Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will have his troops on high alert on three counts tonight at ANZ Stadium for the series decider against the Lions.
First up it’s a huge promotional game for rugby in Australia, secondly it will be history-making to beat the Lions in successive series, and thirdly it’s overdue for the Australian fans to have something to cheer about well into the night.
There is a fourth, but the reserved Deans won’t be thinking about it – his own survival.
The knives are poised, and this is the perfect time for Deans to knock the knockers with the series success.
And I can taste it.
There have been spasmodic signs in this bitter-sweet but exciting campaign during the 23-21 loss and 16-15 win the Wallabies are starting to believe in themselves.
And high time. If they can click tonight, we are in for a cracker of a game.
The biggest cheer of the night will be reserved for the Wallaby with seven on his back – George Smith – champion player, champion bloke.
Even the most avid Lions supporters will be saluting the about to be 33-year-old, who is an ornament to the game.
Smith’s presence will lift the Wallabies a couple of notches, he’s a top motivator in his own quiet and super-efficient way.
And the Lions know they are up against a formidable opponent who will in their face for the entire time he’s on the paddock.
Will this be James O’Connor’s night, after two very ordinary to poor performances at 10, highlighted by just one pass in 160 minutes that sent Adam Ashley-Cooper in for what turned out to be the match-winning try last Saturday?
Deans has backed O’Connor from the start, it’s time O’Connor repaid the faith.
Wallaby wingers Israel Folau and Joe Tomane must not be starved tonight, and it’s up to O’Connor to see that doesn’t happen.
There’s no argument he has the natural ability to do anything on the rugby field. For him to have a blinder tonight would be the icing on the cake.
And that leaves French referee Romain Poite, who loves to let both sides have an open go.
That’s a major plus. But of the three refs during this series with Chris Pollock, and Craig Joubert, he’s the least experienced in the biggest game.
This will be a severe test for the pocket-rocket who has to look up to half-backs in an international that could well get fiery with so much at stake for both sides.
The downside will be if Poite loses control and blows the pea out his whistle.
If it turns out to be a penalty shootout between Christian Lealiifano and Leigh Halfpenny, that would be a tragedy.
But if Poite can handle the biggest leap of his career, we will have the blockbuster it promises to be.
Let that be the case, bring it on.
joeb
Guest
``If he moderately better than his last two woeful performances we win. It’s that simple.'' According to Kafe last night, erm either before kick-off, or perhaps in the post match said, "JOC's improved each game," and I think he's right. And then Will reiterated same. Now that team rebuilding is essential, and new coach appointed pronto, we'll see what unfolds. Maybe Robbie - 6th year in Gold job - can score a gig mentoring at one of our provinces.
Waterboy
Guest
Too funny....where is Spiro?
Uncle Eric
Guest
Oh Lord, bad case of foot in mouth, methinks.............
Cameron
Roar Guru
Nice work Dave, spot on as usual. I think O'Connor and Deans really did help in almost winning lol.
Creme pie
Guest
Dave you must be embarrassed now.
Tom Callaghan
Guest
How do you feel now Jutsie...how d you fell? Under the pump rather than pumped, I'd say!
Billy Bob
Guest
If you're not a convict, take your leave sir. It's squad members only now in the barrackers shed.
runit
Guest
+1
Anne
Roar Rookie
With out applying to much pressure. If JOC has another shocker well lose. If he moderately better than his last two woeful performances we win. It's that simple.
Jerry
Guest
I can't think of anything even remotely fortuitous that might have happened to help the Boks win either of their RWC's.
Rassie
Roar Rookie
At least we do not need law changes to win world cups. We do what we always do fight with each other axe a couple of coaches then adapt until they change the laws again....
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Come on Wallabies !
stillmissit
Guest
I'm getting there but not as pumped as some here...... As long as big stage nerves don't reduce the game to a 'kick it up the clacker to their end boys' night where the win is a toss of the Poite penalty coin.....
Zameer Ali
Roar Rookie
I am going to be watching this game with mixed emotions - finally, with the exception of O'connor, Deans has picked a really good line-up. George Smith (while not quite as good form as Gil) should be an asset at the breakdown and an old hand at giving the team some guidance. With rumours swirling about Deans demise - I think it's rather sad that deans is going to booted when he nearly there with the team, and this coming from a Reds supporter
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Come on Wallabies, come on Wallabies, Come on Wallabies !
Bob english
Guest
Lions lions lionnnnnnnnnnnns
Mate, they always complain if we win, and there must always be a reference to either on rugby, thugs, too much kicking or too many 3 pointers. It is par for the course. ;)
Billy Bob
Guest
I was at the Beach Road Hotel Bondi in 2001. The place was packed with Brits and Paddys. Some even had picnic blankets spread out on the carpet in the public bar with thermos' of tea. The Aussies were outnumbered but late in the game , and well before Harrison's steal, a chant started up amongst the minority. Bravely, and probably unwisely, the Aussie mob started with 'If you're not a convict, get out!' There was no trouble and good humour amongst the tribes. All in all a fun night (or was it afternoon, I can't remember).
Rassie
Roar Rookie
But Biltong if that is true why do they complain that we only win "on" penalties
Fortunately the Aussies are smarter than the Saffers at reading the referee's interpretation at the breakdowns, Poite will be a lot more lenient at the rucks.