To borrow a quote from Andy Farrell the Wallabies vs Pumas match “is going to be a man test.” No doubt about it.
Argentina will be looking to assert themselves on the Wallabies outfit in a physical encounter dominated by set piece and ruck performance. The Wallabies’ showing at the weekend, was (for lack of a better word) abysmal.
Quite simply, the Wallabies were outplayed in every facet of the game and hit the canvas after South Africa’s first punch. Without surprise, South Africa flexed their set piece muscle and resorted to it as they always have when faced with the slightest pressure.
Conversely, the Wallabies up-tempo set piece gameplan resulted in an inaccurate, rushed and hideously rusty lineout and scrum that continuously ruptured under the South African squeeze. Equally at the breakdown, our passive defence allowed quick ball whilst woeful carrying meant mistimed and equally soft cleanouts either resulted in turnovers or slow/predictable ball.
At Test level, there is no room for passengers – plain and simple. The commentator’s choice can and will get exposed at Test level if they elect to rely solely on skill, size or past performances at a club level. The Aviva, Eden Park and Highveld are exposing. Soft shoulders and weak set piece will not cut the mustard. Clearly.
In saying that – should we be concerned? I do not think so. Not yet anyway. Remember – Rome was not built in a day. Eddie Jones’ career has been long and successful enough to warrant sustained trust in his processes.
Whilst I agree, the showing at the weekend was ‘a momentum killer’, I would not go as far as saying it is concerning. The new-world order for this Wallabies team is here, and it does not involve possession for possession’s sake. There are chinks in the metaphorical armour that ought to be repaired before returning to the international arena. But ultimately, success is not judged by TRC round one results.
Matt Giteau and Bryan Habana said it best in this week’s episode of The Good, the Bad and the Rugby: Australia – success for this Wallabies team (or any team for that matter) will be judged in and around October. Absolutely, these next few weeks are crucial and wins are important – but the villager-pitchfork approach after one poor showing largely due to adjustment to new gameplans and lack of physicality, is not helpful to both the Wallabies preparations nor the state of the national game given the constant scrutiny it finds itself in.
Most to gain, and most to lose
On his podcast back in April, Eddie Jones justified his initial Wallabies squad, highlighting that neither him nor his staff select ‘the commentator’s choice’. “We are not looking for players who are the finished product. We are not looking for the commentator’s choice either…the player who has a big run that captures the attention of the commentator, but then goes and has a rest. We want players who win games of rugby. We want players who work hard physically on and off the ball”.
Before rubber met the road, this was the selection approach. It is what got the likes of Tom Hooper, Josh Kemeny, Matt Faessler and the like, a Wallaby berth. As such, consistent physicality is what is needed at test level. It is exactly what South Africa brought on the weekend, and is indeed what Argentina promise to bring in round two.
Most to gain
Samu Kerevi
Another Cheika vs Jones classic calls for a rejuvenated punch upfront. With Samu Kerevi named in the centres, there will no doubt be an emphasis on first phase physicality on a fast Sydney wicket. “We do not want to be playing phases. The key for us is our first phase – to bust them open” Jones said back in April. Kerevi’s first start under the Jones’ regime, and first real opportunity to stamp his authority since returning from injury, a big Kerevi performance will go a long way not only to servicing the Wallabies gameplan off second and third phase, but also establishing the broader style of Jones’ gameplan.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Cadeyrn Neville
For mind, Neville was unlucky to miss Jones’ TRC squad. An old (hardened) head, Neville was a work horse up front for the Brumbies in 2023. An astute set piece technician and a hard nosed carrier, Neville has it all to play for in the Australia A jersey. Having caught Jones’ eye following a dominating season of Super Rugby, should Neville put a polished performance together against Tonga, it will be hard to excuse him from Wallaby duties come September.
Most to lose
Jed Holloway
This was a hard decision to make – because there are a few players with a lot to lose. Poor performances last week and (potential) good performances this week by contenders, raise question marks for many. But I have gone with Holloway because of the sheer array of backrow prospects all clipping at each other’s heels, all desperate for a chance. Holloway gets his opportunity in the 6 jersey this weekend, and will need to demonstrate a fresh physicality level not otherwise seen last week. Should he, he is one step closer to a RWC berth. But, for mind, if he fails to fire – it could spell the end of his season in Wallaby gold.
James O’Connor
I always have been, and always will be a JOC fan. I still see so much in JOC, and think he brings a high-level focus and execution to a Wallaby environment. Having fallen out of favour and battled with injury, JOC has been extended a life line. Simply for JOC – he needs to fire. There is a spot for him in the Wallaby squad as a utility back, he just needs to find it. Show up and it is game on, but show out and it could be a permanent end to his Wallaby career.
With the Wallabies men back on the training field since early Sunday morning, and countless contenders looking to kick their way into the Wallabies RWC squad with an impressive performance for Australia A against Tonga – it would be remiss to expect anything less than a brutal showing by Jones’ men come Saturday night.
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.
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