The world of rugby union needs a strong Australian side, as the Wallabies bring so much to the game that other nations struggle to match when it works.
The sense of pride, the fierce competitive spirit and the desire to win are hallmarks of the best Australian sides from the past.
I am an England supporter visiting Australia and recently watched the Melbourne Rebels on two occasions – one a well deserved victory and the other a heavy loss in which the Rebels did not really turn up.
What I have witnessed in the two matches I have seen has varied from brilliant play between Will Genia and Quade Cooper that allows the rest of the back line to flow, and total disinterest in completing the basic tasks of tackling and retaining the ball from players who should know better.
As I have only seen a couple of Rebels matches, I am in no way trying to tell Michael Cheika how to go about his business.
But the halves combination of Genia and Cooper provides a strong axis around which to build an attacking team.
(Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)
Of course, defensive play is equally important and a stong front five, quick flankers and a No.8 who can control play at the back of the scrum are essential, as are strong centres and wings who can defend under pressure as well as attack for the full 80-plus minutes of a match.
The game is quite simple and players who can concentrate, stick to the game plan, committed to winning and capable of representing the Australian public in a way that makes them proud to be Aussies are vital ingredients to a successful World Cup campaign.
As a Pom, I will always want England to win.
But when the Australias Wallabies play to their potential, there is no better side in world rugby.
Come on, Michael Cheika – kick some butts and get them firing.
Good luck for the World Cup from Mick Wood, a Bath and England supporter.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Yes Tooly , they ‘fold under pressure’. Which is unlike the last three years of the incumbent set up. Which has failed to fire whether under pressure or not. You correctly identify our problem in the selection of our forwards. Unbalanced forward selection creates pressure before the whistle. Lack of tactical Plan B creates problems after the whistle. Lack of plan C (ie QC) cannot be blamed after the first two planks are missing. Thank you Mick for your gracious encouragement from across ‘enemy lines’. I am feeling the taste of a Turkish cigarette passed between Gallipoli trenches. And many of us would resonate with your specific observations. I am one. Thank you.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
No Doc. We have at least two. Bradbury’s and Buckley’s.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
"I am in no way trying to tell Michael Cheika how to go about his business". Why not Mick, everyone else seems to! :) Hope you've had a great time in Melbourne and enjoy the World Cup.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I am waiting to see what influence the addition of 2 selectors have on the team makeup. If it is same, same but different, I won't be watching (the wallabies games). Go Ireland, go Wales, Go Japan, Go Los Pumas.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Blistering attack, Biscuit Deference (Ginea does OK). Modern game plan with the best available, in form players for each position selected. An archaic plan revolving around the unique skill set of a couple of players. Never going to work.
Glider
Guest
we haven't even started preparing for Ellis Park in July, let alone the RWC. Still no attack coach .... Early preparation or meeting on some kind of strategy? nah - not the wallabies, coach thinks we are way too cool for anything professional like that; haven't started training yet , no rush mate. in one word - hopeless Folau was a distraction - thank goodness he's gone. Not committed to the team. Only focus was on social media self and believing he was a superstar.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Cool story but I'm afraid Cheika will pick his same team (minus Folau) for the World Cup and we will continue to be terrible. People hope, and talk of change, but there has been absolutely nothing we've seen from Rugby Australia that says they are going to deviate off this path they've been on for several years now. More jobs for the boys... but now even less accountability on the head coach. I'd love to see Ireland or Wales get up in the World Cup... just because I think it's healthy for Rugby internationally to show we're not a competition where the All Blacks constantly win it... but they probably will. Australia... we have no chance. None.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
Mate, I agree. And people are having their say through refusing to attend Super Rugby games. Until Cheika and Clyne go I won't be attending any game this year. I am not sure what the cost of a ticket is to a Tahs game, but why would anyone want to pay to barely see a game at the SCG?
Tooly
Roar Rookie
The answer Mick is “ Up ship creek without a paddle “, and will be while ever Chieka picks and coaches the side. You are right about the Genia / Cooper combination in attack when we’re going forward against weak opposition. Unfortunately they fold under pressure and there will be plenty of it applied to our lightweight slow backrow.
Tuc Du Nard
Roar Rookie
Aww poor Jock...take the 9 iron out of your.... please.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
ok cheers Mick :) And good luck to England too. I think they'll do much better than Aust this coming world cup. And you've got a better aussie coach too.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
I say bring back the 9 iron and start pointing at players in the dressing sheds! That seemed to fire the players up!
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Thanks Mick f or the kind words about Australian rugby. I agree with the sentiments except the one about England winning. It is more likely that one of your firmer colonies will do so. Enjoy your time in Aussie.