It’s ironic injured captain James Horwill and dropped vice-captain Will Genia, the two leading lights in the Reds Super Rugby victory in 2011, will not be in the Wallaby starting lineup tonight in Perth against the Pumas.
This leaves Brisbane-born Ben Mowen to become the 80th Wallaby captain in 115 years in only his seventh Test.
It’s been a meteoric rise for the 28-year-old back-rower, but one of special significance to the immediate future of the beleaguered men-in-gold.
Mowen has done wonders for the Brumnies since he was appointed skipper at the beginning of last season by coach Jake White, both in their first season.
They clicked, as will Mowen and 10 of tonight’s Brumbies in the 23-man squad for their must win against the Pumas: Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Scott Fardy, Nic White, Christian Leali’ifano and Michael Hooper from last year in the starting lineup, with Scott Sio, Matt Toomia, Jesse Mogg, and Tevita Kuridrani off the bench.
They all know how inspirational Mowen has become, leading from the front.
Horwill wasn’t up to it in the two Tests against the All Blacks, nor was Genia last time out against the Boks.
Having handed out the rightful accolades to the new skipper, Mowen still has to curb the number of penalties he gives away, the only minus on his rugby CV.
In fact, tonight’s entire back-row is guilty, with Hooper and Fardy just as culpable.
Having lost five of their six Tests this campaign, the Wallaby mindset tonight is obviously to break the drought – losing can become just as endemic as winning.
It’s the way the Wallabies have lost that is the greatest concern.
Body language is a dead-set giveaway, and what is making the Wallaby fans so angry. The general consensus is the Wallabies don’t care, and I agree with that.
James O’Connor reckons the Wallabies are hurting, but the body language strongly suggests otherwise.
So too the vast number of fundamental and costly mistakes – the poorly directed passing, the inexcusable handling errors, support players over-running the ball carrier, the aggravating no-look passes finding nobody, plus the growing number of first-time tackles missed and turnovers.
All of them are game and momentum killers, and unbecoming a Wallaby lineup.
There is no excuse for stupidity,
Mowen’s first call tonight will be to revive the visible pride and passion among his troops, which will automatically lift the performance.
I find it mind-boggling a Wallaby lineup has to be reminded of these basics, but that’s sadly the truth.
The Pumas smell blood, and with good reason. They did far better than the Wallabies in their losses against both the All Black and the Boks.
They are a tough uncompromising unit, and unless the Wallabies match that quality, the result is a foregone conclusion.
That’s where Ben Mowen will step up to the plate to begin a long reign as Wallaby captain.
The pride, the passion, and the performance to replace the paltry, the putrid, and the pathetic.
Bring it on Wallabies, the ball is entirely in your court.
Seb Vettel
Guest
the point he played late and is still playing.... not that he was a late bloomer
mark conley
Guest
roardog, jake white hasn't and isn't managing the Wallabies. we're talking Wallabies you goose. We are all giving our opinions you goose I'm equating Mowen's abilities with those mentioned, Dennis, Brown, McCalman and Mumm you goose Admin if this post is also deleted then please explain, unless you are 'Roardog"
DB
Guest
Tane, I never said that Aussie Rugby is not in trouble. Furthermore, I never said anything about Deans being responsible for the losses in the RC - maybe you want to educate yourself on what was actually written champ! I am merely making the observation that Deans failed to pick one of the best performing backrowers in Australia, continually picking players who were not up to the mark - that to me is the definition of idiocy!! I never had an issue with McCabe or Faingaa either - again not something I talked about. I simply made reference to Deans' inability to construct a decent backrow. I guess failing to take a back up 7 to the world cup was a good idea - given your reasoning!
mark conley
Guest
We've got to find a position for you at the ARU (if you're not there aleady) Top post!
The Bush
Roar Guru
You do realise that Thorn was playing league right? Clown...
Zero Gain
Guest
Nice positive post, makes up for my pretty sad and negative observations I guess...hope you are right.
Zero Gain
Guest
Well, he has had his first shot and come up sadly lacking. No real leadership and a very poor game from Mowen. His first two involvements resulted in his first two errors. He is not a n. 8. He is not test standard.
Peugeot
Guest
I'm glad I watched the game last night. I enjoyed it for what it was. Two evenly matched, second tier teams going at it as hard as they could. Neither team had anything left in the tank at he final whistle and the fact that it could have gone either way meant it was interesting to watch. I'm a dedicated Wallabies supporter. Describing them as a second tier nation is a realistic observation of where they are at today. It's not said to condemn them to that position in the international hierarchy for the long term. My belief is that we're doing well to hold the position we have and we will progress with time. We can look forward to the return of a significant number of quality players who have the experience to offer leadership and get their respective jobs done on game day. As well, we're seeing the establishment of new contributors and combinations right across the team. Thirdly, with time, we will absorb the requirements of the coach's new playing style. Link is the coach. That is the reality. By accepting that I accept that we're going to have to play according to his philosophy. Again, that is the reality. Accept it or leave. We will improve. We will be more competitive against the top tier teams. Beating the AB's and The Boks are huge challenges, they're superb and a pleasure to watch. But the challenges that they represent are ones which with improving skills and a positive mindset, we can take on. As we build to that, we can look forward to giving a good account of ourselves, and continue to develop, against some very good teams, on their home turf, come the end of year trip. I'm very optimistic. Last night two players particularly stood out for mine. Not because they were best on ground, but because they made positive contributions. I want to acknowledge them because I've been critical of them here in the recent past. I've said Sitaliki Timani just doesn't have it between the ears. He has undoubted potential, but I've felt that it would remain unrealized because he doesn't have the intellectual where-with-all to harness it. Last night he did the basics well in my opinion. He didn't hesitate when given the ball. He has in the past baulked rather than charge forward. Sometimes he has been guilty of flinging the ball to another player in a worse position which has applied pressure to his own team. Last night he run straight and with conviction and presented the ball. In defense he made it count, he was aggressive. At scrum time he seemed to take on the job of supporting the TH well. Credit where I feel credit's due. Quade Cooper, by realising the prevailing conditions were not conducive to him playing the flamboyant game to which his brain is hard wired, finally, after 40 odd test and vast investment in him by Australian rugby, showed the level of maturity that I'd hoped to see previously . He played in attack to the teams strengths. He did the simple things well and thereby didn't put his team mates under undue pressure. That takes discipline when your brain's hard-wired default position is to throw the hail Mary in the hope of scoring off every play. By continuing to display this level of maturity and sound decision making, Quade can be a useful part of the larger squad. He doesn't need to shelve his undeniable skills, just use them judiciously to maximise their positive impact. This ability to mix up his option taking will cause hesitation in the opposition and give greater opportunity to the men running lines for him. He was also clearly committed in front line defense which was great to watch. It's significant that he defended there because it was the directive from the coach. Good on you Quade. There is a lot to be positive about with regard to the Wallabies medium, long-term development. Let's enjoy each step forward as we build to the WC.
roardog
Guest
yeah your smarter than jake white and ewen ,what a stupid comment , keep playing 4th grade you goose
jeznez
Roar Guru
Have I offered an opinion on Horwill or Genia?
roardog
Guest
as usual jenez you have no idea what creates a good culture , horwill and genia are both spoilt brats.
Cattledog
Roar Guru
Mowen really didn't stand up, as the number 8 or captain. So we won. Not convincing. A lot of work to be done, and it could well be a frustrating trip to SA and Arg.
Peter V
Guest
I agree; a strong leader is essential. One that talks the talk, leads from the front and can talk to referees aka McCaw. We all hope that Mowen is the man to lead the wallabies back from oblivion to respectability. Our forward pack is misfiring and going backwards and our backs are under intense pressure and appear clueless. Come the time cometh the man; lets all hope its Mowen tonight and all the boys ripping in. Wallabies by 5.
Argyle
Roar Guru
What a plan!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Actually thought on this further and Slipper would probably make both 23's. that's abou I though.
Billy Bob
Guest
Oh what? we're got to have a game?! Well that's gunna make a waste of some of the keyboard effort above. (Or just add to it) 80 minutes of footy - some weeks - 7 days of yacketty yak every week.
Zero Gain
Guest
OK, I will take your word for it but next to some other 110kg players he just doen't appear as big to me.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Mowen and Simmons together doesnt make sense. Neither offer great physicality or a good ball carry. If Mowen is 6 then you need greater physicality and go forward in the pack and there is no need for a lineout calling lock.
Zero Gain
Guest
Why should it matter, really? The ref should be able to referee the match fairly without needing to be sweet-talked by anybody. If the captain can influence the game that much then something is wrong.
Zero Gain
Guest
I am trying to be objective. I just can't see any real reason to bench Genia. Bring on his replacement earlier maybe, but don't bench him. What does that do to his confidence and loyalty when it is undeserved? Not to mention the effrect it will have on the result.