There are many valid reason why those of us who have been following the Wallabies for over 50 years are criticising the current crop and can’t say anything good about them.
‘Criticising?’ Pissed off would be more accurate.
The standouts over 50 years have been the 1963 Wallabies in South Africa, the 1984 Grand Slammers, the 1991 and 1999 Rugby Wold Cup successes, and the series win over the British and Irish Lions in 2001.
Each one of those sides had inspirational captains, key Wallabies who set the performance bar for the rest of the team and inspiration coaches.
In 1963 it was John Thornett and Ken Catchpole who were the inspiration to square the series 2-2 in South Africa, to that point the best ever result against the Boks.
The Wallabies had prop Jon White, hooker Peter Johnson, lock Rob Heming, flanker Greg Davis, and among the backs Phil Hawthorne.
The 1984 Grand Slam tour beating England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales was historic and comprehensive with mercurial Mark Ella scoring a try in every international.
Captained by Andy Slack and coached by Alan Jones, the forwards were led by world class props Topo Rodrigues, and Andy McIntyre, with Simon Poidevin, and Steve Williams, while Nick Farr-Jones, David Campese, and Brendan Moon were standouts among the backs.
Farr-Jones led the Wallabies to the 1991 Rugby World Cup success over England, coached by Bobby Dwyer.
What a team that was with Campese again to the fore alongside Tim Horan. The front row was one of the best of all time with Tony Daly, Phil Kearns, and Ewen McKenzie, with Poidevin outstanding. Next to him was a 19-year-old John Eales who was set to become a Wallaby legend.
It was Eales who led the Wallabies to win the 1999 Rugby World Cup, demolishing France in the final.
Mentored by the most successful Wallaby coach in history Rod Macqueen, Horan was again outstanding with Matt Burke and Joe Roff, while up front David Giffin, Owen Finegan, and Richard Harry showed the way.
And basically the same leaders knocked over the British and Irish Lions 2-1, with Justin Harrison in sight of full time by winning a critical lineout on the Lions ball to clinch the historic win.
Of the current crop only Michael Hooper as player, certainly not as captain, and Israel Folau are genuinely world class.
(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
But where the current Wallabies leave themselves open to being shot at, the rest of the team are playing well below their natural ability.
Sure it’s not as high as the names I’ve mentioned above, but there’s absolutely no excuse for them to be lowering their own standards.
And what makes it so bloody awful to watch is they have one gear, and if that doesn’t work, the Wallabies are stuffed.
It’s a genuine problem, so there’s no captain in their midst, a vital ingrediant to success, especially on an off game like Scotland last Saturday.
The other question that has yet to be answered has coach Michael Cheika no Plan B or C. Or are the Wallabies too highly paid for no rugby brains to follow the coach’s instructions?
Whatever the reason, the current crop is in danger of dropping from third to sixth in the world rankings.
And if that doesn’t stir the Wallabies into action against Italy on Saturday at Suncorp, they have no right to wear the coveted gold jersey.
It’s as simple as that.
John R
Roar Guru
If Cheika was still picking Fardy, then there'd be just as many people whinging about not blooding new talent. Ya can't win!
Apelu
Guest
Wasn't Stephen Larkham great for the 1999 Wallabies? The current Wallabies are a disgrace and an embrassment. Hooper has shown over the years he is not a captain, yet, Cheika persists with him. And the near future looks poorer with the under-20 perfroming like Wallabies; it is distressing for fans and country.
Tenfour
Guest
Mason is not a big body. His defence at Shute shield isn't that good. He has a go but when targeted he by big backrowers he gets bumped pretty easily. I didn't watch his Waratahs games to see how he went .
Michael Lynagh
Guest
Finally got a mention in the message board. I Was started to think I didn't play or contribute in 84 and 91. Also, you missed out the Bledisloe Cup win in NZ 86. Great achievement.
James in NZ
Guest
Your query reminded me of this read. http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/national-news/92712206/Hayden-Triggs-A-NZ-sportsman-runs-a-red-light-and-theres-a-dude-with-a-camera-giving-out-to-him-and-going-to-report-it-to-the-cops
jameswm
Roar Guru
You think the props Sheek mentioned are better? McIntyre, Hartill, Crowley, McKenzie? Could they even run above a trot? No - prop is not our issue (for once).
Scott
Guest
Lance is very solid. He won't do the flashy things some others do, but neither does he have their weaknesses. There are plenty of "superstars" in the team to win the game for us. He is a better goal kicker and defender than both.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Most of my old team mates are working FIFO.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Foley has gone for at least 2 YC's in 2017.
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
So if I'm reading that right the story goes... Father: Son number 5, I'm sorry - we can't afford to feed you any more. Son number 5: But father! Haven't I been a good son? You only gave birth to me not too long ago. Father: I'm sorry son but I gave all my money away to Son number 4. He's a real problem that son. Doesn't matter how much I give him, he fritters it away and wants more. Son number 5: Well why don't you get rid of him then? Son number 4: Shut up or I'll sue! Grassroots: See, it wasn't us that was pissing the money away - it was Father all along! ACT 2: The sons wise up as to who is the real problem and get all Shakespearean on his ass.
Tuc Du Nard
Guest
I thinks it's because QC tries things too often so that more mistakes happen. I also think Foley is unfit and with no zip. He's been put in cotton wool since Japan so less fit and gets rundown regularly as a glaring lack of pace. Compare him with BB.
piru
Roar Rookie
The young fellow who started a few times for the Force while Lance was out is not bad, quite big for a 10, may be a future option. Can't remember his name though, wears headgear.
piru
Roar Rookie
Phil, I think if there were a better option than Foley and Cooper no one would mention Lance. Lance is solid - he rarely wins the game for you by himself, but nor does he lose it for you. He defends well, he positions himself well, he passes flat and accurately and has a reasonable tactical kicking game Solid
Phil
Guest
For the life of me I can't see why people name Lance as a potential 10 for the Wallabies.He's a good quality Super player but I hardly think he has ever shown enough to suggest he would be a standout at international level.How long has he been running around now?Admittedly injuries have curtailed a lot of his career,but I don't think his form has ever shouted pick me. There really doesn't seem to be anyone around except Foley and Cooper.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
He won a couple of balls included one steal where he galloped off down field but lacked support. he also won some penalties ion the ruck.
Link
Guest
2, He spilled the 3rd, like he spills his lollies at the milkbar whilst riding his skateboard and flicking his hair.
Link
Guest
Hooper was poor at the 7 role.Totally dominated at the ruck by his opoopsite.
RahRah
Guest
Actually TWAS has a point - I stopped playing after rupturing and Achilles and having 3 months off work. Couldn't afford to do it again in my line of work (or break ribs, or another bennets fracture, or another hyphema or tear another hammie). LOL
Link
Guest
4 straight losses to England last year.
Link
Guest
jameswm , Throw those last 3 out, they bring a losing culture.