The Wallabies have signed off their home season with a rousing 23-18 victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane.
Despite the Bledisloe already being lost, the Aussies dug deep in the face of some brutal defence to get the result. So, how did it all play out?
(*The following is unapologetically pro-Wallabies.)
1. Absolute scenes at Suncorp
It might have been a dead rubber, but try telling that to the 23 men in gold. For long periods in Brisbane, the Wallabies looked like they were barely clinging on.
The wet conditions caused all sorts of chaos early on. The Wallabies coughed up twice as many handling errors as the All Blacks, with the visitors dominating the contact. Things looked ominous, but they’ve learnt to hang tough. The missed tackle count ended up with 11 by the Wallabies, and a massive 28 by the All Blacks.
Australia had won just one of the previous 18 Bledisloe encounters. This was a victory to cherish. The pride is back in the jersey. If you can’t get excited by the reactions of the players at full-time, this isn’t the game for you.
2. Bernard’s boot wayward, but Reece steps up
The longer the match went on, the more it looked like we were in for a repeat of Dunedin, when Foley’s errant boot proved the difference.
Foley’s kicking woes resurfaced here, but Reece Hodge picked up the slack, slotting two long range penalties when it mattered. It was Hodge who sparked proceedings with an intercept try in the first half. More importantly, he backed it up with a 54-metre bomb on 78 minutes. His all-round contribution is improving every week.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
3. Cheika’s rotation policy is bearing fruit
2017 is a year in which the Wallabies have graduated from hopeless to promising. There’s more to do, but the vibe around this squad is a far cry from the abomination that was the Super Rugby season.
Credit must be given to Michael Cheika for his commitment to developing a genuine squad. This year has seen the emergence of Lukhan Tui, Jack Dempsey, Jordan Uelese, Izack Rodda, Tetera Faulkner, Ned Hanigan, and the soon to be capped Izaia Perese. Whether or not they turn out to be world beaters, they’ve shown ticker far beyond their years.
4. Shout outs all round
It’s all positive vibes this week. So here’s a tip of the cap to some special contributions.
– Sean McMahon for his eight tackle busts, including an irrepressible 40-metre gallop. He’ll be a huge loss to Australian rugby when he heads to Japan.
– Israel Folau for his nine tackle busts and four offloads, not to mention his 12th try of the year. He keeps raising the bar.
– Aaron Smith’s bullet pass to Naholo for the All Blacks’ opening try was a thing of beauty. There aren’t many in the game who can top his service.
– Sonny Bill Williams has been criticised for being past his best, but the man still managed five tackle busts and four offloads, one of which set up Rieko Ioane’s try. Just try and keep him out of the game.
– Michael Hooper for another tireless display. Even when he’s not making his usual impact with ball in hand, he pops up everywhere with important tackles and work at the breakdown. He’s growing into the captaincy nicely.
– Marika Koroibete was quiet for most of the game, but he’s been a revelation on the wing since his debut. He’s got a knack for coming up with clutch plays, whether it be big tackles or tidy finishes. Against the All Blacks, he scored his fourth try in as many games for the Wallabies.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
5. A quick word on world rankings
One win doesn’t change the fact that the Wallabies are a work in progress. But those who claim we’re lucky to be ranked third will be markedly less chatty this week.
It bears repeating that the Wallabies just finished second in the Rugby Championship. They’ve now beaten the best team in the world. And they’ve got greater squad depth than we’ve seen for some time.
Fun fact: the world’s second-ranked team, England, haven’t had to face the All Blacks since 2014 and aren’t due to face them again until November 2018. That’ll make it a full four years (and 12 Bledisloe matches) between drinks for England and New Zealand.
That’s a pretty wild anomaly for two of the world’s best teams. And if you’re a Wallabies fan, you can feel a lot better about our standing in the game. Bring on the Spring Tour!
Jack
Guest
Starting for the Reds was he?
Baz
Guest
does Genia need to snipe more? Seems in the past with QC in the line he, Genia had more confidence to run. The opposition need to believe that 9 and 10 are going to take them on, otherwise they will just slide.
piru
Roar Rookie
marmalised Is that 'turned into marmalade?
dcnz
Guest
mitchO, agreed 100 percent, we know its going to come down to NZ, England, South Africa and the Wallabies tho, right?!!!
MitchO
Guest
DCNZ, the ABs will be the best team in the world in 2019, just like they have been for most of however many years. But that doesn't get 'em the world cup. They could get knocked at the semi stage or even knocked off in the final. Just like Aus could get knocked off by less good team like Scotland.
MitchO
Guest
Tman. The scoreboard usually defines the All Black's worst game coz it's the one they lose. Even when they don't play 100% they still usually find a way to win. The above said, I think the ABs played pretty well but a few of those little moments were seized by the Wallabies like in all really high level sport there is not much distance between first and last. If you get it wrong you're in trouble. And some of the Aussies are capable of doing top level things and did them. Some big moments from McMahon, the usual from Hooper, some irrepressible stuff from Folau. Hodge and Korobeiti closing the door on DHP. I wouldn't have given Dempsey man of the match but he is up for test match rugby. If we do lose McMahon then at least Dempsey can fill that role. Some scrap, some lineout some running.
Taylorman
Guest
Really? Not in my book. Ive seen Youngs and Care many times vs the ABs and theyre both usually terrible. No way I would put Youngs above Genia.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I think Hodge is being a little over-rated for this game. Sure, he got a lot of time in the highlights package for his intercept and penalty kicks but he was far more valuable in the last two games doing the hard jobs in defense and got limited recognition for that. I sure hope he isn't displaced by Hunt, but it is either him or Folau, and we all know how that will end.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Just asking. But I'm not worried by your response. Either Beale or Hodge would do fine. I'd prefer to see Hodge get some real game time at 10 at Test level. My own view about Foley is that he lets us down. He's not a good pass or kick, he's an okay runner, his goal kicking is unexceptional and limited, he's hardly a 'playmaker', and his defence is unsalvageable. I was worried that Cheika may have no backup for him in the squad because he doesn't want competition. I assume that's why Cooper was dropped.
Taylorman
Guest
Theres nothing wrong with 73% at any level. Three from four, six from 8 is perfectly acceptable.
Taylorman
Guest
Well after the last couple of outings I tend to agree. I dont think Quade is the answer but oz certainly need another option. Weve seen the best Foleys going to get and thats not something to build a future on. Hodge was impressive, thevintercept, the goalkicks... I see he demanded that ball at 55 meters. Thats the sign of someone stepping up for me. If Foleys going to stay Hodge must take all goalkicking and line kicks to at least allow Foley to focus on the 10 role less those duties. Anyone who can kick over fifty that well can kick the shorter range with more practice. Anyone who says they cant is just plain wrong. But long term they need another, younger 10. No question.
Taylorman
Guest
Yep, if you say so Dave, just as Trump represents all of America, particularly those residents of Charlottesville and Puerto Rico.
Taylorman
Guest
Yes thats the single biggest reason...from an AB perspective. Had those five played, its likely the ABs would have won. Liken it to oz's chances against the upcoming England. Take Beale, Folau, Hooper, Kepu and Genia out. You tell me which side has a better chance of winning? With or without those five. Its that obvious.
Taylorman
Guest
Dont think you get it Drongo. The ABs played x number of tests this year. One of them will be the worst, and that must be one of the two losses because in no way shape or form would one justify a win or draw as a worst result over a loss, even if they actually played more poorly in a win or draw. In the end, worst result must be attributed to a loss, if there is one. Of the two losses, one involved a man off for sixty minutes, and was against a purportedly better side. If they were ranked they would be higher than oz on that series performance. Theres no juggling here, its the worst. Amything else is spin, and poor analysis. This is also the Wallabies best result, for it was the highest ranked side they have beaten. Simple. They may have played better, but none was a better result.
Carozza'sNose
Guest
Foley always melts. ..eg kicking the Super Rugby decider from miles out under immense pressure. ..also was it the last 3 weeks he hasn't missed a kick? Melting the ball through the posts? Shockingly melted those interchange passes between himself and Beale to Gut England in the RWC and score himself? Before he melted against Scotland to kick that molten plastic English spherical mass through solid uprights after the siren? And absolutely Dave...no cutout passes whatsoever. ..couldn't cut the core out of an apple. ...need a soundtrack for the highlight YouTube to come. Logic not your strong suit on tonight's reading buddy.
Carozza'sNose
Guest
Dave, we might need some profiling fine on you. I'm guessing you're not Australian but here for a wind-up. Nice one. Quick bit of study for yoù The aboriginals were in 'Aus' 60,000 years before Euros. What may now be 1% through ethnic cleansing in the 1800s perhaps but still the oldest civilisation in the world, was once 100% of the population. Drop this jersey and you'd best tell the ABs to drop the haka...representing a maori culture which arrived in NZ only 800yrs ago and eliminated the indigenous Maori Ori (and the native Moa bird. ..check out the museum in Christchurch). Logically we therefore take on the aboriginal culture in all we do. Modern Man is now plagiarising aboriginal values of ...'Take from the earth what you need. Put back what you don't use'. After 1000s of years of rape and pillage we now attempt to be 'Green' as westerners so we take this jersey on as our new identity. With me?
Carozza'sNose
Guest
Totally agree. Should have snared that restart and a conversion and none of this chat would be occurring. ..should have-could have! I know. However, this time ABs were finally getting pinged for taking out players not involved in ruck or with the ball. This has been a long time coming and if a new IRB stipulation, Hansen will struggle. On another note, here in London a physio involved with England rugby told me that RFU specifically avoided The ABs in fixtures for 2016 and 2017 as they thought the world rankings for next WCup were coming out later than what actually transpired.
Carozza'sNose
Guest
True. Noticed that errant journalism.
Muzzo
Guest
Yep T/man, I really don't think he knows how to enjoy a win, going by some of his other abusive responses to others. Cheers
Muzzo
Guest
So princess, we know who got it completely wrong, it's you with your ignorant rants. If you can't handle the truth, or facts, about Barnes, then you should keeping your head away from where it shouldn't be, as it's making your vision pretty rusty, not to mention your lack of knowledge.