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Opinion
As a Wallaby fan, events like Sunday morning’s 28-27 loss to Italy are sobering, infuriating and altogether unsurprising.
But such events can – and for Dave Rennie, must – be the catalyst for change.
Here’s what happens if Ben Donaldson knocks over his conversion: Australia wins by a point, calls it the great escape in Florence, Rennie is branded a mastermind for blooding an ice-veined debutant in the final minutes of a Test, and Wallaby fans breathe a sigh of relief.
12/11/22 is packed up, washed way and forgotten in the annals of rugby history, and Rennie’s name is preserved.
Not anymore.
For the first time in his tenure, Rennie is under real pressure.
And it’s almost entirely his doing.
With the Wallabies’ well-documented 11 changes from their 30-29 loss to France, most will agree that the Australian (A) side slapped together by Rennie probably wasn’t going to fire in Florence, no matter the standard of player, the quality of training sessions, or the ceiling of rookies like Langi Gleeson, Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase et al.
Noah Lolesio of Australia consoles his teammate Ben Donaldson (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
You simply cannot throw together that many new players and expect results – especially against a Six Nations outfit.
By picking such an inexperienced side, Rennie set his players up for failure – and that’s exactly what happened.
Sure, many players let themselves down against Italy.
I’m certain all involved will feel considerable guilt and shame about their collective effort which can only be described as error-riddled and ill-disciplined.
But they were also let down dreadfully by Rennie’s foolish selections. Common sense did not prevail. Selection continuity was not valued.
And an embarrassing loss now blots Rennie’s record.
The Wallabies are often their own worst enemy under Rennie – finding ways to lose rather than finishing sides off – but this result is clearly down to selection.
Now, are the Wallabies capable of bouncing back with wins over Ireland and Wales?
Of course they are – it’s entirely possible, even probable, given our track record.
But regardless of the results in both Dublin and Cardiff, one thing must change: Dave Rennie must demonstrate he can pick and stick with a core unit of players. And then he must do so for the next 12 months for the Wallabies to have any shot of progressing past the quarter-final stage in France.
I know there are injuries and unavailable players – we all do.
The Koroibetes and Kerevis will slot back in.
But the coach must play the cards he’s been dealt.
We must see continuity in selection, wherever possible. And that means our most senior players and cohesive club units selected week in week out, so we don’t have a repeat of Florence.
So we give ourselves the best possible chance of building a genuinely competitive and cohesive 23 to win finals in France.
But most importantly, so Rennie can demonstrate his capacity to not only coach, but select. Because his future depends on it.
Last week’s loss has forced his hand.
Now, we’re about to see whether Rennie is the real deal.
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.