Given his limited lead time in the job, it’s probably asking a bit much to expect Ewen McKenzie to hit the ground running when he launches his Wallaby coaching career in Sydney tonight.
But the reality is he’s unlikely to have too many better opportunities to nail the All Blacks as the post-Robbie Deans era unfolds.
He’s a smart cookie, McKenzie, and he’s already made some bold calls as he plots to ambush an All Blacks side that, from an underdone Richie McCaw down, could be there for the taking.
Mind you, he’s also smart enough to know that a one-off Bledisloe Test victory against the Wallabies’ trans-Tasman nemesis won’t be enough to cut it with the Australian rugby public if, ultimately, he fails to kick on.
Just ask Robbie Deans.
Let’s not forget that Deans’ Wallabies claimed the All Blacks’ scalp at his first attempt, in Sydney, back in 2008 – but it was to be one of only three victories against New Zealand (from 18 attempts) during his chequered tenure.
Success tonight would certainly be something for Australian fans to savour – not least with the Wallabies coming off that sorry third Test capitulation against the British and Irish Lions.
But, win, lose or draw, there’s still the small matter of silverware.
No pressure, Link.
Jokerman
Guest
Yeah I'm a feeling a great game with the All Blacks winning around that 10-15 margin. Ok...maybe 17:)
Kebab
Guest
EM is about to get a reality check and after this flogging will probably end the pointless mind games.
Harry
Guest
I will of course by cheering for the Wallabies but my head says they are going to get beaten, fairly comfortably at that, 33-16 my prediction ... A new pivot who hasn't played with Genia for many a year, if at all. Backs Folau, AAC , JOC and frowards Hooper and MMM haven't played since the last Lions test and will find the intensity too much to deal with. Slipper utterly outgunned against the Saders in his last hard game, Alexander's last test a horror show - we are vulnerable at the scrum. Simmons and MMM unproven at this level. MMM has been a project player for 8 years and never really delivered on his potential in the test arena. Now or never for him tonight. Of course I hope I'm wrong.
rugby_phile
Guest
Ha ha, spot on RR, medium rare at the best. Brilliant, made my day.
RebelRanger
Guest
Agreed. All I'm reading (from the few articles on the net) is ABs might be over the hill and the Wallabies are young and hungry. Same speel as when Deans was appointed. 'He’s a smart cookie, McKenzie, and he’s already made some bold calls as he plots to ambush an All Blacks side that, from an underdone Richie McCaw down, could be there for the taking' This smart cookies Super team was annihilated, yes annihilated, by the Crusaders. McCaw may be underdone but Toomua hasn't even made it into the kitchen.
moaman
Guest
Would love to have some analysis on the "bold calls" and why the ABs "are there for the taking"......a bit of meat in the sandwich.