Too many times in recent years successive Wallabies sides have talked a good pre-game but failed to deliver on the field. And like ‘Groundhog Week’, all the right positive messages were once again rolled out about how this Wallabies side had the ability and self-belief to beat the All Blacks.
Talk which was lapped up as gospel by green and gold hopers and believers, and dismissed as illogical by others, this writer included, having previously seen too many false dawns.
So what was different this time? Four-year droughts don’t happen without good reason, and they aren’t broken on a whim or accident either.
In simple terms, and nothing is ever as simple as it seems, the All Blacks were never able to play this game on their terms, partly through their own ineptitude, and partly because of a tenacious Wallabies defensive effort.
While all the decisive scoreboard action came in the second half, this match was won and lost in the first half – forty minutes of rugby which for a good part, was uglier than the horrible away strip Hawthorn was wearing across the country in Perth.
Both sides’ attack sputtered and stuttered like a Ferrari running on dirty ethanol. The Wallabies too often crabbed across field at three-quarter pace, victims of their own poorly directed passing.
And when the All Blacks game is off, it manifests itself via midfield handling errors under pressure and bumbling behind the advantage line.
Courtesy of a superior kicking game and a favourable early penalty count, the All Blacks had the better of the half, but weren’t able to retain possession and sustain pressure for long enough periods to make it count.
Nehe Milner-Skudder started with the spark everyone anticipated, but after being denied a try via a superb covering tackle by Matt Giteau, wasn’t sighted again for the rest of the half, the All Blacks seemingly impotent to send it his way, in the face of the Wallabies rushed defence, or gun-shy in the face of David Pocock’s breakdown mastery.
Tactically, the All Blacks had been expected to either play a direct, confrontational forward game, to mitigate the threat from the Wallabies loose forwards, or else stick to the high tempo ball movement which has served them so well in the Hansen era.
In the end they fell uncomfortably between the two, mastering neither. There were half breaks and possibilities but, crucially, not enough points, leaving the Wallabies well in the contest at halftime.
For their part, the Wallabies were good enough to take their opportunities when they eventually presented themselves. Luke Romano and Casey Laulala would no doubt like another chance at making the tackles they missed on Scott Sio and Nic White respectively, but both tries came after multiple phases and good ball retention which stretched the All Black’s defensive line.
After some unhappy times last year, Nic White’s redemption was as decisive as it was unexpected. His snappy, accurate passing and dead-eye goal-kicking came just at the right time to swing the outcome to the Wallabies.
His entry into the match came not a second too late, for Nic Phipps, who had enjoyed excellent games against South Africa and Argentina, reverted to his wayward worst, spraying passes to all corners of Homebush.
To be fair to Phipps, he wasn’t helped by having to locate Bernard Foley amongst a mass of gold jerseys loitering as potential first receivers. On one occasion Giteau actually ran with the line of Phipps’ pass, seemingly unaware that he was, not unreasonably, the target.
If two of the Wallabies tries were a little soft, at least by the All Black’s standards, the middle score was impressively finished by winger Adam Ashley-Cooper. Sure, he got a dream bounce, but his instinct to immediately adjust his running line away from touch, and to ride the bump at the corner from Ben Smith, was pure class.
The Wallabies scrum was not as dominant as Fox commentator Phil Kearns may have wanted viewers to believe, but it was certainly beyond solid. And if more time is needed to assess the impact of playing Pocock and Michael Hooper together, on the evidence of this match at least, the cohesion of the pack didn’t suffer at all. Second rowers James Horwill and Dean Mumm both enjoyed strong games.
Post match, all the talk was about self-belief. Something usually associated with the All Blacks, but which now the Wallabies seemingly have in spades.
Something which they’ll need all of and more, next week in Auckland, if they are to repeat the dose. Michael Cheika, delighted that his team’s confidence has come together so quickly, can now focus training on the technical and tactical improvements still on the table.
He might also have a word in his captain’s ear. Stephen Moore might rightfully claim that Sean Fitzpatrick started it, but the sight and sound of him challenging every second call quickly grew tiresome. Not every future referee will be as kind and accommodating as Wayne Barnes in declining his assistance.
Cheika’s selection for Auckland will be very interesting. Does he now go “all in” with a similar side to try to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup, or does he find game time for needy players, Wycliff Palu for one?
Meanwhile, if Springbok self-belief was wavering after close losses to Australia and New Zealand, it evaporated in Durban with an historic first loss to Argentina, 37-25.
On exposed form, anyone who tipped this result is either a certified lunatic or a bald faced liar. Full credit though to the Pumas who were well rewarded for a new found willingness to create play.
Winger Juan Imhoff enjoyed a day out he will never forget – three tries against the now world number three side. His walk-in final try certainly raised South African eyebrows, but regardless of how many trainers were still on the field, referee Romain Poite clearly signaled time back on, and the Boks should have been ready for a quick tap and run.
As for skipper Jean de Villiers’ claim that he had his team in close to talk to them as directed by the referee, well… that would be a first for world rugby.
In fact, any excuses for the Springboks are mere denial – they simply never got into the match. Fly-half Handrie Pollard’s skill errors and inability to influence the pattern of play helped kill any momentum his team may have had. He is a great talent and will enjoy many better days, but for now he will have to hope that he hasn’t lost the trust of Heyneke Meyer so close to the World Cup.
The wheel of fortune turns very quickly and so, for a few days at least, Danial Hourcade and Michael Cheika can believe that they have unlocked the secret to beating the worlds’ best. Not just once, but that they can do it again.
That confidence will take the Wallabies, in particular, a long way to repeating their performance in Auckland. But even if the All Black’s own self-belief is now wavering just a little, the fear of losing the Bledisloe Cup, in Richie McCaw’s last Test in New Zealand, will be a most powerful driver.
hasbeen flanker
Guest
OJ, I agree with your view here. 9-10-12 were your problem because I think that's where AB's had game planned to breach the WB's. Direct forwards game was not apparent and it surprised me they didn't change...or couldn't change the way they normally can. That is where the AB fwds probably got the points on their opposites on the night. I'm giving the points to Cheika over Hansen on strategy here - IMO Hansen was drawn into that plan due to a logical assessment of an imbalance in skill, experience and size in the 9-10-12. The WB channel did not open up (e.g. check SBW's first run) and of course between this channel and midfield is where the work of the two WB 7's came into play. AB changes I feel are predictable for this week, SBW injury just made it a certainty. Hansen will be conflicted over Carter. Will watch with interest what Cheika does in response but he'd better show long suffering fans WB V.2015 is more than a one trick pony.. Read's tactic of rush defence (usually getting an early meter) on the blind side of the ref from the D line was rightfully exposed. Best thing about Saturday night as a long suffering WB supporter was to finally witness the team play with intent. That's a good headspace to develop toward this year's RWC, regardless of this weekends result. I'm looking for what's under the gold jumper this weekend more than the scoreboard...no sterner test than Eden Park against AB's in the mood for redemption. If you can counter that, you can win a world cup. "Appear weak where you are strong; and strong where you are weak" - Sun Tzu, Art of War
Connor33
Guest
T- don't you think Lima has the goods. He seems to have more talent tha Cruden, but the same level head. Toomua I think played against Cruden and he should've been AU's 10 since 2013 when the Brumbies nearly beat the Chiefs. Crazy leadershi and madness at the ARU have hurt a few careers. Thankfully with the coaching staff in place, including his Brumby coach, Larkham, where now get to see the best of Toomua.
taylorman
Roar Guru
One big difference between Eden Park last year and this is we had Cruden to run the plays and he did that all day against Oz. So forget anything like last years score, even if the W's were to drop last weekends standard. Cruden's go forward play creates a huge number of opportunites and DC just doesn't have that anymore. He looked a support player more than a general. Sapoaga isnt in the Cruden league in that respect either where someone like Toomua is probably closer.
stillmatic1
Guest
I don't get how special or brilliant this wallaby win was. it seems people are only remembering the result and not what happened for most of the game. the abs gameplan was flawed (imo) but they simply didn't execute it properly. there was simply no intensity or commitment to secure our own ball, which was puzzling considering how we were supposed to be using the forwards to outmuscle the wallabies. the wallabies played tough and got the win, and deserved it without a doubt. the first half saw 2 clean linebreaks by the abs which ordinarily would lead to tries but for poor handling with no wallaby hand in sight. the wallabies had one clear chance that they bombed also off the folau break. then there was obviously the key moment right on half time with hooper doing the business on the bus. in any other game, certainly recently, the wallabies could have been down by 14 odd points, and then we really would have seen if this team has any real self belief. the second half was just as sloppy, and every time the wallabies would score, the abs would score right back. hardly conducive to a great game by the wallabies or amounting to a heap of belief. before and after nic white scoring his try, the abs were hard on attack but again, didn't secure their ball adequately. if there was such dominance by the wallabies, then I didn't actually see it. they certainly appeared to look the part due to the ab forwards not playing like forwards though, and good scrambling by the wallaby defence. I want to see this cheika lead team truly show some spirit when the chips are really down, not in a see-sawing contest between 2 average teams (albeit a tense finish and a deserved wallaby win). people here are seemingly forgetting the same articles popping up each and every year after the close losses and draws. all the talk about belief etc etc. I would imagine that they always have had the belief, otherwise they wouldn't come close. like every wallaby team, they are there or thereabouts, and you must play with aggression and purpose to put them away. despite the grumblings over selections day in day out on here, the 23 players selected will in the main put up a good fight. and that is each and every year, irrespective of coach. in saying that, if dean mumm can be instilled with some fire, then cheika must be doing something right!! just as there was an over reaction to the abs and their old stagers abilities last year after Sydney, what happened the following week? an absolute drubbing by the same old tired players. most of the talk after this game by oz roarers has been how white is now the new saviour, and Phipps is benched, and toomua is better than foley etc. what happens if the abs demolish the wallabies this week with those guys starting? go back to the other guy? the abs haven't let in those kind of soft tries in many a game, even years. toomua to aac was sublime though, aswell as his reads in defence. many roarers don't like him, but aac consistently puts his hand up and keeps going. ditto pocock/hooper. I would love for the abs to bring back the physicality this week, truly punish the wallaby forwards all game, then unleash the backs to pile on the points. but if they don't, and continue with this slow lumbering forwards business in the backline, then the game will be just as average as the one gone, and will give the wallabies a huge sniff (and me a smashed t.v.......) I would leave the wallaby team as is (why change a winning team, despite some poor starting player efforts), and only really put piutau and nonu/fekitoa into the abs, with a rocket to go up the backsides of the props to not get scared any time a winger wants to tackle you!! as noted, the thing that will disappoint the abs, is the fact that the wallabies actually didn't play that brilliantly and still beat them. should stoke the fires a bit, and maybe even more than the eden park thing. special mentions to gits and his minder hooper, really showed that sbw is not what the abs need when it matters. also showed what a nice decision it was by cheika to have both hooper and pocock playing. also shows that when dictated, hooper can get into the breakdown quickly and be a nuisance. maybe a masterstroke for the WC? and the more I think about it (abs poor commitment notwithstanding), I actually like the idea of pocock controlling the middle and hooper controlling the flanks at the breakdown. looking forward to this weekend now, to see how the abs turn up, and whether there is genuinely some self belief in this wallaby team when down by 10 or 15 points (which may not happen). this ab team, despite the howls from some of my countrymen, has consistently shown the self belief to come back and win when things are bleak, this doesn't evaporate after one game. aggression and physicality are key, and they must be handled first before any backline funny business. get back to basics and it should be a comfortable win. the wallabies will be abrasive and come up with some brilliance, but will it be enough? was last game, so who knows!? go the abs.
stillmatic1
Guest
exactly mike. the abs, just as allanthus pointed out, basically forgot to use the power of their forwards during the game. there was one concerted effort for a few phases before nms second try where the wallabies couldn't stop the thrust, but that was it. why have slow plodders like franks and woodcock in the backline getting in the way?
sheek
Roar Guru
For what it's worth, here is Wallabies history of winning back to back matches against ABs in same year. Note, in same year. 2001: 23-15 & 29-26. 1998: 24-16, 27-23 & 19-14. 1992: 16-15 & 19-17.
Old Bugger
Guest
Guys Something else that got me was the number of AB passes that were going above the catcher's head. It was a rarity to see an AB pass in front and at waist height of the catcher.....bad execution obviously brought on by the WB's rush defence making ABs force their pass. It worked for the WBs. It all stems from the importance of your tight 5 upon a match. Control of the set-piece provides better ball to the HB. Dominance by the tight 5 provides quicker ball to the HB. These efforts didn't appear for the ABs and that was due to the WBs tight 5, standing up to be counted. They may not have dominated the ABs scrum or line-out but, the WBs were performing their core roles to ensure parity at least or better still, not being dominated by the ABs. The WBs ability to dominate the ruck zone and obtain turn-overs or slow down the ABs ruck-ball, was IMO a key factor in Smith's ability, to clear the ball to the backs. Combine that with the WBs rush defence and all of a sudden, you see how the ABs execution, was impacted.
Zero Gain
Guest
There is absolutely no way McCaw will be dropped and nor should he be. Absolutely unthinkable considering his form, his standing and the timing. Carter? Surely they couldn't dump him now, this close to the RWC? I would back a great player to return to form. He was better than Foley after all. As for Bernard, I have criticised him harshly, but the fact is, on reflection, we have won against SA with QC and the ABs with Foley. And with Toomau coming on later. Maybe we should stick with a winning formula? And if Foley can find form against the ABs at Eden Park, he deserves the chance. If Quade gets thrown in, it may act as a good distraction and give QC the same chance to really prove himself. Of course, it will be tempting to try Toomua running on at 5/8. That might work well as he is in career best form at the moment. It's Cheika's call, but I would be happy with all three options now we have won the first match. I don't think we should treat this as an all or nothing match. Those games come later in the year. As for the Boks, I have no idea what is going on there. They have played with brilliance in patches in their games against the Wallabies and the ABs and were a little unlucky to lose either, really. Still a big chance at the RWC if they can get it together.
Ralph
Roar Guru
I can't believe anyone is thinking McCaw is a passenger. He topped the ball carries, first to breakdown and tackle stats again - as he often does.
Ralph
Roar Guru
The loss we had to have?
Ralph
Roar Guru
Soft defence often means there was poor attitude going into the game.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Nice post. No team stays on the top forever without a rebuild and these AB's have been on top for a very long time. This RWC is wide open in my opinion.
Warwick Todd
Guest
Thanks for the feedback gents. I'd be very happy if Cooper got one more crack this weekend with Toomua outside him and Giteau on the bench. Larkham preferred CLL at 10 with Toomua at 12 at the business end of SXV. Giteau has been pounded in his two starts and needs to be managed into and during the RWC so it's no slight on him to sit on the pine this weekend. I agree White should start with Genia and Phipps tossing a coin for the bench spot.
Muzzo
Guest
@ OB Yep good reasoning mate, as it was noticeable that even RM, apart from trying to contain Hooper, was quite regularly cleaning out Pocock. As we both know Eden Park can be a different kettle of fish, especially for the AB's, hence the fantastic record they have set up there over the years. Geeez it's years since I've been there, the last time was in Piney's last test against the Lion's, when JPR drop kicked that field goal to draw the game & win the test series. Yep 1971, if I recall. Well we'll see how the selections go when Shag announces the 23. Be interesting. Cheers Bro
Mike
Guest
If that is the game I am thinking of, then no, he didn't make any "very bad passes". It was the best he has ever played at test level, just as this weekend was his worst.
Mike
Guest
Not saying you are wrong, but Messam has said their main problem was not enough physicality.
Nico'larse
Guest
I think he meant a 50pt thrashing from the AB's Allanthus
Geoff Parkes
Expert
The Wallabies are going well Boom, but I'm not sure they're ready just yet to put 50 pts on the AB's… :)
Red Kev
Roar Guru
That was a poor pass from Phipps - shin height. Foley should have been there, Cooper cops flak but he is superior in every facet to Foley IMO, including being in position for passes on quick ball. Yes Genia is criticised for exactly that, but there is a reason he does it - Nic White's try is that reason, sometimes it creates a gap. Genia's problem is that he does it too often, most rucks will call for that fast pass of the deck, the run is the variation, not the other way around.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Hi Warwick, I think what Kafer was trying to say was that a halfback needs to recognise the situation and pass accordingly. In the normal flow of play, generally a quick clearance, off the ground is best, straight to the flyhalf. But when close to the line like this, if the ball is not urgently being spread wide it is better for the halfback to be in motion, giving more for the defenders to think about, and then either passing or selectively passing to a runner - at appropriate force. White did this well when he scored, he gave himself the option of passing or holding. Also, watch Aaron Smith set up Milner-Skudder's 2nd try by quickly running at the midfield defence, putting them in two minds, before passing just at the critical moment. A breath later and Barrett would have been hammered with the ball, a second earlier and the defence would have drifted across and covered Skudder.