Rugby Australia chief Andy Marinos concedes there’s a gulf in standard between Australian rugby and the might of New Zealand but remains “absolutely” confident the Wallabies will beat France in July’s three-Test series.
Marinos is calling for patience from success-starved Australian fans after the country’s five Super Rugby franchises suffered a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Kiwi outfits in the opening round of the Trans-Tasman competition at the weekend.
While the Melbourne Rebels and Queensland Reds, just six days after winning the Super Rugby AU title, both suffered heavy defeats and the NSW Waratahs shipped 64 points against the Hurricanes, the Brumbies and Western Force fell painfully short of upset wins.
“Look, it wasn’t an ideal start but we weren’t too far away from getting one or two wins and it probably would have been a very different conversation we’d be having this morning,” Marinos told AAP on Monday.
“But it’s good for us to benchmark ourselves, good to see where we are in relation (to New Zealand) and there’s a lot of positives we can take out of this last weekend.
“There’s a slight gulf but I think the biggest thing is to have squad depth.
“They’ve got the ability to have a lot more depth from player 23 to probably 50 to than what we do here.
“It’s also a timing thing.
“We had this conversation about the Reds in 2016 and 2017 when (coach) Brad (Thorn) was bringing through a new young generation of players.
“They were learning tough lessons each week, and what they’ve been able to do over time is build squad strength and depth.
“I think that’s where Australian rugby is at the moment.
“We’re in a transition period.”
Marinos said it was inevitable having lost a generation of stars to overseas clubs that Australia’s new-era talents would take time to flourish.
“We’ve got to be patient,” he said.
“We’ve got to give these guys an opportunity to do their apprenticeship and get one or two seasons under their belt and I think then the game will be really well served.”
France finished second in this year’s Six Nations and Marinos is under no illusions about the challenge the Wallabies face.
The series will be squeezed into just 11 days after Les Bleus serve their quarantine period, with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie likely to name a 36 to 38-man squad to combat the gruelling schedule.
The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) is satisfied all measures were being taken to protect the Wallabies’ welfare.
“There’s been quite a significant amount of interaction between the coaches and strength and conditioning staff and administration from Rugby Australia,” RUPA boss Justin Harrison said.
“When we started galvanising the dates, it became about problem solving, i became about meeting the challenge.
“So we talked about squad size and increasing squad size, rotation of players, managing their loads through that performance window.
“Making sure that we’re cognisant that they’re coming out of quite a brutal domestic Super AU and the crossover Trans-Tasman (competition).
“Coming into a three-Test series against a tier-one nation is quite a difficult talk but not an impossible one.”
Marinos offered his own solution to ensuring no Wallabies players had to play all three Tests in such a short time frame.
“All of the planning would hopefully suggest we’ll be going into the third Test 2-0 up,” he said.
“So then you can push those rotations through.”
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Then Covid came along and non-rugby factors came into it ... rugby crowds in NZ and Aust have returned, not so much in the UK and what crowds they do have may soon disappear again. :happy:
Micko
Roar Rookie
That's what the poms told NZR after demanding to be paid to play at Twickenham! They didn't realise the kiwis would pursue jumping in a Silver Lake! :silly:
having or showing a calm attitude towards disappointments or difficulties. "he was philosophical about losing the contract" haha it seem like it would fit this description of Philosophical as I think he would have had to show a calm attitude to his disapointments...
LOL Daugunu hasnt dropped a ball whist on the bench Twas. He drops way to many when out on the field.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Ace, I'm with you on those four (as is Matt) the question is who playing in Oz right now would be your 5th? Rodda is a good shout, assuming he's back. Arnold would be awesome but I'm following Rennie's stated preference to pick players in Oz.
Malo
Guest
The French reserves tests are going to be flops, how can RA afford to pay their vast number of administrators and players.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The “form” squad which includes Wright and Naisarani who have played 3 and 2 games each for example. Apparently Daugunu who has been stuck on the bench and not performing is also in form.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
It is, but it is not philosophical. :happy:
Ace
Guest
I cant agree on 34 year old Timani. He has poor hands is slow laterally and around the park.We have tried him years ago when he was younger and more athletic and he failed many times.It's a no from me. Neville Phillip LSL Hosea are my locks.And if all are available id get Arnold and Rodda back too.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
It is what it is! :happy:
Dougie
Roar Rookie
Good squad but Gordon and Bell will make it.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Butcher, this it the anyone but a Tah squad. You've got to have some serious blinkers on to think Sio and Swain should be in the Wallabies based on the Brumbies scrum woes. Bell or Orr definitely in before Sio on current form. For Swain, you don't even look to the Tahs. Timani a vastly better option at the moment.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Philosophy is clearly not your strong point.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
The Australian version said Marino’s admitted to having ‘philosophical discussions’ with the NZRU about a TT player draft! I can see how such a conversation would go: Marinos: Hey, Wellington, I have an idea for a TT player draft system. NZRU: you can go jump in a lake, Marino’s! Sounds philosophical to me! :silly:
Butcher
Roar Rookie
Not sure I would want “Full Faith” from someone in the board! I’ve heard that somewhere before!
Butcher
Roar Rookie
No Gordon? He will be in the bench I love Tate, but he will be in the B team for the midweek game or for final game depending on how Rennie rests players.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
A tip for Andy. We have been fed BS since McKenzie claimed that he played running rugby and knew how to beat the ABs. . Billy Pulver and Raelene shovelled more at us with a bobcat. . Cheika gave it to us in six different languages. Stop it ! Take some truth serum. Forget the BS about the short term , talk up our chances at the next WC. By then the bum fluff boys will have whiskers , the has beens will be gone and we will have a new Coach.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Like that squad .
Matt
Guest
" Wallabies coach Dave Rennie likely to name 36 to 38-man squad to combat the gruelling schedule." Here is the 38 man squad on form. 1 Slipper 2 BPA 3 Thor 4 Neville 5 Phillip 6 Valetini 7 McReight 8 Wilson 9 White 10 Lolesio 11 Korobite 12 JOC 13 Paisami 14 Tom Wright 15 Banks 16 Faiinagaa' 17 AAA 18 Fotuaika 19 Solokai-Loto 20 Samu 21 McDermott 22 Simone 23 Vunivalu 24 Sio 25 Robertson 26 Swain 27 Campbell 28 Mafi 29 ASY 30 Daugunu 31 Anstee 32 Ryan Lonergan 33 Feleti Kaitu'u 34 Naisirani 35 Hosea 36 Ikitau 37 Liam Wright 38 Pone Fa'amausili
Antony Henrie
Guest
Andy as long as no Waratahs are picked in the Wallabies they`ll go ok. Remind Rennie.