Rosario in massively testing circumstances), drew with a rampant All Blacks and spent most of this year ranked two in the world – all points which provide substantial comfort.

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If the Wallabies can achieve these feats with a decimated roster, what might they achieve between now and this time next year?

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