Put the pitchforks away - the Wallabies haven't taken a step back, they're just finding their feet

Rome was not built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour. The same must be said for the current Wallabies regime.

If last week was abysmal, then Saturday’s narrow defeat to Argentina was agonising. It had plenty of hard and sharp elements of Australia’s 2021 loss to Wales in Cardiff – both were equally hard on the eyes and spirit.

But is there a difference between airing frustration and pouring gas on a fire? Friends, colleagues, and media personalities have been quick to make their scathing assessments of both Saturday’s performance and the broader Wallabies set-up known.

“Under Eddie Jones, we have gone backward,” one commented. Another added, “to think he (Jones) would come in and single-handedly fix up Australian rugby was nothing less than foolish.”

I get the frustration – I really do.

But quite frankly, what I fail to see, is the justification for the scathing and seemingly constant attack on both Rugby Australia, and Eddie Jones.

I said it in a previous contribution, and I will reiterate those sentiments – now is not the time for the villager-pitchfork approach. The challenges facing the game in Australia are no secret. From a struggling commercial front that is desperate for the capital injection of private equity, to an NRL and AFL dominated mainstream media turned against the game or otherwise disinterested beyond comprehension.

These challenges are not new revelations. The game in Australia has been pressed with these considerations for a considerable period of time – long before the appointment of Eddie Jones. As too has Rugby Australia, who (frantically at times) have sought to propel success at provincial level by promoting international success, to no real avail.

(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The mood in Australian rugby – fans and media at least – appears to be that the sky is quickly falling in. Losing is never nice, especially at test level. But to quickly label the Jones regime as a regression after two losses is not only false, but also (I opine) an example of the sort of public gaslighting Australian rugby could do without.

Of course comments such as these come from a place of love and desire to see rugby succeed again, but we must consider the inadvertent consequences such comments have to rugby in the broader sporting market.

Two years ago, the NRL would never have concerned itself with Rugby Australia – it did not need to as it was no real threat in the Australian market. Fast forward to early 2023, and the coup of Joseph Sua’ali’i mixed with Eddie Jones’ admiration and respect for the NRL, has not only put rugby back on the radar but also stifled the once unstoppable growth of the NRL.

Further, many are quick to forget the media storm that Eddie Jones’ appointment brought with it. Radio, podcasts, and morning television lit up at the prospect of rugby’s prodigal son returning home. His arrival rejuvenated a relatively large (but otherwise dormant) rugby fan base, who remember the glory days under Jones and Rod McQueen.

While the supporter base at provincial level is not what it once was, the 26,000 in attendance at the weekend, and more than double that expected in Melbourne for Bledisloe one, evidence the immediate commercial impact Jones’ return has had on Australian rugby. Hence why it is important to keep the momentum rolling, and avoid serving up any anymore media softballs for our sporting competitors.

If not you, who?

In the aftermath of a test match loss, all rugby-related headlines are overly dominated by ultra-negative connotations. While the media appear quick to jump on the ‘Let’s bag Rugby Australia’ train – surprisingly and somewhat disappointingly, there appears to be little public resistance shown from the broader rugby community.

(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

I am no Ray Lewis or Tony Robbins, but quite simply, we must stand by our game and our process. Because if we don’t, and instead continue to lean into this barbaric and reckless approach of labelling coaches, players, or teams ‘an embarrassment to the nation’ after two weeks, the Australian game will continue its devastating downfall.

Of course, I am not suggesting that people should not share their thoughts (in a respectful manner) about a performance or regime. But what I am suggesting is that if the game is going to survive and thrive again in Australia, we must forego the doom and gloom undertone and bandwagon rally approach to shame Australian rugby into submission.

Eddie Jones is a smart man – both in coaching and psychological sense. As such, he must be trusted. Should two losses at the start of a tenure be enough for the Australian Rugby community to turn its back on the winningest coach in RWC history? I do not think so. Jones’ career has been so extensive – highs and lows – to warrant a certain level of public buy-in.

“While it seems doom and gloom, I can assure you – it is not. There is a fair bit of optimism that we will change what we need to quickly,” he added in his press conference. Not only do I echo these sentiments, but I also believe them – wholeheartedly. Unlike almost everything I have heard, seen, and read over the past week or so, this team has not taken a step back. It is simply finding its feet.

Take a look on the bright side.

For all the negatives said about the performance, the Wallaby performance was a well improved one to TRC Round 1 in the Highveld. With an improved set piece and (albeit slight) uptick in physicality, the Wallabies men showed improvement in certain aspects of their game otherwise exposed by the South African outfit. What excites me most, is the thought that when the current group of players sharpen their high leverage decision-making skills around the ball, our attacking shape looks threatening.

Mark Nawaqanitawase. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

Perhaps the biggest positive was the performance of Mark Nawaqanitawase, who all but solidified his spot in the Wallabies’ 1st XV. As too did Samu Kerevi for mine, who despite giving away a late penalty, was otherwise in fine form in the midfield. The injury to Len Ikitau early in the fixture, of course, pushed Kerevi into the wider channels – a defensive test for his big frame. I opined that he had it all to play for on Saturday and was pleased to see him give the Wallaby attack the needed first-phase punch to (momentarily) unleash the likes of Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Speaking of Carter Gordon – thrust into the mix early and out of position, Gordon stood up immediately defensively. Actively looking for involvements and bringing a much-needed lift to the tiring Wallaby line speed. Was it a perfect performance? No. But was it one that adds considerable weight behind his name in a push for a starting spot against the All Blacks? Absolutely.

Finding balance and putting winning performances together is not an easy or linear process. It is a complicated and often enduring one. So stick with it, Wallabies fans. For many it has been years since Wallabies success, whilst some have never seen it. But, in due course, it is coming.

And for those who say nine months at the helm is not long enough to put together a winning side – remember, the British and Irish Lions’ 2017 tour to New Zealand started with an unconvincing seven-game span, including three losses and a near defeat to the New Zealand Barbarians. Once a team starts to find its feet, the rest can happen very quickly.

But until then, put the pitchforks away and let the process run its course.