After five months of hobbling along in Super Rugby, World Cup hopes can be made and dashed by this weekend’s quarter-finals.
Ever since Eddie Jones was appointed as Wallabies coach on January 16, the master coach has been adamant about one thing: you need to perform against New Zealand opposition.
“The games against the Crusaders and whoever the next strongest New Zealand side is, they are the important selection games because that’s where you see the level of the players. And, of course, the local derbies,” Jones said at Australia’s Super Rugby launch.
Since then, Australia’s Super Rugby sides have won just five of 26 matches against their trans-Tasman opponents. Three of those matches have been at home against the Highlanders, who were the only New Zealand side to miss the finals.
In anyone’s books, they are dreadful numbers which further showcase the discrepancy between the two nations.
The question is why? Why can’t Australian opposition front up against their New Zealand opponents?
Injuries? Depth? Talent? Skills crumbling under pressure? Wicked bounces of the ball?
They’re all excuses. Excuses for inadequacy.
Jones will have none of it when he announces his 33-man Wallabies over the coming weeks.
Jones had planned on naming his squad, which will also include a few players on the injury comeback, on June 25 but could name it as soon as the last Australian side is bounced out of the knockout stages.
That could come as soon as Saturday night with Australia’s best hope, the Brumbies, facing an almighty task against the Hurricanes after their slide down to the Super Rugby standings over the final month, particularly with Allan Alaalatoa still a week away from returning and try-scorer Corey Toole also ruled out.
World Cup dreams are on the line this weekend. A starring role could be the difference between agony and ecstasy.
The Reds are likely in for a long afternoon against the All Blacks-laden Chiefs, with several Test stars back to ensure they don’t slip up again against Brad Thorn’s side.
But for players like Matt Faessler, who has been the Reds’ best tight-five forward in 2023, and fellow forwards Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, it’s time to roll up their sleeves and go again.
Backs Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Suliasi Vunivalu and Jock Campbell must also step up to stand a chance.
For McDermott, the livewire halfback whose feet are his strength, he’s got to the play the game of his life with another nippy No.9, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa looming as a genuine World Cup bolter.
The Waratahs have been all but written off, with history and injuries pointing to a one-way result.
Yet, after being embarrassed at home against Moana Pasifika, the Waratahs will be hoping to enjoy a bounce back against a Blues pack, which is the weakest tight-five in New Zealand.
For the second-row combination of Ned Hanigan and Jed Holloway, it’s an opportunity to show they can pack a punch.
Lachie Swinton has the biggest opportunity to make a statement, while Langi Gleeson has to show he’s as effective in defence as he is breaking a line with ball-in-hand.
Defence and taking their opportunity will be the Waratahs’ most important thing too, with several players on the fringes of the Wallabies squad.
As for the Brumbies, Tom Wright will be eager to show his electric game can hold up at the back in a knockout match when the stakes are higher and making the right decision at fullback is imperative.
Tom Hooper can come from the clouds if he fronts up off the bench in the second-half, too.
Jones wants winners in his squad and if there’s no one who can claim that by midnight on Saturday, he wants players with a winning attitude and a desire to work their backside off both on and off the training pitch.
The stakes are high this weekend.
Jones’ cut-throat manner is about to be seen.
He doesn’t care how his players win, he just wants winners to join his “smash and grab” World Cup campaign.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
I reckon one and only measure of "Eddie's Squad" is if the Wallabies manage to beat, anybody at all. Provincial results mean nothing on the international circuit. The only criteria to measure the success of the Wallabies is their performance at that level. Recent history does not bode well.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
We do, Hooper IMO is 3rd best behind McReight and Wilkin. Having said that I'd be shocked if Wilkin made the squad ahead of Hooper. White is miles ahead of second place at 9. Wright is only really competing with Kellaway for 15 and is ahead on form, if he isn't wearing 15 he will wear 14 or 23 because him and Kellaway are the best two options for 15 and Petaia comes in to the conversation for 14. Swain is the 4th best lock at the Brumbies. Frost, Neville, Hooper, Blythe, Ryan, Philip, Rodda, Holloway, Skelton, Arnold and Arnold at a minimum should be ahead of him. Slipper is needed in the squad for his ability to play both sides, I would have others ahead of him in the 23 for sure. Fiangaa, well, he's got to be behind Porecki, Faessler, Lonergan and probably Mafi at least.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Eddie is going to have to pick some project players. If the criteria for selection is holding your own against the Kiwis, there are precious few putting their hand up
Guess
Roar Rookie
You're right. Haters gonna hate
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ being a NSW team, they just don’t have to work as hard to make a name for themselves. “ Perhaps, but sadly, for me, they seem more of a Moore Park team. There is precious little resonance with the ‘state’ of NSW.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
And when they get smashed off the park this weekend… they beat a distracted under strength team playing at a ground many would not call home. They played poorly and without conviction and were beaten. The Naki has long been the base of the Canes… the Reds had a win and proud of them for putting in a good game in what has been a rather poor season…but I think it’s being over egged a bit here like they are deserved finalists… they only just scraped in.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Don’t bite Guess… it’s not worth it.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
I like Faessler. He would be the bolter for mine.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Problem is JOC is not on the same plane as those elder statesmen you mention. He gets a World Cup gig, I think would show the Wallabies are in real trouble with no depth and they think getting out of their pool rates as successful campaign.. I think the Wallabies are better than that.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Sure poor Gill the hopper who couldn't care less about wallabies or au same as McMahon made out to be the victims by fans cause it suits the narrative. Pocock is pure 6 yet people are willing to play him at 7 just out of spite :laughing: Your last point is just a wishful thinking
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
Amen!
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
That’s a big maybe
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
If only we applied this scrutiny to guys like Hooper, Nick White, Wright, Swain, Slipper, Faingaa,
Wig
Roar Rookie
50/50 im feeling , but the canes won't be wanting to opt out all alone. Kicking will play a big part aye how much and how many are just wasted,dmac found alot of open space last time ,be a tight one,hope cards don't play a part bodger
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
G’day Ken. JOC the mentor. His maturity now allows him to work well and encourage others. As Mrs Busted observed, he’s able to adjust the speed of a game to suit what the team needs. And for a WC campaign, I’d like to quote that great Country singer, Toby Keith, “I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.”
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Fair logic Mike. And another Super coach might make him more super. But that is not what we’ve got. Eddie is here to use the best Wallaby-eligible and committed performers. Suli seems to be neither at this point, while numerous others are.
Just call me Campo
Roar Rookie
and then he's bombed the try. Had it in the wrong arm. Don't they teach this in the U7s? Also could have diced and slid 3 metres out
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
Definitely didn't mean to exclude Pietsch, good pickup. I'd also like to add Ben O'Donnell but he's injured long term.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
I'd love to see them all win to be honest but after last weekend I don't feel too positive. Can only hope I suppose.
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
Yes