It would be churlish not to recognise Ewen McKenzie’s drought-breaking 14-13 win over the Pumas in Perth last night.
In the end it took some long overdue ticker to keep the visitors at arm’s length in driving rain and a howling gale.
But it would be delusional to think, for one moment, that the win has the Wallabies back in the big league.
Particularly so having watched the All Blacks-Boks game as the television ‘curtain-raiser’, where they played so much class rugby at pace, compared to the Wallabies-Pumas game that just went through the process, and the motions.
Sure the conditions were different, but the two internationals were as alike as chalk and cheese.
One played rugby, the other played at it.
Having placed the Wallabies in the space they earned, there were positives.
Ben Mowen must skipper the side for the remaining seven Tests of the year. In his (c) debut last night, he not only drove his troops when they needed to be driven, but he was always leading the front.
He assumed the same role that took the Brumbies to the Super Rugby final, and it was obvious last night the Wallabies warned to his leadership.
Tired of saying this, but Israel Folau must be given more ball, he’s a wasted match-winner.
The try he scored was so indicative of what he can produce, turning nothing into something.
In beating four men to the line, Folau yet again proved his point.
Lock Sitaleki Timani must start against the Boks and the Pumas on the road over the next three weeks.
Last night he replaced Kane Douglas in the 50th minute, and his impact was immediate.
But the impact would have been far greater had he replaced Rob Simmons. whose used-by date must be close to expiring.
The pairing of Timani and Douglas looms large, two big units, and if Douglas can get a bit of the Timani fire and aggression to rub off on him, even better.
Openside flanker Michael Hooper was man-of-the-match, he was everywhere.
But he would be even more effective in the battle for possession, which is his job, if he kept his swanning among the backs to a minimum.
And blind-side flanker Scott Fardy is getting more involved with every game. He has some welcome fire in his belly.
Half Nic White had a useful run-on debut, but heaven help the Wallabies if he’s there to kick the cover off the ball, and not get Quade Cooper and his backs on the move.
McKenzie wasn’t to know at the time he axed Will Genia that the weather in Perth was going to be so rotten that the White kicking game would be the go.
White is back-up material, Genia must return for the Boks and Pumas, having sat out the full 80 last night.
And if the Quade Cooper knockers didn’t notice some of his tackles last night, that’s selective viewing at its worst.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Cooper fan or not, he’s the best 10, and given the space Genia will give him, expect some fireworks from the Queenslander.
Christian Lealiifano had one of his best attacking games of his short international career, even though he’s still too small to have a physical impact.
The bigger worry is he had an off night with the boot, rare for him, and that very nearly cost the win.
Adam Ashley-Cooper is, and always well be, the reliable outside centre in attack and defence, while still coming to grips with his inability to pass to supports.
That constant failing has me completely stuffed, because he is a highly-intelligent footballer.
Especially with wingers like James O’Connor, and Nick Cummins, outside of him.
They have cemented their spots, now it’s up to their inside backs like Ashley-Cooper to give them the space to strut their stuff.
And I’ve left the most puzzling part of the Wallabies to last – the front row.
With a champion prop like Ewen McKenzie as coach, you would think the Wallaby front row would be unbeatable. Far from it.
Like everyone else, who are we to suggest the reasons why, when someone as highly-qualified as McKenzie obviously can’t find the answer.
Surely between props James Slipper, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, and Scott Sio, with hookers Stephen Moore and Saia Fainga’a there’s a combination that can click.
But until the coach finds the missing links, the Wallaby scum will remain a shambles, and the ‘w’s even harder to get.
That’s why I say it’s delusional if the Wallabies think they are back in the big time.
There’s a long long way to go, but at least they can prepare for the debilitating road trip after cracking the ice.
Justin3
Guest
Ra the 13 channel in Union, especially defence, is different to league. It is make or break often in rugby. That would be my major concern throwing him in there now. Excited to see him play there for NSW next year. The Wallabies will be at an interesting point in 12 months. I think the side could look significantly different to what it does now in 12-18 months.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Agreed. The Argentinians very nearly stopped the ball from going to ground. Surely questions have to be asked as how the Wallabies, when they clearly outnumbered the Pumas in that section of the pitch and must have had the momentum to score what looked an easy try, allowed Argentina to mount a near successful defensive move.
Mike
Guest
There is a post by Topo Rodriguez on Spiro's thread entitled "The Wallabies claim a win (just) but the scrum is terrible". I would urge everyone to read it. It raises a serious question that the ARU has to answer as to what it has been doing for development in this country One excerpt: "Not only has been ignored by the “Scrum Wise” people in this country but between 1997 and 2010 have made 4 specific offers to Australian Rugby to set up a SCRUM ACADEMY with all the other Scrum Gurus available. ....One of these initiatives was named Australian Rugby Academy (September 2005) with a brief to work at “Grassroots” level, without touching Elite Rugby. Hence it would have been a great feeder for all representative levels. Three of our Directors made a presentation to the ARU but all we received was: SILENT, GOLDEN and ELOQUENT SILENT." Given the scrum problems we have had, I suggest the ARU has some explaining to do.
Robo
Guest
Finally some sanity from a Kiwi.
Robo
Guest
Then why take the bait?
Mike
Guest
The comparison is not misplaced. My point stands: the ARU is making a fundamental mistake by pressing its coach to aim for "running" or "expansive" rugby. Ironically both the ABs and the Bokke have shown more expansive rugby than Australia. Get the fundamentals right and expansive rugby will follow. "Also, how many number 8s were bigger than Kefu during his prime? Likewise Willie O." - Quite a few I expect, but I don't have time to check. "They were both very powerful athletes." - I agree, although I would add that they had the heart to back up the power. Both of which are far more important than size. The idea suggested by Simon that we need a 120kg No 8 misses the mark in my opinion. We need the right player for No 8, and that person may be no bigger than Imanol Harinordoquy.
soapit
Guest
do you really want us using russell crowe as our example of nz intelligence?
soapit
Guest
in a position he has played a whole season in. things might be different if you throw him in somwehre he's never played before.
Ra
Guest
Experience Just? He's a standout player in a team of experienced rugby players who are being thrashed week in week out. He's a big time player with heaps of midfield experience. I dont think he'd have too many problrms adapting to rugby midfield.
mapu
Guest
Stick to netball ...no u lost that too
Ben.S
Roar Guru
If you are renowned for not having an expansive passing game then automatically the job of the defence is that much easier. The comparison with SA and NZ is misplaced too, as SA has shown some average back play this RC, and Conrad Smith hardly bashed the ball up. Also, how many number 8s were bigger than Kefu during his prime? Likewise Willie O. They were both very powerful athletes.
chann wee
Guest
WO was 110kg, lol :) tell that to ZINZAN BROOKE - the best 8 in modern era at 102kg!!!
chann wee
Guest
If we go by ur argument, then the Chiefs' players and Crusaders' players have to be tired also. Retallick did not seem tired against the most physical side in the world, neither did Messam. Nonu who could not get a game in super , is doing fine (apart from the game-a-hit shoulder , duh!)
chann wee
Guest
ZERO : regarding Hooper , Mr. Scott Allen did a great analysis among HOOPER< MCCAW & POCOCK. he called it involvement, while some in England call it work rate. in his analysis Allen showed hooper had 80% less involvement compared to Mccaw. whereas pocock was nearly there with Mccaw. the issue with hooper is, he is seen a lot running around or in the line but his involvement in play is less. compare that with someone like messam or retallick or whitelock who tackle , go down , getup & tackle again , then run , hit the ruck etc etc. their allround play in the park is so much more. they are always playing as a team - not individuals doing things individually.
chann wee
Guest
Oh TANE : how could u miss Juan Manuel Leguizamón (104kg) who had Mowen's no all night long :) Maybe u included Lobbe who is actually a blindside with pumas (and Tulon if i remember right coz armitage is their openside) and I did not know Billy Vunipola and Jake Shatz had played International Rugby. ( not that it matter ) its not the size but the strength and skills that matter. the best 8 seen in modern rugby - Zinzan Brooke - was only 102kg, but he had skills of a back and grunt of a forward. the issue is Mowen is not an 8. Palu was the last true 8 , though George smith managed (just like Mccaw does when the need arises). It is an issue OZ need to solve becoz in RC and in Europe Mowen will comeup against some of the best in the world: Read , Vermulean , Piccamoles , Parisse , Folatau , Morgan , Heaslip , Beattie (in that order of merit IMO). and IMHO each and every one is better than Mowen. The fact is , in the super final Mowen was upstaged by a guy who was playing his first season (Matt Vant Leaven) and that too from wider training Chiefs' squad !!!
Justin3
Guest
I agree IF has the skills to play centre, just not the experience, yet. Reports from Sydney suggest he will play there next year for the Tahs so watch this space...
chann wee
Guest
" In Australia elite football athletes have the choice of RL, RU or AFL. Or the new third alternative to play for NZ. I acknowledge that body shape is different in each code but Brad Thorne types exist in RL. " errr if ur implying that big Brad is Australian - erroneous!!! He was born and raised in NZ until 8 when the family moved to OZ. From my understanding , he could play union for NZ as he is a dual citizen and had not played for Australia in union. He only played league in Australia and union in NZ. Don't forget the New Zealanders in your team , without whom the points may not be coming :)
chann wee
Guest
Ditto Man Dont ya think its funny when someone is credited for tackling in rugger Even the commentators got high; " Cooper made that tackle !!!" Got to wait and see how this new-found enthusiasm works out after a 2 week tour to SA & Arg.
Mike
Guest
Respond to what?
Dale
Guest
And I'm tired. Gotta go to work tomorrow to pay my taxes. As to Mr Loe and his unpunished Elbow, he will forever remain for me the defining symbol of NZ Rugby. :)