Brumbies coach Jake White set the cat among the pigeons yesterday when he said he had “unfinished international business”, and wanted to coach the Wallabies.
Robbie Deans’ contract as incumbent Wallaby coach runs out at the end of the year.
Current Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is favoured as Deans’ replacement if the Kiwi’s contract isn’t renewed by the ARU, or he wants to return to Christchurch.
So a lot will depend on how the men-in-gold shape up against the Lions.
But with White effectively throwing his hat into the ring, it’s an entirely different ball game.
“Let’s make one thing quite clear. My first priority is to the Brumbies for this season and the next two.
“What happens after that, who knows?”
It would be fair to say that McKenzie and White would be the only realistic candidates if Deans goes for whatever reason.
Which makes the performances of the Reds and Brumbies in the Super Rugby tournament this season the key.
As it sits, the Brumbies are riding high unbeaten by playing entertaining and very controlled rugby, proved last night with their no mean feat 29-10 demolition of the Sharks in Durban.
While the Reds have been winning ugly until last night, when they were out-gunned by the lowly Force 19-12 for the biggest shock result this season.
It was the Force’s first success at Suncorp in six attempts, their first win this season, and coach Michael Foley’s first win after 11 straight losses dating back to his last season’s horror stretch with the Waratahs.
White is up and running, McKenzie is treading water.
To be fair, White has a full roster of fit players playing superb rugby.
McKenzie still has skipper-lock James Horwill out of action, and he’s been joined by centre Anthony Fainga’a and winger Dom Shipperley, three important cogs in the McKenzie machinery.
And last night crack winger Digby Ioane was missing on suspension.
But Will Genia is back after six months on the sidelines with a knee reconstruction, As a safety measure he only played the first 40, He was a bit rusty, but he’s still a class act even below par.
While White has all his big guns firing, Quade Cooper is not firing for McKenzie, not by a long shot.
His passing is third rate, his timing is off, so too his confidence.
On the other side of the coin, tireless flanker Liam Gill is going gangbusters and last night he kept the Reds in with a sniff, however small.
But the Reds won’t look like the real Reds until the main attractions are all back, and the renowned Genia-Cooper combination starts setting the back line alight.
One thing McKenzie has to do is make sure Ben Tapuai has more time and space in the midfield to strut his talented stuff.
Tapuai is both quick and strong and can be electric given the chance. Genia and Cooper must give him that chance.
Next up the Reds take on the always challenging Bulls at Suncorp. With a bit of luck Horwill will be back, but will obviously be well short of match fitness.
But right now, it’s all about the Brumbies, the only unbeaten side in the tournament, and deservedly so.
And about Jake White’s future.
Bakkies
Guest
The Brumbies can't rely on the Waratahs to beat the Reds even at home and haven't played a Kiwi team yet.
Malo
Guest
Genia always has been Mania but the reds supporters will state that QC is a genius. How good was the Brumbies back row and 2nd row. The sharks are a good side that will murder the rest of the oz teams but the pressure, defence and great support play was unbelievable by the brumbies that shut their attack down. Moore was outstanding.
Malo
Guest
I believe only in an Aussie coach only policy but have changed my mind. Jake White is an awesome coach who is showing up the other more prominent squads how to coach. He should get the nod now. The Brumbies are awesome and are so far above the rest of the crud sides in oz. It is great to see the go forward. set piece organisation, huge tackles and pressure rather the razzle dazzle crap from the tahs and reds that leads to knock ons and mistake ridden play.
Benny A's Tackle
Guest
Why did you slip Oosthuizen in there?!? The bloke hasn't even cracked the Brumbies match day 22.
Sage
Guest
Speaking of sad and pathetic.........
Sprigs
Guest
Whoops... hold on there. SA provides Australia with its best players? Please provide a list. It won't take long.
Mantis
Roar Guru
When the Brumbies go well, the Wallabies go well.
Mantis
Roar Guru
Stormers draw couldnt be worse than the Forces surely.
Mantis
Roar Guru
Well played.
Mantis
Roar Guru
How is he limited in attack?
rl
Guest
Don't tar us all with that brush - I'm a Reds supporter and totally accept your point.
Claypole
Guest
Enough of this malarkey!
Redback
Guest
Not only will the Brumbies and Chiefs play in the Final I also said the Brumbies halves would dominate. We need to see a new wallabies side minus all but 2-3 waratahs one of them should be Paddy Ryan who has had a real dig and will have a run. The inclusion of inexperienced test palyers in the 1-22 are necessary like Lealiifano,Toomua,Mogg,Oosthuizen,Tapuai,Tomane.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
BB, I have been very impressed with what Jake White has acomplished thus far, he too has come in and turned around a floundering team into contenders this season if form holds. I wouldn't lose any sleep if White got the Wallaby gig however I think Link deserves first crack. Why you might ask ? He has been involved in coaching Australian teams ( Wallabies forwards, Tahs & Reds ) for the best part of 10 years. He has done the hard yards here and based on that deserves the top gig. Is he the best candidate ? I think there is a gossemer thread between him and White, both are quality candidates.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
If you get someone to dissect and go into real depth in listing White and Link side by side I think White will win hands down.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Bazza I actually think the saffa cricket coach is still working for the Saffas... its not like the crickets going well. :)
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
KPM we keep discussing White and seem to always come back to the same things. If not White, for the criteria you mention, then who? No one could have done with the Brumbies what White has. Yes its all of the team and assistants but they could not function until white came along and enabled them. All rugby does not only consist of chucking the ball round scoring 40-50 points a game. Its a pipe dream one that is not realistic with the modern game. List you criteria for not selecting white and then show me someone who does apply to your needs.
Justin2
Guest
Most important thing on the weekend was Fotu's mom performance. A few of us would like him at 8 and Palu 6. He has great feet, speed, aggression and importantly offload ability. Hope he gets more opportunity.
mania
Guest
doubt aus would put up with another foreign coach
mania
Guest
on this weekends performance brumbies are the pre-eminent aus side. also it shows that genia is the linchpin in the genia-QC show.