The Wallabies' Nations Championship journey in July was a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving fans with a mix of disappointment and hope. While the team fell short of their initial goals, there were glimmers of brilliance that offer a glint of optimism for the future.
A Series of Contrasts
The series began with a bang, as three sold-out stadiums across Australia witnessed a surge in support for the national rugby side. Sydney's Allianz Stadium buzzed with 35,000+ attendees, while Caxton Street in Brisbane welcomed over 52,000 fans to Suncorp. Perth's HBF Park was also packed with nearly 20,000, painting the city in a sea of blue. This was a testament to the enduring passion for rugby in Australia, even as the team struggled to match the enthusiasm.
The quality of opposition was a significant factor in the Wallabies' struggles. Playing against the third and fourth-ranked sides in the world, Ireland and France, respectively, the Wallabies found themselves on the wrong end of the rankings. Both teams were missing key players, but the Wallabies' inability to capitalize on this was a concern. The fact that these games were played on home soil for the Wallabies only added to the pressure.
The Wallabies' Performance
The Wallabies' performance against Ireland was a tale of two halves. They quickly adapted to Joe Schmidt's game plan, showcasing improved shape, ball movement, and execution. However, penalties and poor discipline in the second half cost them the game. The final score of 31-33 was a tight contest, with both sides making mistakes that cost them the win.
Against France, the Wallabies dominated the first half, but their playmaking woes continued. The introduction of debutant Declan Meredith and the reliance on Ryan Lonergan at halfback didn't quite deliver the desired results. The Wallabies struggled to camp in the French quarter, and their defense was pierced by the dual playmaking stocks of Romain Ntamack and Matthieu Jalibert. The final score of 26-42 was a reflection of the Wallabies' inability to capitalize on their opportunities.
The final game against Italy was a different story. The Wallabies were dominant, with Meredith looking more assured and the team's decision-making and poise improving. The final score of 57-10 was a much-needed relief for the fans and set the stage for Les Kiss' era.
The Four Pillars
Attack: B
The Wallabies' attack was impressive, with 31 points against Ireland, 26 against France, and 57 against Italy. However, they fluffed a few more five-pointers and failed to finish line breaks in all three matches. Their A-zone execution stats will look healthy after proving they can do more with less.
Defence: C
The Wallabies conceded a total of 85 points, while the All Blacks managed to leak just 70. While their tackling percentages were decent, they struggled to deal with the two pivots of France and the killer running lines of Ireland. The points differential of +29 is a decent indicator of where the team is at.
Set Piece: A
The Wallabies' set piece has come on leaps and bounds under Mike Cron and Tom Donnelly. A scrum of 100% across all three matches on their own feed and a lineout averaging 94% across the series is astounding. Winning their own ball on the feed is as good as gold in Test rugby.
Selections: D
The non-selection of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and the failure to bring in at least one other experienced flyhalf when Carter Gordon and Donaldson went down were costly mistakes. The inability to dent the line at times meant the playmakers were often forced to throw passes to forwards who got monstered off slow ball. The capitulation in the second 40 minutes against the French can only be explained as an own-goal.
A Mixed Bag
Overall, the Wallabies' performance in the July Nations Championship was a mixed bag. While they showed promise in certain areas, they also exposed weaknesses that need addressing. The series ended with a C rating, setting the team up for tense clashes with England, Scotland, and Wales in November. However, there is a lot to build on, and as the team farewells Schmidt and Laurie 'the Lord' Fisher, they will feel and know they are heading in the right direction.
The future looks bright for the Wallabies, with Schmidt's legacy setting the foundation for Les Kiss to add finesse and excitement. The team has the attention to detail needed to keep growing, and the selection pool is deeper and wider than at the end of 2023. The journey continues, and the Wallabies will be looking to build on their recent successes.
