Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has made a multitude of divisive team changes for Game 4 of the Bledisloe Cup series. However, it is the selection of debutant Tom Wright that piques my interest and proves the Wallabies are in the right hands.
Since the beginning of his tenure, Rennie insisted on a performance-based policy within the Wallabies squad and explicitly highlighted that an international Test cap must be earned.
Three games into what he referred to as a four-year campaign, numerous weaknesses have revealed themselves.
Whether it is failing to secure the breakdown, lapses in defence or forced hail-mary offloads, the list is rather extensive and could go on for quite some time.
These weaknesses have been addressed through Rennie’s Game 4 selections and indicate he isn’t going to allow poor performances to go unnoticed.
His handling of the team after the historic 43-5 thumping proves that he is the right person to develop a strong Wallabies squad and achieve that ever-elusive victory over New Zealand – even if that victory doesn’t come tonight.
Specifically, his selection of Wright to debut in Game 4 of the series has proven that my faith is not misplaced in him.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
While it may seem like an easy choice to promote Wright and punish Filipo Daugunu for his second-minute brain explosion which led to a costly yellow card, it still proves Rennie’s competence in coaching the Wallabies.
We mustn’t forget the proclivity of previous Wallabies administrations to address disciplinary issues in press conferences rather than on the team sheet.
Rennie should also be commended for giving the 25-year-old winger a chance to make up for his mistakes from the bench.
The balancing act required between punishing a player’s performance and offering chances to build from their mistakes is one that requires finesse.
The Wallabies coach understands the damage a string of poor games can have on player’s confidence and wants to ensure Daugunu’s talent is developed rather than discarded. His position on the bench proves Rennie has the finesse required to develop talent rather hinder it.
The selection of Wright to replace him also bodes well for the Australian squad’s development.
Rennie could have easily selected the experience of Dane Haylett-Petty who, at fullback, didn’t have a terrible Game 3 but didn’t have a great one either.
Instead, he chose to offer the 23-year-old Brumbies winger an opportunity to perform and become a consistent starter in the squad.
While Haylett-Petty’s experience is valuable in such a young Wallabies side, I would much prefer to see how a potential Wallabies bolter performs against a strong All Blacks team, especially since the Australian squad is very much in their development stage.
After starring in the recent Super Rugby AU competition, the ex-rugby league five-eighth and fullback demonstrated his knack for scoring with five tries from his eight outings.
His rugby league background has also endowed him with a love of exposing backline overlaps and a strong defensive mindset to go with it.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how Wright can turn his fortuitous SR AU season into success on the international stage and thanks to Rennie’s decision to blood the 23-year-old, we will find out tonight.
Rennie’s impressive character demonstrated in press conferences earnt my faith as a Wallabies Supporter and his approach to selections for Game 4 has further solidified this.
While I may not always agree with some of his decisions, I have the utmost faith that he can develop a strong Wallabies squad that can be competitive against the best teams in the world – it just won’t happen straight away.
Chufortah
Guest
I’m going to gladly eat my humble pie. I’ve been very critical of Wright’s selection, saying I would prefer players with ‘smarts’... what’s we that means. Tom played with his eyes up, showed absolute ‘smarts’ (that dummy clearance then run was brilliant), and didn’t overplay his hand. So I’m sorry I was wrong Tom, it’s all well placed, but I will admit when I’m wrong and you had a hell of a game and didn’t play like a robot. Well done!
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Koroibete was brilliant last night, so proud of him and the overall attitude of the team...
Jarrod Murray
Roar Rookie
I know right. Awesome debut!
Stin
Roar Rookie
Always rated Wright and he didn’t let us down. Excellent debut.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
There was a lot of newbies playing and the pumas rolled out basically a test lineup to start, I'd hope the Wallabies would go a bit better. There's a lot of development needed at the super level before the next step for harrison, Faumasalli, Reilly, Mark N, Ikitau, McReight, Valetini etc. Highlights followed by lowlights for a lot of players. Powell looked ok at the ruck clearing. Liked Hosea and Neville but the pack was comfortably beaten and breakdown was not good though setpiece fine to start with before subs got wrecked (a lot of tahs who weren't even getting capped at super level, seemed like a waste of match practice to me). Naisarani just too slow at the moment but was good with the ball. Simone was playing 13 and Ikitau 12 so not sure what was going on there. A definite lack of experience effecting us. Would be great to have Gill, McMahon, Skelton, QC, Arnold, TK, Samu etc. to help guide these guys in their early development as there's talent but it is way too raw at the moment.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I like the positive attitude! :thumbup:
Josh
Roar Rookie
I am a bit of conflicted on all the changes. even after the first test draw, there was a lot of changes. on one hand, it would be great to let combinations settle. more like a traditional wallabies approach. on the other, rennie wants build an environment of accountability. you don't play well, we will give someone else a chance. this is more in line with the all blacks mentality. this is shown with players like savea and ioane.
Josh
Roar Rookie
Totally agree Olly, being a PI, I am always happy when PI boys and girls get picked for the bigger countries and hope that that would be the platform to launch great careers and provide great support to their families and greater community. The challenge for our game is to become a destination of choice rather than an option once they have lost interest in league. In NZ the all blacks is the destination of choice.
Mirt
Roar Rookie
I will add a point about the selection of Last Weeks Team that should have been in favour of Rennie’s nous. He picked White *and* Lolesio *and* Simone. The trio have played together plenty, and that connection is important. This weekend, will a connection, be obvious for two different fellas from the same SR team. Well HiKa, I bloody well hope so, this time
Cuzziebro
Guest
The point being it doesn’t matter where you come from originally - if you are an Australian citizen and live here - where you were born is irrelevant- whether you are descended from migrants in the 19th c or became a citizen last year.
Highlander
Guest
I thought Isi would be an automatic pick this year, something has changed with his fitness (and/or diet )
Olly
Roar Rookie
Maybe under 10s
Olly
Roar Rookie
I agree, Simon should have been the 12 particularly to help Hodge out.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I am sorry, Kerevi and Hunter are miles apart in abilities and impact they have on a game.
Olly
Roar Rookie
My question is why pick him over Simone who clearly has playmaking skill plus a kicking game without the poor defensive record?
Olly
Roar Rookie
We saw this middle field combo in game 2...it did not go well so I have a very low expectation for it.
Highlander
Guest
See above, both quiet - a couple of highlight moments for both but not this level I realise this is sounding quite negative,sorry but Harrison went sideways a lot when he needed to straighten, kicked only ok - no way ready for next level, esp ABs Simone looked organised, but most was the clunky from not playing together First choice Puma 8 was very direct and looked good
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
Ah okay thanks. How were the backs - Harrison in particular?
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
He played very well last international season I thought. I wonder if he is just out of practice, second season syndrome or fitness has declined? Last season the question was more around his lack of stepping than being slow. How were Rob V and McReight?
Highlander
Guest
The back forwards 5 did themselves no favours, esp at gain line Arg looked so good at breakdown and counterruck Those calling for Valentini and McReight should watch this game Front row did ok, Lineout got worse as subs were made