- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
In recent times we’ve had the luxury of fast, skilful finishers in Australian rugby (think Peter Hynes all the way through to Joe Tomane) yet our highlight reels have lacked the try-scoring stats we’d all love to see.
We’ve had great form in Super Rugby and piled on the tries, yet internationally it’s been another story.
There are a myriad of theories out there as to why this is the case, however this article is not going to point the finger at Robbie Deans’ coaching, the Waratahs’ negative play, or even the odd Quade Cooper brain fart.
Instead there were a couple of key things that shifted the dynamic of the Wallaby back line in 2013.
Firstly, the Wallabies reliance on James O’Connor, Kurt Beale and Quade Cooper is over.
Since these three marvellously talented lads came on the scene its been oh so tempting to pin our hopes on them to break open a game with some individual brilliance.
Kurtley Beale’s heroics in 2010 on the high veldt come to mind, or even slotting O’Connor in at 10 during the Lions series (it still hurts a little).
Granted Quade has enjoyed a redemptive and hugely successful 2013, however it has been independent of the other two ‘amigos’. Part of his resurgence in my opinion is linked to one particular newcomer in the Wallaby backline in 2013.
Legend has it that in 2005 Adam Ashley-Cooper made his Wallaby debut from the stands of Subiaco Oval, instead of waiting for a beer and pie he found himself on the playing surface for the anthems (could one be so lucky in 2014?).
The reason I share this, his debut wasn’t glorious. He only played the last two minutes and had to wait two more years to get his first start for the Wallabies.
Compare that with Israel Folau, who scores two tries on debut to kick off a year that surpasses all expectations and finishes with him bagging 10 five-pointers for the season.
What effect does this have on a team when such a special talent rolls in?
I would argue, that it’s rather profound.
Part of the reason Quade found himself in a different team in 2013 is that he is no longer the only X-factor player.
Izzy has not only given the Wallaby playmakers an excellent hole runner, but has also taken a heap of pressure off them in terms of where the defence is looking and who is being relied upon to make the big play.
Having someone like this in your team gives you the luxury of choosing when to inject yourself into the game. This release valve has also freed up players like Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano, particularly in the back half of the season.
This has been a significant factor in the Wallabies back line resurgence of 2013, however the question remains of what will the Wallabies do next?
Will they rest on their laurels and rely too heavily on Izzy? Will he become heavily marked in his second season of rugby? Will the Wallabies continue to go from strength to strength?
Time will tell and I can’t wait to find out!
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.