The pressure is on Australia to beat the invitation side the Barbarians in London this Wednesday night December 3 (Thursday morning in Australian time), even though convention calls for both sides to play running rugby.
The Barbarian game should have been the glory that crowned an unblemished northern tour. However, the Welsh spoiled that last Saturday November 29 by defeating the Wallabies 21–18 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The Welsh won the Six Nations this year – the annual competition played between them, England, France, Italy, Ireland and Scotland. They last beat the Wallabies three years ago, but were expected to lose last Saturday night.
Must Win
Now the Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans, must play to win-at-all-costs against the Barbarians. Two losses on the five-match northern tour would be unacceptable, particularly after losing the Tri Nations to New Zealand earlier this year.
Despite the loss, Deans has transformed the Wallabies, giving hope to long-suffering fans. The side has looked vulnerable for several years, even when winning – whereas, the loss to Wales was respectable – even unlucky.
Most significant, was the loss of the Wallaby centre and captain, Stirling Mortlock, in the second minute due to injury. His departure was immediately followed by a try to the international rugby player of the year, Welsh winger Shane Williams.
Eddie Jones
The Wallabies were in a position to win the game on the final whistle after a heroic fight-back that resulted in a try to three-quarter Digby Ioane. However the Welsh held on to be the first side to defeat the Wallabies on this tour.
Interestingly, Wales was also coached by a New Zealander, Warren Gatland, who said the win was needed after his side had lost to the All Blacks and the Springboks, who are also touring.
An interesting aspect of the Barbarian game will be the re-uniting of the Rugby World Cup winning partnership of the South African coach, Jake White, and his assistant, Eddie Jones, a former Wallaby coach.
Jones is a prickly, controversial coach, who would love to defeat his former side, particularly as his reign was dogged by media criticism.
Must Win
Now the Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans, must play to win-at-all-costs against the Barbarians. Two losses on the five-match northern tour would be unacceptable, particularly after losing the Tri Nations to New Zealand earlier this year.
Despite the loss, Deans has transformed the Wallabies, giving hope to long-suffering fans. The side has looked vulnerable for several years, even when winning – whereas, the loss to Wales was respectable – even unlucky.
Most significant, was the loss of the Wallaby centre and captain, Stirling Mortlock, in the second minute due to injury. His departure was immediately followed by a try to the international rugby player of the year, Welsh winger Shane Williams.
Eddie Jones
The Wallabies were in a position to win the game on the final whistle after a heroic fight-back that resulted in a try to three-quarter Digby Ioane. However the Welsh held on to be the first side to defeat the Wallabies on this tour.
Interestingly, Wales was also coached by a New Zealander, Warren Gatland, who said the win was needed after his side had lost to the All Blacks and the Springboks, who are also touring.
An interesting aspect of the Barbarian game will be the re-uniting of the Rugby World Cup winning partnership of the South African coach, Jake White, and his assistant, Eddie Jones, a former Wallaby coach.
Jones is a prickly, controversial coach, who would love to defeat his former side, particularly as his reign was dogged by media criticism.
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