First of all, well done Wales.
Restored some pride into Northern Hemisphere Rugby.
But my question is, what happened to the Wallabies?
Through out this international series I have been harping on about the strength of Robbie Deans' side. A lot of commentators and fans in the North, who clearly didn't watch the TriNations, have been saying the Aussies are worst of the TriNations sides. That's what the IRB rankings say, but not what the TriNations table says. Looking back on the Wallabies performances over the last couple of weeks compared to the Boks and the All Blacks, clearly I have got it all wrong.
Ok they beat the English and French. The English ran them close compared to their next two games! And if Skerla could kick, the French could have taken that game.
So what has happened to the team that I saw in all but one game of the TriNations, play so much attractive attacking rugby?
They seemed to play a totally different type of rugby unable to advertise to North Hemisphere fans the ability that Robbie Deans has pumped into what looked like a new look Wallabies side.
Are they tired?
The slight change in the rules?
Beating the English was good enough for them?
What has happened?
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They seemed to lack a creative spark yesterday - possibly down to the early loss of Mortlock? I thought Giteau had a fine game otherwise, but he didn't really find the keys to the Welsh defence. Mitchell was also subdued, I thought. I agree there was a slight sense that they weren't 100% up for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to win but Wales have loads to put right. Seldom can a test match have been won with a total lack of lineout ball, and all our goalkickers are badly off-form. Objectively, we should have been two or three scores clear at the death, not clinging on for dear life. But it's an important step for us, particularly with some of our star players missing. As for Oz, I reckon you still had a pretty successful tour in all.
Wales - Agreed the lineout looks wobbly. Will Henson be able to take a share of the kicking, to relieve the pressure a bit on Jones? I know there is a issue with his thigh. What happens in the centres when Henson is back. I am a big fan of Jamie Roberts, can he play outside?
ReplyDeleteThe Dingoes were robbed by another appalling NH referee, and if Gatland has to hang Europe's hat on that display, then the EEC has a very small head and very little under it!
ReplyDeleteThe Pacificas showed that given a week or two together and a better schedule, they too may have had an unbeaten tour.
G'Day Rugby Mad, just followed the link across from Green and Gold Rugby, nice place you've got here.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments that the Wallabies are probably better placed than the Boks at the moment. The IRB rankings are still quite skewed due to double points for all RWC matches, moreso for NH teams who lost home matches at double points.
Overall I was pretty happy with the tour, though I could have said that after the scrummage at Twickenham.
The loss to Wales isn't hugely surprising when you consider the big names who didn't play that match - Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Stirling Mortlock and Wycliff Palu.
What did impress me the most about the Wallabies on this tour was the improved fitness. Robbie has made them come a long way and we're now playing 80 minutes a game.
I didn't have a clue on what had happened to the Wallabies until read Moses' comment.
ReplyDeleteCould it be that 'old dog' Deans was focusing on improving the fitness at the expenses of other aspects? Is it a part of a long-term plan?
I would like to compare the Wallabies to the All Blacks. 3-1 could make one thinks "the All Blacks were clearly superior" but when the scores were 1 all, the All Blacks surpassed the Wallabies twice just after 60 minutes of play (in both games) and only after it clearly looked the Wallabies had the upper hand.
Could it be that while the All Blacks have fared well during this tour, destroying their opponents in every second half, not due to the quality but due to the intensity (not receiving more than 3 points during 5 second halves), the Wallabies have been trying to building that fitness?
If fitness was the main reason for losing the Bledisloe 3-1, could it be that Deans is just trying to avoid any more loss due to that weakness and probably wants to use it as a weapon, too?
I think we're onto something here sesenta y cuatro, I recall when Deans first took over he was appalled at the match fitness of the players, and with his recent 3 boot camp the players commented it was the toughest training they'd ever done.
ReplyDeleteThe Bledisloe losses to the Blecks outside of New Zealand were closely fought affairs. Deans has come in with a 4 year plan and I'm a hell of a lot happier now than I was at any time in Connolly's tenure.
btw Rugby Mad, cheers for the link :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem mate. Thanks for your link and comments.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, I don't think the Wallabies need to panic. Deans knows what he is doing.
In a way the All Blacks success has help the Aussies and the Welsh. The longer Henry stays the in his job the longer Deans and Gatland stay in theirs.
Are they not just fighting it out to prove to the NZRU who is the next man for the job is?
Well I hope Deans wins that fight to prove to the EnZedRU he's the best man, cause the unfortunately side-effect of that action will be Bledisloe's, 3N's and Bill for the Wallabies.
ReplyDeleteAnd to me, now, that's worth Aussie Bob taking them all back in 2015!