Rugby Union – Northern Tour
The Wallabies beat Italy 30–20 last Saturday November 8 – but already fans are calling for more. They want the beautiful game, the running game, the Australian game.
The new coach, Robbie Deans, has had a reasonable first season, so far – but the Wallabies did loose the Tri Nations and the Bledisloe Cup to New Zealand during the domestic Tests.
Now the fans and the critics are becoming demanding; rebuilding is no longer enough. The last coach, the eminent John Connolly, spent his tenure rebuilding. The same could be said of his predecessor, Eddie Jones, who subsequently found success, winning the last World Cup as assistant coach of South Africa.
Running Game
The flyhalf magician, former Wallaby Mark Ella, made the running-rugby call last week. Connolly, too, said: “I love Mark Ella’s view of the game but ... ”
In beating Italy, the Wallabies showed flashes of brilliance, but only flashes. While the expectations of fans are becoming urgent, one wonders whether the Wallabies are capable of playing the beautiful game. After all, neither Connolly nor Jones was able to deliver.
Coach Deans is better than both of them ... but, the question remains: “Can these Wallabies deliver?” Fans expect that question to be answered in the affirmative in the coming weeks, when the Wallabies will play, in order, England, France, Wales and the invitation side – the Barbarians.
Deans definitely has the credentials. His former Super 14 side, the Canterbury Crusaders from New Zealand, played exactly that style. And won! Further, when he was assistant to the former All Black coach John Mitchell – the current Western Force coach – that side was renowned for running rugby.
But does that mean Deans has the players for a successful running side? He probably does. The brilliant flyhalf Matt Giteau could make most international sides. The inside centre, former league player Berrick Barnes, is a stabilising, disciplined foil to the mercurial Giteau. The centre and captain Stirling Mortlock is a dominating, but ageing player.
However, the rest of the backs have question marks. Some, like three-quarter Lachlan Turner, seem destined to be stars. Other, too, have considerable potential. But potential, like hopes and dreams, can remain unfulfilled. The league convert, Lote Tuqiri, is an outstanding athlete – but he is not quite a master of rugby yet.
Further, the key to all rugby – not just the beautiful game – is the pack, the forwards.
The Wallabies appear deficient here. The front row is being rebuilt – and not much happens without a good front row.
The key forward in running rugby is the openside flanker, the fetcher. Australia has two champions, George Smith and Phil Waugh. However, their salad days may be past them. In the wings waits the talented youngster, David Pocock.
So, much rides on the remaining games of the northern tour. The Wallabies are expected to win all four games, which is a big ask. And, like bullfighters, they are expected to win stylishly. This Sunday November 16, the Wallabies play England, their toughest Test. A loss in London will cast a pall over the entire tour.
The Wallabies know that. The English know that. Expect no quarter.
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