After another June series it is no doubt time to reflect on what has transpired and just what it all means for our beloved Wallabies moving forward.
On face value beating a rugby super power should evoke a great deal of elation. I fear the Wallabies dismantling of an extremely strong French squad of players is going far too unheralded.
On paper the French side should’ve provided a much closer contest. So was it a case of them being poor or was it a case of the Wallabies reaching a new level?
Regardless of what you think, we beat them 3-0 and so there are plenty of positives to take from that.
Here are my top five positives to take from the series.
1. We scored 12 tries
No matter how you look at it scoring 12 tries against any top tier side in three matches is remarkable. All the more remarkable when considered one of those games resulted in no tries at all. We scored more tries against France than they conceded in the entire Six Nations.
2. We conceded only three tries
All of them were conceded when the game was already won. That’s a healthy result. France scored nine tries recently in the Six Nations from five games. They are used to scoring about two tries a game, so we’ve done well to restrict them. More importantly we simply outclassed their attack with stunting defence.
3. Our depth
It was tested with injury and selection, yet for the first time in a long time we’ve shown we actually have some depth. I put it down to the five Super Rugby teams we’ve been allowed which is exposing more players to top class rugby. This is important come Rugby World Cup time when the depth of the squad can be the most important aspect of a winning campaign.
4. Our scrum
It looked competent and at times dominant. Sekope Kepu’s performance in particular was most pleasing at scrum time. James Slipper was less impressive, but he too has improved and had good moments, particularly in Game 1. With Scott Sio waiting in the wings things are looking healthy at loose head at least. We still need a genuine Test-class backup to Kepu though.
5. Israel Folau
Class. For mine the most valuable player the Wallabies have had since… well, maybe ever. He statistically and realistically impresses every time he plays. It’s come to the point where his superhuman deeds are becoming so common place that fans and journalists are becoming a little complacent when reflecting on his performance.
How he didn’t get man of the match in the first game is a crime. He probably should’ve got man of the match in the other two as well.
But it is not all sunbeams and flowers. There were some negatives to come out of this series win, in the form of the top five things we need to come to terms with.
1. Wrong tactics
In Australia you can’t afford to play the tactics we did in Game 2. The backlash was something uniquely Australian. The tactics worked and we won but unlike every other rugby nation, bar New Zealand, that is not enough. We have to win pretty on our home soil or at least attempt to do so.
After all, there is a desire from journalists and fans to jump on anything negative to do with rugby union. It was interesting that the State of Origin played a few days later, resulted in just of try but gained no such disdain and mockery.
2. The Nic White dilemma
White is not the man to take the Wallabies to glory. He simply lacks the cutting edge of Will Genia and Nick Phipps. Although I respect his strengths, a long kicking game and a decent pass, I implore Ewen McKenzie to reconsider him as the Wallabies’ number nine.
3. Our centre pairing is an odd choice
Matt Toomua is far too conservative a choice for number 12. If we want a second receiver at number 12 then we must go with Kurtley Beale. If Toomua is the best number 10 than pick him there. But he is not cutting edge enough to play the role we need, if we indeed choose to have a ball-playing 12.
As for Tevita Kuridrani, he is the second best number 13 in the country. That is a fact and so let’s just have Adam Ashley-Cooper play where he plays his best rugby.
4. Some players’ Test careers should end
James Horwill is not the player he once was. There are plenty of better locks in the country and I can not see why he is still in the mix. I doubt we’ll see him in a Test again.
Scott Fardy has had a very good Super Rugby season but I found his Test performances last year overrated. He was also very disappointing this June. We should consider Luke Jones or Dave Dennis as an alternative at number six. Benn Robinson may have had his day at Test level also.
5. The All Blacks are still better than us
But that’s okay. Why we can’t come to terms with this in the same way the Kiwis accept they’ll never really usurp the Kangaroos, apart from the odd match, is beyond me. I came to terms with this years ago and I urge the rest of us to do so.
Then we can live in the present and stop looking over our shoulder craving the approval of our cross-Tasman rivals. When we play France we should concern ourselves with how we are doing against them.
Forget the Bledisloe until it is time for the Bledisloe. When it comes around, consider we probably won’t win. We can only hope we get lucky on the day and play well enough to beat a superior squad of players.
All in all we should be proud of the boys that got the series win and look to the future with promise.
warastew
Guest
Yes, I am another tahs supporter. My view is until one super team in Australia is as dominant as the Crusaders were, in their hay day, there should be no over representation of one franchise in the Wallabies. There is as yet no evidence that any of the super 15 are dominant enough this year to over-represent at national level. Some people must just fall in love with players rather than looking for the best team.
Ralf
Guest
The biggest question in my mind is how the hell do we get Genia back? Not long ago he was the best scrum half in the world. WTF has happened? Please someone help him.. we need him!
Yogi
Guest
I think the real potential for a quality number 6 comes from a couple of guys in reds squad - Quirk and Browning. 21 and 23 years old and developing into great players. Probably not in time for the RWC though. And probably not with the reds next year either! I think McMahon has huge potential but he might be too small to be a 6. Quirk and Browning are both 108kg. McMahon is only 100kg. I think he might be more suited to #7 (the last thing we need is another rising #7!).
Geoff ACT
Guest
Yep, it must have just been Fardy's beard that got him into the squad. Who knew Link only cared about how players look. Maybe if Dennis had a better beard he'd have a better chance? Or perhaps Fardy's friends could write articles on his behalf too?
MCarmody
Guest
MGallagher, pull your head in. John Williamson is an australian legend with the voice of a cockatoo. bring him back!! (but no one else. only the best will do)
Rugby101
Guest
But they used to know how to, before the drop punt became popular
JB
Guest
I like fardy at 6 but I agree he is not world class, looking forward to seeing how carter skelton jones slipper Ryan Simmons and McMahon develop over the next few years we may just have a pack that can compete with the all blacks hooper is already there
Mike Julz
Guest
I'm looking forward to this years bledisloe cup. Gonna be a good one. The Wallabies need to work on their halves and center combinations. Beale is not a bench player. Hes an impact player that can change the game. Fullback is not his position, as we saw last year, they should start him at 10 or 12, him and Toomua is a dangerous combo. But as far as the All Blacks go, there old and experienced players together with their young and talented players seems to merge so well, the reason why they are so dominant.
mikeylives
Guest
I'm a fanatical Tahs supporter, but Toomua is by FAR our best 12. He makes his opposite numberl ook up before he catches the ball, is reliable and recognises opportunities in attack.
Mango Jack
Guest
When was the last time France won or threatened here?
Mango Jack
Guest
AFL players would have no idea how to drop kick. Why would they, when they don't have to? They need accuracy and distance, neither of which you get from a drop kick.
Max Power
Guest
I think you're discounting the quality of Fardy's work. You gave his stats before but his footwork before contact and his work on the ground after contact presenting the ball are fantastic and allow really quick ball on the subsequent phase. Several times during the French series he did that, he may not have made huge ground himself but he gave quick, quality ball and made it a lot easier for the next runner to make metres. Same with his ruck work, he hits the rucks with an awful lot more intent and power than Dennis does. I haven't seen stats for it, and I'm unsure if it's even measured, but I would venture a guess his ruck involvements are more effective than Dennis'. And he has a nack for being in the right spot at the right time, like in the second test when he got back to help Izzy out. That was a tremendous piece of work and something that is quite common in his game. There was a video done last year on him by green and gold rugby that highlighted this really well.
Mevan VK
Roar Rookie
I like this piece a lot, it's essentially almost exactly what's on my mind with regards to the wallabies! I'm not too convinced with your proposition to drop Toomua in favour of Beale though. I do agree that we don't really have a very creative playmaker in the 9.10 and 12 positions at the moment. I'm sure that Will Genia will find his way back to being Australia's best halfback so that will partially solve the issue but I feel that Toomua needs to stay at 12 because he's very solid in defense, is a strong runner and a pretty good ballpalayer. Players like KB and Quade Cooper should be considered only for the 10 position in my opinon. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter whether a player starts at 10 or 12 as they can slot into the first reciever role easily during the course of the game. I've rambled a lot but essentially what I am trying to say is that we do need the creativity of someone like Beale (but I think that Cooper should get the spot once he returns from injury) to add some spark to our backline especially against tough defenses; however at the same time, Toomua's role is vital in ensuring that there's stability and that there's structure to the play.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
France were poor plain and simple. That said the Wallabies played some good rugby. It's hard to know exactly where we sit. Apart from Robinson I don't think anyone else is washed up including Horwill. We just don't have the depth in some positions to be discarding players. Horwill's days as a certain selection are over. However he can still play a role in the squad. I think Scott Fardy was very solid on Saturday. If form holds he is the Number 6. I think Dennis best chance at Wallaby level is in 2nd Row / backup. He doesn't cut the mustard in the backrow. If White can curb the kicking he can develop into a very useful 9. I'd take him over Phipps any day of the week, please no Burgess. Hopefully Genia is right for the start of the RC or at least early part of it. Toomua is a very solid 12, not the most dynamic but has the skill set tailor made for the position. He acts as a nice security blanket for Cooper / Foley. Toomua and Kudriani are developing a good combo IMO. Beale is best suited coming off the bench to 10, 12 or wing.
Fair go
Guest
Michael. You are dreamin. Take Toomua. The kid is totally reliable in the tackle. He is a breakdown whiz. He can pass in the tight. He is accurate. He takes the ball up and threatens. He makes room for players around him. He never ever runs across field. He is a terrific thinker. And he is getting better with every game. You would lose him. I reckon his team mates would pick him without a thought. I could go on. But my pinch line is that I think window dressing selections are what took us off track. If we at going to match the ABs it will be through guys like Toomua who are working and challenging every minute - guys who make the opposition think.
MGallagher
Guest
Sailor was and is hugely underrated as a rugby player. , Tuqiri hugely overrated, especially for his last three or four years in the game.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Yes
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Interesting take on Scott Fardy. Do you think he lacks a cutting edge?
Thunderguts
Guest
"extremely strong" has become in 2 comments "very strong" and in reality they were the French side with known players nothing less and nothing more. It obviously suited your purposes to start with the attention getting "extremely strong" so you could wax lyrical about the giant killing Wallabies. The reality is that the third ranked team beat the 5th ranked team. It is when the Wallabies beat the first and second ranked teams that they can claim bragging rights but the past 11 years does not bode well for the future.
Crackle
Guest
Yep agree, thought Dennis went v.well that game and made me wonder what all the anti sentiment is about - I know he's had a some issues in the past, but seems that regional jealousies are getting in the way of a balanced view. IMO the WB's would be well served in cottoning on to the Tahs experience and riding it for all it's worth. It's winning rugby!