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Will Genia’s post interview comments with Rod Kaefer last night provided an interesting insight into the mood of the Wallabies camp.
For those of you who missed the interaction, the ever ‘analytical’ Kafe asked the Wallabies captain:
“Not a good night for you personally, but a good one for the team?”
To which Genia replied: “Are you having a dig at me mate?” (or words to that effect).
It was awkward and confrontational, and prompted Genia to (rightly) apologise for the incident at the end of the interview.
However I don’t think it was just the frustration at the injury he had sustained speaking. I think that the media in Australia are really getting to this Wallabies team.
I myself, an avid Wallabies supporter for many years now, found myself frustrated by the continual negativity about the team that kept coming from the Fox sports team.
No one likes to hear that, and a strong word must be had with certain prime offenders – Greg Martin’s comments about Kurtley Beale under the highball are particularly resonant on my mind.
The constant barrage of criticism is weighing heavily on the shoulders of these players, and one can’t help but think that it has really affected the mojo of the Wallabies.
How difficult must it be, enduring the scrutiny of every man and his dog week to week?
While some may say it is the price to pay for the pay packet and in the professional game, the reality is that the forums for criticism have proliferated, and in this regard anyway it seems acceptable for all and sundry to continually criticise and lambast the Wallabies.
I’m not sure that this is helping the Wallabies. It was extremely sobering to see and hear the clear distaste in Genia’s tone when fielding questions from Kafe.
The Wallabies have their backs up – and I’m not sure I like it.
Some final comments from the game last night, I thought the Wallabies played exceptionally, in the tight and the loose.
Their forwards play was dominant, while their lineout continued to be poor (Polota-Nau, and the almost solitary use of Nathan Sharpe, must be addressed).
Berrick Barnes, while a good kicker, continues to disrupt the balance of the backline and players like Beale are rarely seeing the ball because of him.
Finally – welcome back Quade Cooper! This was his best game for a long time, and he seems to save his best performances for the Africans. A strong, solid performance from him, punctuated by his defence securing the win for the Wallabies.
Well played boys!
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.