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Welcome back rugby, we’ve missed you. Last night the Wallabies and the Lions reminded us of how the game should be played, with passion, toughness, intensity and skill.
The Brisbane crowd reminded us how the game should be supported, with passion, intensity, red, gold and noise.
It will go down, for the Wallabies at least, as a game of ‘what ifs?’
What if Christian Lealiifano had lasted more than a minute? What if his replacements for that position had lasted more than 47 minutes? What if the turf was a bit more solid under Kurtley Beale’s left boot as he kicked to win the match?
The first 10 minutes was every bit the arm wrestle we had expected. Then, in what was, and could be again be, the Australian way, we took an opportunity presented and ran with it. After multiple energy sapping phases attacking the Wallabies line, the Lions turned over possession through a penalty.
The Wallabies of years past would play it safe and find touch. It wouldn’t matter that the Lions were out on their feet and the forwards hadn’t re-found the line after the turnover. However, Will Genia took the opportunity of a broken defensive line, something you don’t get often in a game of modern rugby, and he ran.
His patience was fantastic, he could have passed the ball earlier, but it would have been too early.
He could have passed the ball to Folau but it would have had to have been a miracle ball to avoid the Lions defenders between the two Aussie players. He could have kicked deep, but at that pace it’s hard to put it not too deep and out of play.
Instead he pulled off such an amazing, low percentage kick that I think even Folau was surprised it popped up so quickly.
George North’s solo try from counter attack was equally spectacular, again making use of kick-chase line not as well formed as it could have been. Great finish from a great player.
Attacking the edges of the British and Irish defensive line also paid out.
Here the “what if” of Lealiifano comes into play.
More often this could have been exploited if second ball player was on the field.
In the end it was Ben Mowen who threw the last pass under pressure to a relatively open Israel Folau. Then Izzy showed why they do, and should continue, to pay him the big bucks.
Ben Mowen was enormous. His defence and continued hassling of Mike Phillips made it very uncomfortable for the Lions halfback.
In my pre game match-ups column I thought the clash between Mowen and Tom Croft would end in a draw. Mowen however, easily outpointed Croft, who was quiet, this time around.
Alex Cuthbert’s try was a victim of circumstance. What if Lealiifano, Barnes or Patty McCabe had been on the outside of James O’Connor while defending that backline movement? Maybe, but it was so well worked and O’Driscoll’s blocking line so deft, maybe not.
Lastly the turf under Kurtley Beale’s foot, What If that holds? Do we all wake up with happy hangovers this morning? Maybe, but he shouldn’t hold his head in shame. His was a game of great contributions until that moment.
Australia needs a goal kicker, a Leigh Halfpenny type metronome that can just keep knocking them over. If he can play like Leigh Halfpenny, that would be a bonus as well. I’m not sure who the best goal kicker is in the Australian provinces but he wasn’t out there last night.
Best thing about that game, other than it showing what rugby can be when played right? Only one week to go until next game in Melbourne. For the Lions, they are on again in three days. What an awesome tour. Matt Giteau is in Australia on holidays at the moment Robbie.
Just saying.
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.