After the injury carnage of the first Test and the cloud that hung for so long over skipper James Horwill, who’d have thought it would come down to this?
The Wallabies, boasting by far the more settled side, are solid favourites to complete a remarkable series victory against the pride of British and Irish rugby.
That’s not to say, of course, we won’t have to suffer yet another nerve-jangling cliffhanger. But if this Sydney decider represents a bridge too far for one or other team, you’d be inclined to suggest it’s the Brits.
Not only is it a massive assignment for a group of northern hemisphere players who have been ‘up’ for almost 12 months, you also have to wonder about a side top heavy with Welshmen carrying so many mental scars from losing battles against Australia in recent years.
For the Wallabies’ part, as much as the Melbourne Test failed to scale anything like the heights of that Brisbane epic, it was a case of mission accomplished – the series alive and with that all-important momentum to take to Sydney.
If Robbie Deans’ calculated gambles pay off – notably, in persisting with James O’Connor at 10 and bringing George Smith into the loose-forward mix – he may yet survive for a while longer.
Mind you, with that Brisbane backline injuries debacle still fresh in the mind, that’s assuming, too, his decision to go for a six/two forwards/backs split on the bench doesn’t come back to bite him.
Win, lose or – dare we suggest it – draw, I’d sincerely hope Wallaby supporters will be able to show their true colours when they kick on at their favourite Sydney watering holes after the match.
As odd as that might sound, I’ve been left wondering after a bizarre post-match experience in Melbourne last Saturday night.
Having arranged to hook up with a few mates at a pub in one of Melbourne’s more salubrious suburbs, we were staggered to learn, on arrival, they’d been required to “take off your colours” (Wallaby beanies, jackets etc) before being allowed entry.
No matter there were already dozens of red-shirted Lions supporters firmly ensconced in the bar.
Go figure.
Crazy Horse
Guest
Hopefully the Ref won't accomodate them. Penalties are for deliberate infractions of the rules. They should ne er be awarded just because one pack is stronger than the other.
Johnno
Guest
You've convinced me, Wallabies are a lucky side in terms of streaks I don't think iv'e seen a side who have had so much luck i could name so many examples. . I know there's much more in the vault, but thats a good lot, im full for now.
Luck, let me tell you about luck. 2010 Tri nation match Bloemfontein. SA lead, it is the last minute, we go pick and drive, pick and drive and the referee decides we have sealed the ball off, penalty Australia, Beale kicks a fifty meter goal and we lose. 2011, RWC QF, we attack the Aussies all game long, get nothing from the referee, eventually still manage to lead 9-8 late into the second half, Danie Rossouw gets blown for "playing the man in the air in the line out" penalty to OZ they win. Two forward passes called against SA, both at the last pass and both should have been tries, marginal calls, going against us. Want more?
Johnno
Guest
he he yep like Lions game 2 2009 lol, and RWC 2007 final all those disallowed tries to the palms and Jason Robinson's injury, and the semi-final vs France 1995 lol. No only joking some close calls by the Boks, but the luck always seem to often be the rub of the green to them, a champion side no question. But I have read the head to head stats AB'S VS Boks in pro era, it's still AB'S 26-12. So AB'S are no 1 but it is Boks 2 , then wallabies 3.
It's a dig at the Boks, we're the only team that wins by luck.
Rowan
Guest
Rsa won 37-20 in the end.
RAF
Guest
Fiji ? Boks ? 2007 Rugby World Cup ? What's this got to do with the above article?
Johnno
Guest
Jospeh Volavola, Fiji VS Boks 2007 Rugby World Cup, a lucky tackle from Percy Montgomery, or was it Habana saved the Boks from elimination by Fiji, and some dodgy ref calls, at scrum time, wow the Boks were lucky that day, you blokes would of been knocked out of the World cup had Delasau, not been littrealy 1cm his fott over the touch line, wow that was luck if ever I seen that. Best game of the World Cup that Quarter final. And Fiji were on a roll they beat wales the week before, and were the better team that day vs the Boks, it was a 1cm difference between winning and losing. Fiji would of beaten Argentina in the semi-final too I thought if they got the opportunity.
Rassie
Roar Rookie
Your behind a computer screen under a Alias. How do we know your a Fijian?
I doubt it has anything to do with you being Fijian, but rather your attitude.
Are you surprised at their reaction after your summation of O'Connor, Deans and the Wallabies? Wow.
Joseph Volavola
Guest
i have just as much right to express my opinion than anyone else. I know many of you australians may not like it but just because im fijian doesnt mean im not human
Joseph Volavola
Guest
Oh yeah yous get racial towards me with your typical "youre not welcome here" rubbish and "go back to where you came from" yeah well I live on earth and ill live where I like. Thanks for the tax money mate!!!!!
Rassie
Roar Rookie
^buzzing like an Ann Summers stock room
lloyd
Guest
I reckon hes already eaten the littlest goat and one of its little horns is stickin in his gut.might need an op
bennalong
Guest
I love Lions campaigns and the positive atmosphere most supporters bring That a supporter with a Fijian name should be such a thick,mean spirited prat makes me doubt that heritage Either way, you're not welcome here! Yell all you like!
Jerry
Guest
They'd have to be, law of averages.
Jerry
Guest
At least the colour would be right, he'd look a bit odd (well, more odd) wearing a gold or green jersey.
lloyd
Guest
I reckon he already eaten the first goat n one of its little horns is stickin in his gut. Think he might need an op
Joseph Volavola
Guest
Im with you bro aye get in there and get physical in the stadium if you start losing. throw some beer on those convicts