Photo Courtesy of stuff.co.nz
It appears that the Australian Rugby Side are blaming all and sundry for their losses (6 on the bounce) except themselves. If I may, let me add my tuppence.
The Wallabies were competitive in the World Cup Final but not there in the dying stages of the game. I don’t think a scratchy performance against the Scots is worth mentioning – pool games and quarter finals are a tricky business at the best of times as we All Black die-hards know. They were routed by the Poms in three tests – having started with gusto and vigour – they let the men in white drown them. Then to Sydney where they met an All Black side intent on making defence look silly. The Stephen Moore led side was truly awful. And, a week later in Wellington they were blown off the pitch again by an imperfect All Black team 4 tries to nil. Why?
They have come up against two of the best sides in the world and come second. No real shame there, but the manner of defeat is a large concern. Stephen Moore has been gracious in defeat and admitted to his team simply not being up to scratch and meeting teams that just played better. The Wallabies problem? Michael Cheika.
He has blamed everyone except himself for the losses. He blames Steve Hansen for meeting with the referee. He blames the All Blacks for being too competitive (paraphrasing of course). I don’t think even once he has said him or his team are to blame. I could be wrong.
Eddie Jones won 6 tests out of 13 against the All Blacks and was given the boot. Now has the resume highlights of guiding Japan to victory over the Springboks and taking an English side to his homeland and beating it senseless. I see even Rob Kafer is saying the referees are biased against the Wallabies.
The first Bledisloe game in Sydney started Scott Fardy on the bench. This abrasive and skilled loose forward would make most teams in the world and wouldn’t necessarily look out of place in an All Black Jersey. To leave him out – you want your head read mate. Last Saturday in Wellington he and the team brought some niggle and aggression to the party but to do that against a team who is renowned for such things is probably and was, futile. At one point later in the game, Israel Folau cut through and should have scored. He didn’t. Nick Phipps, with his boot throwing arm, dropped it over the line. This points to a question of confidence. Confidence in what they’re doing and where they fit in terms of the opposition. Ben Smith would’ve scored that try because of his confidence and belief in his ability.
A great coach instils a feeling of confidence within the side – Michael Cheika gives his side only confidence that he will blame some other bastard for the downfall. My hope is that they will rid themselves of Cheika and get Eddie Jones back into the mix, or, someone with ability to “coach”. We need the Aussies to be great to continue being the great side we are. How do we know if we are any good at the moment? We don’t – the opposition coach keeps giving us the ball.
Peace
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