The worst Wallabies losing streak in the professional era stands at seven, and Michael Cheika is on six.
Eddie Jones holds the unwanted record, with three losses to the Springboks, two to the All Blacks, and one each to France and England, in 2005.
Jones followed with a win over Ireland, another loss to Wales, and was then gone, with John Connolly taking over.
Cheika won’t be gone with another loss for two reasons – he’s the best man for the job, and there’s no replacement in sight.
But seven losses on the trot won’t sit well with a man who is used to winning.
Which means even an ugly win over the Boks tomorrow night at Suncorp – which would sure beat a loss – should kickstart the rejigging process.
One pattern of play that will be closely watched will be how Nigel Owens treats captain Stephen Moore, and how often Moore offends the referee.
Turn the clock back to George Gregan as the first Wallaby captain to bombard referees with constant questioning. He led the side 59 times between 2001 and 2007.
Gregan cost his side, as well as his own form, as he constantly chipped the whistleblowers.
The captaincy replacements who played with him – Nathan Sharpe (ten Tests), Stirling Mortlock (29), and Rocky Elsom (24) were a lot more restrained.
James Horwill (16), Will Genia (5), David Pocock (5), Ben Mowen (6), and Michael Hooper (13) were also restrained, but Moore hasn’t been, and has seemingly worked in tandem with Nick Phipps – who has never been captain.
Moore must also dramatically improve his lineout feeding, and the same applies to bench hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau. The scrum must improve as well.
On the plus side, halfback Will Genia is just about back to his best, and his long-standing combination with Queensland pivot Quade Cooper should reap rich rewards.
It’s time for Cooper to use his x-factor and cut holes in the South African defence.
Then it’s up to Bernard Foley, playing out of position at inside centre, to capitalise and set up outside backs Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge and Dane Haylett-Petty, with Israel Folau hopefully making more inroads into the backline.
This team can beat the Boks if they play for 80 minutes, and Wallabies fans are entitled to that formula.
But another 45-55 minute display will leave Michael Cheika sharing an unwanted record.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
You called his tackle attempts gutless, implying he was.
double agent
Guest
Who the fxxxx is General Melchett??
double agent
Guest
So was Fekitoa.
Akari
Roar Rookie
You're not the only one, RobC, based on the negative comments on selections and lack of game plan, etc...
Akari
Roar Rookie
Good point and that poor defensive system is likely to continue tonight...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes was going to mention that as well. All of Barretts game has improved and that might have come from his obvious increased confidence, experience etc. he's listened to his critics, and coaches. Not sure if Coopers changed at all. Didn't look like it last weekend. AB pressure didn't help but 2 meters in running? He needs to do more than that no matter who he plays.
Antoni
Guest
Looking forward to you insightful article.
Antoni
Guest
You constantly refer to QC with the derogatory "li'l fella". You are completely disrespectful and derogatory in your approach.
Antoni
Guest
Bet I did.
diane
Guest
jimmy mckay and link-----only the lonely.god help us
Jacko
Guest
I reckon losing 6 in a row is also an unwanted record for Cheika but 7 will make it worse
Jacko
Guest
Yes Akari I believe 1 current AB was born OS. Conrad Hurrell was bought to NZ on a rugby scholarship I believe
Jacko
Guest
I bet you didnt at the time
Jacko
Guest
Simply not true there lassitude. Cruden has pulled off many try saving tackles when needed but you seem to be confused about frontline and non frontline tackles. When a no 10 gets caught defending in the frontline they will usually do a delay tackle to allow the cover to get there yet still allow the no 10 to not get caught up in the tackle and allow them to drop back incase of a turnover.
Jacko
Guest
There is a massive difference in talent on display at Eden Park tho. ABs best in world. Wallabies ranked 4? 5? lose this and maybe 7. $85 a good deal after all
kdigit
Guest
There is a bit of difference in quality of stadiums mate. Eden Park is an embarrassment and $85 sounds like you are being fleeced
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
There is always the scroll by option soapit, if you find it oh so difficult to stomach.
Bring Back...?
Guest
PP, we'll just agree to disagree. I'm choosing to look back on the RWC in a positive light. You play who is in front of you and that's that. By the same theory you'd regard the current NZ team as achieving nothing because everyone else is crap. Whilst our recent record against Wales is all wins, they've been by the barest of margins. In RWC we had 13 on the field at one point. Wales also went very close to beating the Boks. Only 11 months earlier the Poms smashed us at Twickers - same blokes as you say, except Burgess perhaps. As good a player her is, didn't see Pocock dominating in the front row or carving up the back line. Scotland scored one charge down and another intercept and another try that was dubious. Argies below par? Yes, they were rubbish against NZ and Ireland.....you're kidding. Suppose you were deathly silent when Foley's 20m pin point passes were delivered in that match? Yes, what a shocking performance by the Wallabies. Sack them all....bring on the Pirates.
RobC
Roar Guru
Woke up this morning. Just realised, Ive almost had enough of Michael Cheika
lassitude
Guest
He is not. He's brave and doesn't shirk but he simply isn't that effective - he's too easy to push an extra metre through even when he makes the tackle.