Last year Mendoza was an unhappy hunting ground for the Wallabies. This year saw Australia get the win, and a win is a win, but Michael Cheika might be having some stern words at next weeks team meeting.
The dominant scoreline and the rampant finish to the game were good signs, and a good indicator of the Wallabies replacement depth and impact, as well as Cheika’s interchange management. However, the penalty count will be number one on Cheika’s talking points.
The bungled national anthem from last year was nearly repeated by the local singer. However history didn’t repeat itself on the scoreboard this year for the Pumas.
The Wallabies solved their issues with Mendoza through toughness. The finger can be pointed straight at Michael Cheika for instilling some aggression into his players. A great lesson that can be learnt for many rugby sides from the national team all the way down to the local suburban level. Aggression and toughness don’t exist without effort. That is what is good about todays Wallabies.
The Wallabies scrumming efforts are looking on the mend. I think we now have the front row depth to cope in the group of death come Septembers Rugby World Cup. The Pumas are a tough Test in general, particularly in Argentina.
Last year’s result had been blamed on a number of factors, most notably jetlag. This year Michael Cheika was having none of that.
Known for his aggressive and tough training regime, Cheika pushed the squad in a brutal contested session straight off the plane to kill off the jetlag, which rewarded Scott Fardy with a seven stitch scar. Cheika’s tough approach showed up with the team’s strong finish.
Michael Cheika made numerous changes to the starting line up for Australia’s second Test of the Rugby Championship, resting key players in much the same way New Zealand has done in preparation for Rugby World Cup this year. Greg Holmes made his first Wallaby start in the front row since 2007.
A long time between drinks, but his performance off the bench against South Africa justified the opportunity.
Surely the qualms over having David Pocock and Michael Hooper on at the same time should be laid to rest. The game was a great test of the Wallaby forwards depth.
Scott Sio once again showed he is not far off a starting position with Greg Holmes performing solidly also. Bernard Foley didn’t set the game on fire but Quade Cooper’s patchy and erratic form surely plays himself out of the ten jersey.
The scrappy penalty count will have to change if the Wallabies are any chance of testing the All Blacks on August 8. Quade Cooper’s 65th minute coat hanger and subsequent yellow card was a perfect example.
The majority of the penalties were unnecessary with the Wallabies conceding field position and multiple phase ball for lazy or cynical indiscretions. Knowing Cheika’s style, the players won’t be having a restful week after arriving back home.
Something is building. I like it.
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.
Mils Muliaina believes the experienced veteran could be a perfect fit for the Wallabies.
There are three rounds left in the regular season and it’s do-or-die for several sides, including the seven-time back-to-back champions the Crusaders. Who’d have…
Anyone who has read things I’ve written in rugby forums before knows that I am the guy who bangs on about junior rugby participation…
The 'Rugby Heaven' panel gave their verdict on the Wallabies fly-half options nearing the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Noah Lolesio has…
In eight weeks or so a Wallaby will run onto the smooth field in Sydney with a number 15 on his back to set…
In Joseph Heller's wonderful novel, Catch-22, the title refers to an insoluble logical dilemma that faces the hero Yossarian in his efforts to avoid…
