What happened to the Wallabies?

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?

Pick of the Games this Weekend

Game to Watch:

Wales - Australia (Saturday 29th November 2008, 2.30 pm GMT)

There is an aura of expectation in Wales this weekend. After last weekends fine first half performance by the Grand Slam Champions and the 'winning' of the haka stand off, their seems to be a buzz surround the Welsh squad.

The only unforced change coach, Warren Gatland, has made is the removal of Leigh Halfpenny for Mark Jones. Gatland claimed it was to give the 19 year old a rest while giving the in form, prior to an injury, Jones a chance to show what he can do. I say fair shout.

Welsh fans should hope that if Stephen Jones, at fly-half, is playing as well as he was against the All Blacks, Gatland keeps him on. Hook is out of form and out of touch. I was very impressed by both Lee Byrne and Jason Roberts last weekend, they need to keep firing.

The under estimation of this Wallaby side throughout this tour by the media and fans a like has played into the Aussies hands. The Wallabies under Robbie Deans', baring one or two performances, have been very impressive.

The interesting one for me is George Smith on the bench. Phil Waugh is a valuable replacement, but I would say he is on his way down, while in the TriNations this season Smith was exceptional. I would like to know Deans' reasoning behind that choice.

If Matt Giteau is able to dictate the game and Stirling Mortlock, Ryan Cross and Drew Mitchell & co get a heavy involved in the game, Wales' defence is going to have to be up for it.

Planet Rugby have predicted Wales to win by five.
Green and Gold Rugby have predicted a Wallabies win by ten.
Welsh Rugby Blog are saying Wales 22 - Australia 19.

I find this one very difficult to call, but I am going with a Australia win by 5 pts.


Game One Liners

England - New Zealand: Can't see anything more then a All Blacks win, maybe not as heavy as everyone is predicting.
(Saturday 29th Nov, 2.30pm GMT)