I have a feeling that the ten years of underachievement endured by the Wallabies is set to end soon.
I seem to be one of the few that see the Wallabies’ performance on the weekend as a huge step forward.
I believe the Wallabies dominated the first half. There was a weakness in the scrum and breakdown, and no straight runners in the centres to take advantage of the movement of Matt Giteau.
The Honey Badger is not one of our best wingers, he is just one of the only players last year that put 100 per cent effort in.
This is no longer the case. There is a belief in this Cheika team that has been missing for many a year.
They are willing to put in 100 per cent.
Yes, Quade Cooper’s kicking in general play was weak and there was a short-coming at the breakdown.
But when was the last time Australia pulled a Test match back? We either get thumped from the start or reeled in over the last 20 minutes.
I haven’t seen the stats but after a second viewing the weakness at the breakdown was more due to Scott Fardy and Scott Higginbothom than Hooper.
I would like to see David Pocock at 6 and Ben McCalman at 8.
Will Skelton did look like it was too much for him, maybe keep him as a wrecking ball for the last twenty minutes. Take your pick for a replacement second rower, although James Horwill looked like he wanted to play again.
And when the bench came on, for the first time in my memory, Australia powered on rather than falling back. Players that weren’t impressing were replaced.
In general, there where few risky plays, a more sell assured team, with composure and a die hard attitude. The likes of Kurt Beale and James O’Connor will have a tough time breaking back in.
Finally we have a team ready to go for the win rather than the draw.
What a great philosophy in this World Cup year.
This must be what All Blacks fans feel like – having a bench that is as good as the starting team.
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