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The curious case of Lachie Swinton is there for all to see. As the saying goes ‘good things take time’
Let’s look at another player who has gone through a similar experience with discipline issues, but whose ability no one can question – Scott Barrett.
It is tough when you are one of three brothers and the other two have play making positions so get more limelight.
When Scott joined the Crusaders he made an immediate impact and impressed not only his coaches but his fellow players. He is a take no prisoners player and wears his heart on his sleeve with his love for the game apparent.
He was rewarded for his hard work and commitment by being selected for the All Blacks, which many would have expected and also expected his form to translate onto the international stage seamlessly.
His discipline became an issue with cards overtaking his game and overshadowing his skill set and ability. For any Crusaders and All Blacks fan as myself it became frustrating and apparent that he needed to pull back and concentrate on his core responsibilities for both sides.
Scott Barrett became the target of the referee as his reputation grew for the wrong reasons. He needed to take responsibility and become mature in many ways to become a genuine leader and a world class player.
Fast forward and now he has become the Crusaders captain, and his discipline has become apparent with having more experience and understanding about what is expected of him.
He is no longer living in the shadows of his brothers and has become a very good communicator, he now understands about being a mentor for younger players and being cohesive with his teammates by being better disciplined and leading by example.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Lachie Swinton is a physical threat and is a major problem when in space by running with purpose with his nostrils flaring, he could be one of the missing pieces for the Wallabies.
Like with Scott Barrett of the past Swinton unfortunately cannot pull his emotions back and has racked up the cards. He now has a not so good reputation with the referees and judiciary.
He has great skill sets with good hands and understanding of what is needed during a game, but then the inevitable brain snap happens which changes the game by putting the team on the back foot.
There surely would be no better coach than Eddie Jones to turn this around by not sugarcoating but telling it as it is – ‘if you are serious about the next step then this what is expected and required’.
Swinton has so many positives to his game and is a genuine talent. He could be among the best in his position in world rugby but it is up to the player to be honest with himself and realise that it is about his team.
Jones will have to weigh up if it is worth the risk of taking Swinton to the RWC, with the scrutiny of both the refs and media to be focusing on players, especially those with a history of ill discipline.
With Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand being great with counter attacks and feeding off opposition mistakes, the Wallabies need to be well disciplined – which is not their strong suit.
Swinton needs to lead from the front and show on the greatest stage of all just how good he really is, but that of course depends if he is there in the first place.
Jones could use him in the Bledisloe Cup to gauge if he has learnt from latest saga.
It is time for Swinton to learn from Scott Barrett and become the player that many know that he is.
Australia needs him to turn this issue around because he is the type of player that is needed, keep the mongrel but do it legally and become a better player and mentor.
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.