How good are John Connolly's Wallabies? Their two-nil whitewash of England suggests very good.
On Saturday night they defeated England in the second Test at Melbourne by 43-18. But England, the World Cup holders, have suffered five Test losses in a row, their worst record in over two decades.
Leading into next month's Tri Nations, the Wallabies will receive a healthy dose of perspective this weekend from the Irish, fresh from a two Test defeat by the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Despite their losses to the All Blacks, the Irish look better than England. Whether that means the All Blacks are better than the Wallabies – or vice-versa – should be clearer after the Wallabies meet the Irish in Perth on Saturday.
However, the puzzle is further complicated by the fact that the All Blacks have split their squad. Team A, captained by new leader Richie McCaw, played the Irish. Team B, captained by Jerry Collins, meets Argentina this weekend.
The other Tri-Nations team, South Africa, completed a two Test defeat of Scotland on Saturday.
Last season under then-coach Eddie Jones, the Wallabies played poorly and seemed to lack depth. Under Connolly they look brilliant, with the much-criticised forward pack looking menacing.
Connolly has blooded two props, Greg Holmes and Rodney Blake. As well, last year's plodder Al Baxter has re-found form, and is proficient at both tighthead and loosehead. Only the lineout was a problem but that seems fixable.
The much criticised captain George Gregan started on the bench, replaced at halfback by Queensland Red Sam Cordingley – and as captain by Stirling Mortlock. Cordingley's longer pass helped the Wallaby backline, but competition between the two continues. Gregan came on in the second half to win a world record 120th cap.
All the backline stars are in outstanding form, particularly flyhalf Stephen Larkham. Cameron Shepherd replaced inside centre Matt Rogers late in the game, overshadowing the incumbent with his intelligence and skill.
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