The Wallabies will face a tougher French side when the teams meet for the second Test in Brisbane this Saturday July 5 – the Wallabies won the first Test in Sydney last Saturday 34–13.
The French are missing top players who are involved in club finals at home. Consequently, they suffered from poor combinations, which led to squandered opportunities. With an extra week together – and with the tape of the first Test to work on – the French should be more competitive this week.
But then, so will the Wallabies. The Brisbane Test will be their third under new coach Robbie Deans, who is pushing for a return to dynamic, running rugby. This focus follows years of overly structured rugby, which defied both the Wallabies' tradition and the expectations of fans.
New Regime
Given that, the Wallabies have responded well to the Deans regime, though not faultlessly. At times against France, their attack was more hopeful than orchestrated. However, given the score, criticism becomes somewhat academic.
However, if their mistake rate remains high in Brisbane, the Wallabies will be fearful of their chances in their next Test – their Tri Nations opener against the South African Springboks in Perth on July 5. The Africans will be hardened from playing two Tri Nations Tests in New Zealand.
Unfortunately for Australia, both the Springboks and the All Blacks look better than the Wallabies. Both sides are more disciplined and make fewer mistakes.
Against France, the new halfback Luke Burgess was outstanding. He has a complete game. For example, he runs from the base of the scrums and rucks, he kicks well and he provides good ball to his backline. For some reason, possibly his business, he reminds me of the great former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones.
Leading up to the Test, he was given one-on-one tuition by coach Deans and he appeared more confident.
Uncomplicated
Another new player, the Queensland winger Peter Hynes, was outstanding also. He played an uncomplicated game – every time he got the ball he ran as fast and as straight as he could, making unexpected ground, which gave the Wallabies valuable momentum. In fact, his approach is so simple he appears one-dimensional – but he remains unstoppable, which means faultless.
His captain, the centre Stirling Mortlock, is another who runs straight and hard. So Hynes's approach takes pressure off Mortlock and puts pressure on the opposition.
Unfortunately, the star of the backline, flyhalf Matt Giteau, is inclined to run across field. Because of his speed and brilliance, he makes these runs look good – in fact, he scored a crucial try from one. However, what is unseen is how much this inhibits his outside backs, who are left with less space, less time and less structure.
While this habit cost little against the second-string French side, it will prove costly against New Zealand and South Africa. So Giteau's approach in Brisbane will be one signpost to the Wallabies' chances in the Tri Nations.
The much-maligned Wallabies pack held its own against France, which is a pleasing plus. If they can improve this Saturday, they may well become a credible international forward pack. But this remains a question mark.
The Wallabies have two of the best openside flankers in the world – George Smith, who started on Saturday, and Phil Waugh, who was a reserve. Waiting in the wings is the highly rated youngster, David Pocock, from Perth. Though only 20, Pocock has a hard edge that defies his youth.
In fact, the team's backrow of Smith/Waugh, blindside flanker Rocky Elsom and greatly improved No.8 Wycliff Palu are world-class. They will improve under both the coaching of Deans and through improvements to the tight five, which is the front row and the second row.
Aggression
If the tight five gain forward dominance, it will give the backrow the freedom to play a more open game and then they can attack the opposition more aggressively – and all four of the Wallabies loose forwards are aggressive by nature.
Another relatively new player for the Wallabies, Queensland inside centre Berrick Barnes, is strong in both defence and attack. His combination with Giteau and Mortlock is developing. It will be crucial to the Wallabies' chances in the Tri Nations, where he will meet players like Ma'a Nonu from New Zealand, a human wrecking ball who is in the form of his career.
The star winger, Lote Tuqiri, went off injured in the first half. He is an exceptional athlete, but he has flaws in his game, which need to be addressed.
Lock Nathan Sharpe towered over the game, as is his habit. He is the cornerstone on which the pack is built and his presence is crucial to the Wallabies' hopes.
Though the scoreboard suggests the French are weak, this is somewhat illusory. They play with flair and toughness, which means the Wallabies will be at risk if they relax. However, this is unlikely.
Rookie French winger Alexis Palisson made confident pre-match predictions about his clash with Tuqiri – and he lived up to his claims, scoring one try and stepping around Tuqiri with casual ease. As well, the Caveman, long-haired, loose forward Sebastien Chabal will improve. He was a late call-up to the under-strength side and looked a game short of Test match form. He will want to impress in Brisbane, which will worry many Wallabies. In form, he is a devastating defender and attacker.
Like the Wallabies, the French have a new coach, Marc Lievremont. And like Wallabies coach Deans, he favours running rugby. So if everything goes to plan, the Brisbane Test on Saturday will showcase the two great running sides in international rugby.
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