At the risk of sounding like – well you know what – I am presently somewhere over Afghanistan in an aeroplane.
I am, of course, on the way to London. Having read through numerous reports, including The Roar and various New Zealand web sites, I felt the need to add my voice to the debate.
When Michael Cheika was appointed as the Wallabies coach I was concerned. He seemed to lack the emotional equilibrium for a successful national coach.
Then I worried about the ‘Giteau rule’ and doubted the utility of Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell. Then I wondered at how the chemistry of the phlegmatic and almost inhibited Stephen Larkham would gel with Cheika.
I worried about a Waratahs versus the rest divide.
How wrong I was.
This past five weeks has been a revelation and, for Australian rugby may well prove to be a revolution.
Whatever the result of my 48 hours of flights, I am already immensely proud of what ‘our’ team has achieved.
Few observers and commentators picked this outcome. Indeed I attended a Norths rugby lunch in July where no less an observer than Rod Kafer – who it must be said I have great respect for – remarked “we will not make it out of our pool and the reason is our forward pack”.
Even Kafe was wrong!
So, 48 hours out I say ‘dare to dream’. This bunch of unlikely team mates, think Pocock calling out a Waratah who is now his teammate for homophobic slurs a mere four months or so ago – are on the threshold of something truly remarkable.
Wheter they succeed – and I have a feeling that they will – I salute them, one and all.
They are truly a band of brothers and they deserve our massive support and respect.
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.
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