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With fellow Roarer David Lord yesterday calling for a repeat of Australia’s 1984 Grand Slam tour of Europe, I thought I’d look at their road to potential glory in 2013.
Firstly, the Wallabies are flying out on Friday, which means they will arrive at Heathrow on Saturday morning UK time. That will give them a week to acclimatise and get over the jet lag.
This is a positive start, especially given they head to Twickenham for the first game of the tour.
Here’s how they shape up against their opponents.
England
This will be a tough game, but England will be underdone and very rusty with their combinations not working properly. England usually plays well in their fortress at Twickenham, but Australia is lucky to be playing them first, before they have a chance to get their act together.
I think England will be gunning for the All Blacks later in the series to get another win, making it two years in a row. If Australia gives England a sniff early they will be in trouble, but if Australia can instead shock England early then they can escape with a win.
Italy
I see Italy as another version of Argentina, though they’re ranked 12th rather than the Pumas’ 10th. They have a strong forward pack and like to dominate up front, just like Argentina.
If Australia can hold the Italians up front with the Wallaby locks and loose forwards keeping their heads in the scrum, then Australia will not lose to Italy.
Australia have never been beaten by Italy, and I can see Australia being too organised and too much experience and too slick for the Italians.
Ireland
The Irish always grow another leg when they play Australia. They are now being coached by the Kiwi Joe Schmidt who is excellent and knows how to get the best from his team.
Ireland will be missing their combinations with their talisman Brian O’Driscoll, who has now retired.
Ireland’s combinations will be rusty too, but they are playing at home. Depending on the weather Australia should be a well-oiled machine at this stage and be too much for Ireland.
Scotland
The Scots are ranked ninth in the world, and I feel Australia are now moving up the world rankings from fourth.
If Australia lose to Scotland, then all the good work that has been done by McKenzie will be undone by losing this match. Australia to win.
Wales
Well this is last, but hardly least. I have previously said that Australia will have accumulated over the magic ingredient of 600 Test caps for the run on side of 15 by the time they get to the game in Cardiff.
The conditions will be slippery on the ground, but they will be playing under the roof in Cardiff.
Warren Gatland will be targeting this match for a win by Wales. He is clever and will know the Wallabies’ game plan, but has not experienced the McKenzie style. Wales will fancy their chances from the Lions tour to Australia.
This is another danger game for Australia, but I think their combinations will be too slick for the Welsh.
Can Australia win this game? Yes it can, based on past performances. This, as I see it, is the game that will define how far Australia has come in the last 15 Test matches it has played.
So is all the talk of the possibility of Australia pulling off a grand slam in Europe a fantasy?
I don’t think so, but injuries to key players and weather conditions and referees are part of the unknowns.
Australia will require a bit of luck to pull off this historic Grand Slam. If it doesn’t, I still feel progress is being made.
Either way, the Wallabies will return with more confidence and experience playing as a team for each other, rather than just a group of talented rugby players.
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.