Wallabies coach Robbie Deans
2012 saw the retirement of two great Australian sporting legends in Nathan Sharpe and Ricky Ponting. They both exemplified what their respective jerseys meant to them, truly the last of the ‘old school’ – gnarled warriors who never took a backward step on the field, whilst maintaining their humility off of it. As the Wallabies closed their 2012 season with a brave, if somewhat slightly fortuitous, victory over the heartbroken Welsh in Cardiff, this game epitomised their season. A mixture of good, blending in with distinctly average. Although one has to appreciate the injuries which Robbie Deans has had to contend with over the international season.
Any team without the likes of Quade Cooper, James O’Connor, James Horwill, David Pocock and Will Genia would have struggled, so perhaps this winter tour should be hailed as an unexpected success.
Areas of improvement
First the subjects which the Wallabies could improve on. Consistency for starters. France utterly decimated Australia in Paris, showing up the Australian scrum in particular, and the Wallabies did well to keep the score line to fewer than 50. To go from humiliation to a stunning victory against the old enemy in England was perplexing to say the least.
Barnes and Beale beavered away beautifully in a tactical master class of keeping the England decision makers guessing with chip kicks and aggressive defence. Michael Hooper showed what a talent he is and the unheralded front five more than held their own up front, with Nathan Sharpe galloping around the paddock like a hyperactive teenager.
Strength in depth is a big concern for Robbie Deans in certain areas of the squad. The front five minus Sharpe looks to be horribly exposed when the British Lions bring over their beasts. Quade Cooper has decided that he is too cool for school in the Wallaby camp so there is little cover for Beale if the latter gets injured. Add in a faltering backline despite the admirable Ashley-
Cooper’s best efforts in covering every position (he would probably do a good job in the pack as well) and Deans will be praying that the Super 15 next year doesn’t bring injuries to key personnel.
However, the emergence of Kurtley Beale as a genuine number 10 is a big bonus. He was immense against England and showed no shortage of courage against Wales with an excellent work rate in defence. Add in popping up for that try, which destroyed Wales at the death.
With O’Connor and Genia back next season, the Wallabies will be more confident of being their usual threatening selves out wide. Hooper, Dennis, Phipps can be given a B+ for stepping up to the grade and the Wallabies have won three very close games, suggesting that they have not lost the knack of winning when it gets ugly. An essential ingredient in series/tournament rugby.
So, a commendable B for the Wallabies with the proviso that there will have to be a considerable improvement if they are to have a chance against the British Lions. Robbie Deans lives to fight another season with remarks about the blunted Wallaby attack still ringing in his ears.
The last word should however go to Nathan Sharpe. It is with massive credit and respect to him that he leaves the biggest stage of them all with the Wallabies desperate for him to continue for another season. With the allure of the Lions, don’t be surprised if the big man makes one last journey of his great career.
[ Source: Australian Times ]