It was unconvincing, it was sloppy and it was downright ugly at times.
Yes, Australia beat Georgia and secured their place in the quarter-finals. But it was anything but an eye-catching or powerful a performance against a team ranked 14th in the world.
Georgia were plucky and determined, and frustrated the Wallabies’ attack throughout. But again we saw Australia’s limitations laid bare. Again we saw poor ball-handling and lack of execution. Again we saw another player handed a yellow card.
These are the five things we learned.
1. Michael Cheika and his players had no idea what World Rugby are cracking down on
Because if Reece Hodge was unlucky in the opener, if Adam Coleman was unlucky against Uruguay, then Isa Naisarani was lucky in this one.
The No.8’s swinging arm caught the head of his Georgian opponent and he was only sent for ten. Usually such an action would warrant a red card.
Regardless of whether the referee’s calls were right or not, the Wallabies have to get their tackling down. They have to be cleaner than clean when it comes to contact, otherwise they’re going to be in hot water in their next game. The referees are looking to hand out cards and Australia is making it easy for them.
Only Samoa have given away more penalties at this World Cup. Australia’s discipline needs massive improvement. Whinging about the referees off the field won’t change a thing, but working on their tackling in training will.
2. Matt To’omua is not a ten
Yes, he did come off the bench and lift the men in gold against Wales, with his flat attack and direct play. But inside centre is his best position, not fly half.
Against Georgia, To’omua lacked variety or imagination in trying to break their defence down. It was simple stuff and the Georgians ate it up. Nic White showed his worth with an opportunistic try, and should remain the starting No.9. Will Genia was decent off the bench and offers real impact in the second half.
Christian Lealiifano should be Australia’s ten. He is a better kicker than Foley and has been in much better form in 2019.
3. Jack Dempsey continues to grow in Japan
The flanker was exceptional against Uruguay, getting his hands dirty and making a nuisance of himself around the field.
He did the same against the Georgians, popping up for a try and making some big hits. He is worthy of a place on the bench against England.
4. Marika is magic
Both Jordan Petaia and James O’Connor made little impact against the Georgians. In contrast, Marika Korobiete scored one of the best tries of the tournament. He went on a bustling 50-metre run, beating four tacklers on his wondrous way to the line.
The Fijian has real X-factor, and a potent mixture of strength and power. Cheika cannot afford to leave him out. He is a potential match-winner.
The other wing spot is pretty open, as is the fullback position. Kurtley Beale didn’t last long with a head knock, while Dane Haylett-Petty was largely ineffectual. As long as Beale is fit, surely he starts in the next match.
5. The Wallabies won’t be winning this World Cup
Selections aside, perhaps the biggest learning was confirmation of what we have known for a long time. On their day they can match anyone – the All Blacks included – but they remain horribly inconsistent and prone to implosion.
In every game in Japan they have started poorly and taken time to get going. They fell behind early to Fiji and had to rally. They gifted Wales an early lead, too much in the end to reel them in. Against Uruguay they were stop-start for most of the contest.
To win the World Cup you need to win at least six games out of seven, but normally seven in a row. When was the last time the Wallabies did that? It has been quite a while.
Only the most positive would expect them to knock off England, then New Zealand and then either Wales, France or South Africa in the final. Positive might be putting it kindly. Delusional is probably a better description.
Australia has the talent and depth to compete with the best in the world, but not the consistency or the resolve to be crowned the best in the world next month.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
They had the team to burn the WBs, but played even dumber rugby, if that was possible! You could be describing Wales v Wallabies 2015
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I think we need to take a moment to give Georgia some credit. Their forward pack and defense is formidable. Sprinkle a few more players with attacking flair and they will be hard to beat. Watch out for them over the next few years. Australia..... If you can't say anything nice.... Defensive pattern is a sieve for any team prepared to counter ruck. Skills, Skills, Skills. Learn to catch and pass the balls used in this world cup. Learn to tackle.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Beale .... sets up 2 tries, gives last pass for another .... DHP none of that. Beale one on one ball and all tackle on a rampaging No 6 .... DHP none of that.
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
Agreed but credit due to Thor for being the only guy in support whether due to smart running or just hustle...13 other guys nowhere close
Purdo
Roar Rookie
RZ: Vegans don't eat eggs.
SD
Guest
Clown Coach.
Old Greybeard
Roar Rookie
I just don't understand why we have a different 9,10, 12 every bloody match.
Woot
Roar Rookie
People here are never happy! Play the kicking game, and wallabies are wasting the ball and gifting possession. Keep it in hand and lose it a few times (mostly due to pretty torrential rain, one sided possession and a very proud Georgian defence) and they are playing dumb rugby.
robel
Roar Pro
Can't agree on your DHP/Beale statement. DHP ahead wrt high ball, defence, always makes more than the game line. Beale, poor under the high ball, turnstile defence, can sometimes make good ground.
robel
Roar Pro
DHP must start ahead of Beale at fullback, esp. against Eng where they'll kick and run at him.
sheek
Roar Guru
Hoy, Thinking about this a bit more, the Wallabies beat the Boks in a 2011 quarter-final they had no right to win. While the WBs defence was heroic with little possession, it was incredibly dumb, macho rugby from the Boks. They had the team to burn the WBs, but played even dumber rugby, if that was possible! So my suggestion of over-achievement harks back to that QF.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Do they have to? You sound like someone who I looking for an axe to grind. I’ll leave u to it.
SD
Guest
1 Dempsey is not test standard. 2 Kepu is past it.Thor was sensational. 3 Pocock is the best 7 in the Wallabies. 4 Beale must be a reserve or out of the 23. 5 Chieka is a Clown.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
And yet after Eddie left the Reds they started turning around. He needs established cattle, he's not very good at developing them.
RudyZarzoff
Guest
Satire actually, something that is lost on many.
Steve Robinson
Guest
It amazes me that these blokes, who train as professionals find it difficult to go past a few phases before losing the ball. I think we look the most unorganised team in the tournament. I was a Cheika supporter but something is terribly wrong there now unfortunately. Basics are what the ABs build on and so should we.
Ron
Guest
I hope for one of two outcomes Either we win the Cup - very unlikely Or we lose the next much so badly that CEO Coach and everybody else get booted out immediately and we start from scratch. I’ve been watching Test Matches since 1949 and Provincial Rugby since 1946 And I have never been more disappointed in my teams Time for Change
HamishG
Guest
We are
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Cheika’s Contract was extended after making the RWC. Why would it happen again though with 4 years of poor form?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
1. These things would never be made public. 2. Odd thing to say when all reports are that Dave Rennie will replace Cheika in 2020. 3. Odd thing to say when you consider our 20s and 18s coming through right now.