Having watched the Wallabies versus Barbarians game this morning, I cannot help but feel renewed hope for rugby as a sport. This game had everything good rugby can offer: long range tries, ferocious tackling and competition for the ball.
There were some flared tempers and knowing smiles; ridiculous passes that make you laugh out loud when they come off, or throw your head back in frustration when they do not; and a referee who understands the rules and how best to apply them.
Watching George Smith wage a one man war against McCaw, Burger, and Collins (until Pocock came on) and coming out on top. Seeing Burger show no regard for his or anyone else’s welfare by charging at the line with frightening force and seeing the Wallabies know this was going to happen but stand there anyway.
Seeing Pocock come on and make tackle after tackle, repelling wave after wave of Barbarian hordes.
Watching 19 year old, 80kg Quade Cooper stand up and take nothing from a loose head prop who was unhappy with the treatment of his teammate.
Seeing the IRB player of the year Shane Williams stop and go, and go and go, sucking in defenders like they were caught in his slip stream. Seeing Habana almost bust it open, only to be held up by a defender grimly hanging on by the finger nails.
Having Regan and Gregan, enemies last year during the Quarter final in Marseille, coming on together, with Gregan ready to take the challenge up to his former team mates.
Witnessing the composure of O’Connor as world class players from across the globe tried to ruffle his eighteen year-old feathers.
The whole thing was magic!
This type of game truly nourishes the soul and shows you what rugby can be when played in the right spirit by players and referees alike.
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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