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For maybe the first time in my life, I’m thankful for the Wallabies losing.
Don’t get me wrong, I want Australia to topple every opponent they come across in 2015. But the Wallabies’ sketchy form in recent years has laid the foundation for a team with the most depth we’ve seen in over a decade.
The vast player experimentation that the Wallabies have undergone in recent years – 35 players have made their debut since the 2011 World Cup – has produced, for maybe the first time, two or three sets of competitive starting XVs.
Injuries and lack of form have both played a role in this, with the national side scraping as low as third choice players on a number of occasions.
Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley and Sean McMahon all found themselves in Wallabies jerseys off the back of other players’ injuries. Most then went on to solidify their place in the side, grasping their opportunities with both hands.
Off-field controversies also played their part in the reshuffling of players.
The ‘Dublin 6′ saga, Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor’s social antics and the Di Patston drama all tarnished the reputation of Australian rugby and led to new players entering the international scene.
At the time, these injuries and controversies badly hurt the Wallabies’ depth and the ARU’s public image. The injury woes had a large impact on Australia’s results, while player suspensions and absences did nothing to help get wins on the board.
But now it’s all coming together.
The depth Camp Wallaby has seen this year is startling. Virtually every position across the park has two players hotly contesting for a starting spot. Some have three players, or some have even more than that. Look no further than the extreme depth found in the Wallaby wings.
Joe Tomane, Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne, Henry Speight, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick Cummins are all very much in contention for a position on the wing. Throw in utilities such as Kurtley Beale or players on the fringe like James O’Connor and the depth grows. Some even argue Israel Folau should start on the wing.
Many of these players, as well as many others across the park, received their first cap in the absence of an injured or overseas player.
The depth in numbers drives internal competition, pushing players to new levels in the chase for a starting position. It also gives coach Michael Cheika a powerful arsenal to choose from if injuries, poor form or varying oppositions call for a change.
If Saturday night’s win over South Africa is anything to go by, this depth is a game changer for the Wallabies, in more way than one. Phipps came on at half-time and played his heart out. It was the best performance I’ve seen from Phipps in his career.
Matt Toomua arguably won the game for the Aussies. His energy across the field and straightening of the line punctured a strong South African defence countless times. Greg Holmes and Scott Sio had an immediate influence on the scrum, and James Horwill played his best game for years in Wallaby colours too.
David Pocock was the biggest talking point, however, from a bench that undoubtedly won the Wallabies the game. His immediate influence at the breakdown and handy partnership with Hooper should have shown Cheika enough to see them both in the starting XV against Argentina.
The Wallabies’ bench played out of its skin, only going to show internal competition in the team is translating into results. In many ways they outplayed the starting XV. The reserves certainly highlighted how the 35 Wallabies to make their debut since the close of the 2011 World Cup have gelled with seasoned players to build a team with real, genuine depth.
Matt Giteau has returned from exile, Quade Cooper and Will Genia are back and forcing competition in the halves, Pocock has sorted his injuries and is back to his best, while Hooper makes Pocock work his hardest for the No.7 jersey that he had come to call his own.
After four years of turmoil, everything has fallen into place for the Wallabies with September looming. With the underdog tag pinned firmly to the Australian crest, it’s up to the team and Cheika to use this newfound depth and start winning matches. No one knows where it will take them.
Me?
I think it will win them the World Cup.
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.