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Opinion
I want to start by saying the Dave Rennie has done the best job out of previous Wallabies coaches for near on 20 years, by creating depth for Australian rugby.
Having said that, the results and inconsistent performances suggest a greater problem for rugby in Australia. Especially the brand Rugby Australia depend on, the Wallabies.
There is certainly a trend that has developed for the Wallabies under Rennie’s tenure that is one week good and one week diabolical.
The only decent run that has occurred under Rennie’s watch was last year’s Rugby Championship.
Granted, he had a world-class Samu Kerevi and a more mature Quade Cooper to lean on, however, he created depth that actually competed somehow.
From there, when suspension and injuries occurred, he has been able to get them up for one match at a time.
His win rate is appalling.
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I will accept there have been some baffling calls against the Wallabies, but the there is no plan B. Even plan A I cannot see.
He clearly wants an old head at fly-half, due to the fact Noah Lolesio isn’t quite ready and we are under a year out.
He is consistently quoted as stating he wants physicality but the forwards can only seem to do that for one week and then fall off.
The selections are sometimes baffling with the likes of Harry Wilson held back, Tate McDermott barely used and constant changing of the locks.
Throw in that he has struggled to get the best out of Taniela Tupou and the continual use of Jordan Petaia when he has failed to meet expectations is bizarre.
He has made some great calls as well with Dave Porecki, Andrew Kellaway and Cadeyrn Neville, but they have to grow as well. Again, this is a nod to his creation of depth.
(Photo by Getty Images)
You certainly have to keep Rennie to the World Cup, but Rugby Australia need to start to get a plan together for a home World Cup in 2027.
Unfortunately, contenders are few.
There is obviously Dan McKellar, Steve Larkham, Scott Wisemantel and Darren Coleman.
And ex-Kiwis (yes, they are not Aussies as such, but they have lived and operated in Australian sport through different paths) Simon Cron and Brad Thorn.
McKellar appears to be the preferred pick for Rugby Australia given his “success” at the Brumbies.
He created a great team environment and produced some excellent talent, but the rolling maul was the go-to move for the Brumbies.
Since taking on the forward coaching role for the Wallabies, this “weapon” and “knowledge” has been nothing short of a debacle.
The Wallabies have failed in both attack and defence on these plays and although it started well under his tenure, it has failed miserably this year.
Stephen Larkham would’ve been my choice a few years back, but he was thrown under the bus under the Raelene Castle/Michael Cheika dilemma and he needs time back with the Brumbies.
Simon Cron and Darren Coleman have followed very similar paths through the club rugby scene in Sydney. It has certainly held them in good stead. They have in innate understanding of their players and have achieved immediate results for Shute Shield and now the Waratahs (for DC) and Toyota in Japan for (Cron).
It is to early in their journey, but this could/should be a great development for the future and worthwhile an investment from RA over the next five years.
That leaves Brad Thorn and Scott Wisemantel.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Brad Thorn has built a strong environment at the Reds and they have dominated Australian teams, until this year.
The issue is he appears to be divisive and has struggled against his country of birth, which appears to be an issue with any NZ coach who takes on a role in Australian rugby coaching systems.
The last man standing is Scott Wisemantel.
He has worked successfully with some of the best coaches in the world, including Eddie Jones and made England a force.
The Wallabies attack has certainly improved under his watch, albeit, every second week, but it’s worth a crack.
He has actually created greater skills in Wallabies backs, which is hard to see, but they do seem to have ideas that are creating issues for our opposition like days of old.
The issue is the implementation of when.
Anyway, Dave Rennie will and should remain coach the the 2023 World Cup in France.
Then gracefully move on.
The creation of depth has been great and is probably still short of international standards, but at least we have players who can step up!
One every two weeks!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.