Former backline wizard Lloyd Walker wants more adventure from the Wallabies as they chase an impossible 101-point win over Argentina to steal the Tri Nations trophy on Saturday night.
Walker admits the Wallabies are a million-to-one to pull off the feat, even against a Pumas outfit in disarray following the axing of skipper Pablo Matera, and teammates Guido Petti and Santiago Socino over alleged racist social media posts.
But the former Test five-eighth – who was once lauded as Australia’s best ball player by the legendary Mark Ella – is encouraging the Wallabies to show more attacking flair in their final match of the season in Sydney.
“It’s been difficult this year because of the limited exposure together and playing with one another but hopefully the coach will bring that on in the future,” Walker told AAP on Wednesday.
“I would like to see them be a bit more adventurous in their play.”
The Wallabies were unable to conjure a try in a 15-15 draw against the Pumas last month, a result that has all but cost them the chance of winning the Tri Nations title.
“I must admit Argentina are a much better side than some people give them credit for,” Walker said.
“They’re a very robust side – they like contact – but we’ve got to get ways around that, and that comes with more combination and cohesion.
“So hopefully we’ll see a bit more open style play.”
Walker, a proud Indigenous man who still coaches sevens rugby for La Perouse, was speaking at a First Nations cultural “smoking of the Wallabies jersey” alongside current players including Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight and Jordan Uelese.
He cited the All Blacks as living proof that adventurous rugby still has a place at Test level, where kicking for territory is now king.
“You see the All Blacks play. When they get a sniff and they realise that it’s on, they’re very skilful,” he said.
“That was shown in last week’s game. As soon as they get an opportunity, they want to attack at every stage (in the 38-0 win over Argentina).”
The key for the Wallabies is striking a balance at Bankwest Stadium, Walker says.
“You’ve got to do the hard work early and try to fatigue the opposition. You’ve got to create that little bit of space where you can move the ball around a little bit,” he said.
“(Playing) the bash-barge game, you’ve got to move it around a lot earlier than we did against Argentina the first time.
“I’m not saying going to the wing, but use a second or third pass to run them around a bit so fatigue’s an issue.”
Forward McReight said even if capturing some silverware was not realistic for the Wallabies, it was important to finish the year on a high.
“The last time the Wallabies won their last Test match (of the year) was 2013, so to end on a positive note going into 2021, 2022 and the World Cup cycle, it would mean the world for the Wallabies,” McReight said.
“We want to finish this year on a positive note by winning.”
Blinky Bill
Roar Rookie
If I'm honest, my greatest concern is that we will get done like a dinner by a 'disrupted & fatigued' Argentine team with nothing to lose & everything to gain. I'd like to say that I expect a win. But that didn't work out to well for me last time, so I'm going back to being humble and just making smarter decisions. :crying:
Chufortah
Guest
I just rolled mine up and smoked it. Don’t feel anything yet. Maybe it’s creeper?
Double Agent
Guest
"Smoking of the wallabies jersey" Does that get you high?
TC
Guest
I'm guessing that's 8 more than you.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Not sure about the legend bit . Loyd should have played more tests but. David Croft is a legend and they never picked him. At least I’ve heard of Loyd ; Who is this McReight ?
PeterK
Roar Guru
TBF that was the editors headline I imagine, and perhaps since so few Indigenous men have played for the Wallabies they enhanced his standing. Or as is usual nowadays mediocre players are called stars, very good players are called super stars and so on. I imagine if he had played 20 tests he would be labeled legendary and not just great.
Warwick Todd
Guest
.....but Mark Ella said....
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Absolutely laughable that walker is described as a Wallaby Great". Are you kidding ? He played 8 Tests.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
So Lloyd wants to play an open attacking game? Common Lloyd, we have been trying that ever since the evil little Randwick hooker got to coach the Wallabies, he then decided that the scrum, breakdown and lineout were to be avoided or got over as quickly as possible so they could get back to running rugby! It don't work no more....didn't work well after the McQueen players left.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Id give my right leg to see a Lloyde Walker type 12 playing for the wallabies again, magic player, great hands, skill and timing- he wasn’t fast on his feet like the Ella’s but just as skilful. I’d just want to see the Wallabies play a discaplined game, keeping their errors to a minimum, no Hail Marys, score a clean sheet on their line out. I know sounds boring however these guys just aren’t ready to cut loose. They have the individual skill but there lies the problem, they don’t know how to transfer that skill in a team environment. Lloyd had esp, these guys don’t.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
McDermott, JOC, Pasami and Petaia my pick to start on Saturday. Hodge at 15.