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Well what a few weeks for the Wallabies. Two great wins in Torino and Dublin, followed by six players stood down and another nine on warnings after some Irish cheer in Dublin on a Tuesday night.
Tough love seems to be in style at camp Wallaby and to be honest it probably isn’t a bad thing. Had we had a good season, a slight bending of the rules (let’s be clear, this was slight) could be forgiven.
Did the crime fit the punishment? Who cares! Standards are in place and a line has been drawn.
Onwards and upwards from here boys, hopefully with a few better timed Guinnesses after a win against the Scots.
The most surprising thing wasn’t the names on the list, but one name that didn’t feature – Quade Cooper.
It seems that Cooper has realised that a clean pair of heels and a ball on a string aren’t going to take you to the heights of where he is destined; to be one of our best ever.
There was a lot of criticism of making Cooper vice-captain for this tour. More proven and more reliable players, and those more certain of selection, were readily available.
Cooper had only just won back the jersey from Matt Toomua, an injured Christian Lealifano was on the comeback trail and there are two other former Wallaby captains in the side, James Horwill and Will Genia, who could have easily slotted into the vice-captain’s role.
Ewen McKenzie however opted for Cooper, which now looks like a masterstroke.
Cooper’s on-field performances have been back towards his best, not only in producing the magical touches but also managing the game.
His kicking game over the past few Tests, both attacking and defensive, has been better than it was in 2011, his watershed year.
He is taking it to the line more, putting his support on the front foot rather than dancing his way around a defender then passing to a flat-footed support player.
His defence has improved markedly, with tries scored in his channel coming more from misreads than poor tackles. Not perfect, but better.
It’s off the field, though, that there has been a dramatic turnaround. We all read about John O’Neill’s famous blow up after the Wallabies were held scoreless in New Zealand a few years ago.
I could just imagine Cooper mid-tweet as he sheepishly put his phone away.
Last Saturday he was on Twitter straight after the game again. This time however it wasn’t a ‘selfie’ from the dressing room but someone in the stands posting a photo of Cooper, still in his kit out practicing his kicks at goal.
This European tour will be the making of the man. Something I now think he can call himself.
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.