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Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles believes the current Australian side lacks maturity and tough times remain ahead.
The ex-Brumbies captain has also praised the influence of Nic White and feels that Ewen McKenzie has signalled that he will not be making his selections based on reputation or old relationships.
The Wallabies edged Argentina 14-13 in a wet contest in Perth on the weekend, their first victory in their past five matches. The win was also their first in this year’s Rugby Championship and their first under new coach McKenzie.
Despite the pressure-releasing win, the Wallabies still face difficult road trips to Cape Town and Rosario along with a final clash with the All Blacks in Dunedin. The team then has a long spring tour with away matches against England, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Asked if the Wallabies had turned a corner, Hoiles said the Aussies still have “tough times ahead. There are some very good forwards out like David Pocock and Scott Higginbotham”.
The absence of Pocock and Higginbotham, along with Tatafu Polata-Nau and Wycliff Palu, combined with weak depth in the front and second rows, has robbed the Wallabies of plenty of grunt up front.
“Benn Robinon’s back in and he will hopefully give the scrum more consistency,” Hoiles said.
The former Waratah back-rower said he was surprised by McKenzie’s decision to drop Will Genia for the Argentina match.
“But I have a high opinion of Nic White,” he said.
“He needs exposure at this level and it can’t be five minutes here or there. Every world-class team needs two dominant 9’s and Ewen would know this. He has a very good kicking game, sharp pass, extremely quick over 20m and I thought in tough conditions he did well.
“I also think Ewen is making a statement that no-one is safe. He may also be letting key Reds players know that while they may have good history together this is a different team and things will be different.”
Michael Lynagh was one former Wallaby who commented on Sky TV in the UK after the loss to the Springboks that some of the Australian players aren’t hurt enough by losing. Lynagh was referring specifically to winger James O’Connor, who has since been involved in another off-field incident.
Accoring to Hoiles: “It’s hard to really understand how a player feels after a game just by watching the telecast. Everyone responds differently but I do sense that the team lacks maturity on and off the field.”
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.