Eighteen-year-old utility back, James O’Connor, stared as the Wallabies finished their northern tour with an 18–11 victory over the invitation side, the Barbarians, in London last Wednesday night December 3.
He has been the find of the tour, although the Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau fulfilled his extraordinary potential to prove he is one of the great, current players. His starring role may work against the Wallabies, though, as he has received a $10 million dollar offer to play in France for four years.
He is still under contract with the Australian Rugby Union – and he has said that he wants to continue with the Wallabies. However, he is owed money by his Super 14 side, the Western Force, so his view of contracts may be jaundiced.
Tour success
The tour has been viewed as a success. And it was. New coach Robbie Deans has given the Wallabies confidence in themselves, which has manifested in their performances. And it shows in the international rankings – the Wallabies are third behind South Africa and the dominant All Blacks.
However, in the factional, provincial world of Australian rugby, nobody has universal support. And the anti-Deans people can take something from the tour as well. For example, the tour record earns no more that a pass – six games; four wins; two losses.
As well, two of the wins were lucky: The first, against lowly Italy. The second, against France, who would have won if simple goals had been kicked.
Player turnover
As well, the blooding of young players like O’Connor will be matched by the loss of players like the outstanding blindside flanker Rocky Elsom. As well, three of the stars of the side are in the twilight of their careers. They are the openside flankers George Smith and Phil Waugh and the centre and captain Stirling Mortlock.
That means the Wallaby playing ranks could be gutted next season, particularly if Giteau moves north; $10 million is a staggering offer. If that happens, the “re-building”, which has been happening for several years now, will continue.
Of Australia’s Tri-Nations series rivals, South Africa and New Zealand also toured the northern hemisphere. All three teams proved that southern hemisphere rugby is streets ahead of the north. The All Black coach Graham Henry said the hiring of high-profile players from the south, like Giteau, was a major factor.
He said the northern clubs wanted quick results, but the price was a lack of local player development. The immediate-past Wallaby coach John Connolly, who coached in England, agrees.
