Fresh from last year’s successful retention of the Rugby World Cup, the Boks rounded off their 13-game 2024 season with a comfortable 45-12 win in Wales last Saturday.
Australian defence is not improving at the same rate as its attack, and Scotland’s lethal midfield axis exposed the flaws.
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Tim Horan believes the Wallabies have already hit the pass mark that many set of them before the Spring Tour. Australia got the better of England and Wales before falling to Scotland, but Horan insists the men in gold will be hungry for a third win.
The Wallabies started their new era under coach Joe Schmidt with three wins from as many matches during the July international window, but things took a turn during The Rugby Championship as they suffered five losses from six fixtures.
Australia’s only win during TRC was a dramatic 20-19 win away to Argentina. While they showed signs of promise in their opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, it seemed the Wallabies had firmed as likely underdogs before most of their four November Tests.
But there was a genuine rugby buzz in Australia after the Wallabies’ stunning 42-37 win over England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, with winger Max Jorgensen gliding down the left edge to score the match-winning try in the 84th minute of that all-time classic Test.
The Wallabies kept their grand slam hopes alive with a dominant win over Wales a week later in Cardiff, but those dreams were dashed last time out by Scotland at Murrayfield. But not all is lost with the Aussies still eager to end their year with a win over Test heavyweights Ireland.
“I think considering where the Wallabies were prior to this tour, and a lot of people were saying just win two games and that’s a pass mark for the Wallabies and Joe Schmidt, I think they’d like to get three now,” Horan said on Stan Sports’ Rugby Heaven.
“The momentum that they’ve got, the style of game, the brand of rugby they’re playing, I think that’s what’s re-engaged the rugby public at the moment.”
When Dave Rennie was coaching the Wallabies, the visitors came close to knocking off Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium before falling to a narrow 13-10 defeat. That was the last meeting between the two sides, and that was Ireland’s third win on the bounce over Australia.
The Wallabies’ last win over the Irish was on 9 June 2018, at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. But fans have to look back a fair bit further in the history books to find Australia’s last win over the Irish at the Aviva Stadium, which was a 26-23 triumph on 16 November 2013.
Last 5 Meetings
Ireland have since emerged as one of the teams to beat in international rugby, with the All Blacks knocking them off top spot on World Rugby’s men’s rankings earlier this month. South Africa is now in pole position, but the Irish aren’t too far behind in second place.
Once again, the Wallabies are considered by many to be the underdogs for this weekend’s Test, but the players themselves aren’t counting themselves out. As world-class openside flanker Fraser McReight discussed, ending the season on a high is a big focus for this team.
“There’s nothing better than finishing, four of five weeks away from home now, with a win. We did it two years ago in Cardiff and it’s a great way to finish off the Wallabies’ season,” McReight explained in a Stan Sport interview.
“For us, it’s about really just not thinking about anything else but the Irish game this Saturday. It’s one more week, we’re putting in the effort everywhere we can whether that’s training detail or watching footage.
“Being narrowed focus for one more week, get the job done, and then we’ll go from there.”
Go behind the scenes of both camps during the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. Binge watch exclusively on RugbyPass TV now
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Australian defence is not improving at the same rate as its attack, and Scotland’s lethal midfield axis exposed the flaws.
A dozen players have established themselves as the heart of the Australia team through to the 2027 RWC.
The understated Munster and Ireland backrow has exemplified excellence on both sides of the ball and is officially one of the world’s best
You also have France, Ireland, England and NZ all selecting from their own domestic comps. Thats 4 of the top 5 teams in the world who practice this same selection policy. Seems like perhaps it works.
You also have France, Ireland, England and NZ all selecting from their own domestic comps. Thats 4 of the top 5 teams in the world who practice this same selection policy. Seems like perhaps it works.
Lots of things got worse when Richie got the 10 jersey.
Lots of things got worse when Richie got the 10 jersey.
Millar, Cameron, Dmac, BB, Perofeta, Love, Jacomb, Simpson…… Who isnt better than Mounga?
Whats Mounga done at test level other than lose the big ones? Name it or you claim the title of fool.
Millar, Cameron, Dmac, BB, Perofeta, Love, Jacomb, Simpson…… Who isnt better than Mounga?
Whats Mounga done at test level other than lose the big ones? Name it or you claim the title of fool.
Mounga is the All Blacks best hope at World Cup glory .
Just like 2019 and 2023? How many more years must we waste on this bloke before you see he isnt what you think he is?
Mounga is the All Blacks best hope at World Cup glory .
Just like 2019 and 2023? How many more years must we waste on this bloke before you see he isnt what you think he is?
We need Dmac. BB is too old and Mounga just doesnt have the brains to manage the All Blacks. ( as proven in 55 tests ) 2 years isnt going to change what we have seen for 5 years now.
We need Dmac. BB is too old and Mounga just doesnt have the brains to manage the All Blacks. ( as proven in 55 tests ) 2 years isnt going to change what we have seen for 5 years now.
Only 1 is still young enough to be a test player tho and thats over a 5 year period, so Im not seeing a problem.
Only 1 is still young enough to be a test player tho and thats over a 5 year period, so Im not seeing a problem.
Mounga struggled. Just leave it at that. If we havnt seen Moung's best after 55 plus tests and 5 years of BS why would that all of a sudden turn around?
Mounga struggled. Just leave it at that. If we havnt seen Moung's best after 55 plus tests and 5 years of BS why would that all of a sudden turn around?
Thats the only 2 tho. And neither was a superstar….. Mounga has never claimed the 10 and Frizell was a hit and miss many times. Sititi is already a better 6 than him. Most 28-29yo Test players are reaching their peak and definately hanging around for more ABs jumpers.
Thats the only 2 tho. And neither was a superstar….. Mounga has never claimed the 10 and Frizell was a hit and miss many times. Sititi is already a better 6 than him. Most 28-29yo Test players are reaching their peak and definately hanging around for more ABs jumpers.
The backline problems are the coaching staffs issues not the players issues. A battle plan followed by the 10 is not the 10s fault if it fails. Razor is failing in his backs battle plan. Do they have a backs coach? Dmac, BB etc do not kick 30 times of their own idea's, they do that under instruction. The instruction is off. Dmac made the most try assists in pro rugby ( Test and Domestic) this year with 60. Thats not someone who cant run a game or runs sideways hoping. And he has taken it to the line on many of those try assist occasions.
The backline problems are the coaching staffs issues not the players issues. A battle plan followed by the 10 is not the 10s fault if it fails. Razor is failing in his backs battle plan. Do they have a backs coach? Dmac, BB etc do not kick 30 times of their own idea's, they do that under instruction. The instruction is off. Dmac made the most try assists in pro rugby ( Test and Domestic) this year with 60. Thats not someone who cant run a game or runs sideways hoping. And he has taken it to the line on many of those try assist occasions.
If a country think club rugby is more important than a WC, then they don't deserve it to win a WC. Change the club competition, shorten the season, but understand that clubs is not the priority. It is important for the A team to build together as a team and come and win three consecutive difficult games. Only then you can win a WC.
If a country think club rugby is more important than a WC, then they don't deserve it to win a WC. Change the club competition, shorten the season, but understand that clubs is not the priority. It is important for the A team to build together as a team and come and win three consecutive difficult games. Only then you can win a WC.
There are plenty of young guys coming thru in the 10 position. Perofeta, Jacomb, Millar, Cameron, Love, Simpson, Trask…even Sullivan.
Razor will never know if any of them are good until he tries them. The NZXV team showed a lot of promise and beat Georgia…No mean feat.
Going backwards is not the way forward.
I think a completely new centre paring is more crucial at the moment as the ball seems to stop with these guys. JB is not a 12 but he is a very good rugby player so just keeps getting picked there. Guys like Aumua, Lam, Proctor, Higgins, Poihipi. Tupaea, are quality and should be tried. Razor is too conservative so far.
There are plenty of young guys coming thru in the 10 position. Perofeta, Jacomb, Millar, Cameron, Love, Simpson, Trask…even Sullivan.
Razor will never know if any of them are good until he tries them. The NZXV team showed a lot of promise and beat Georgia…No mean feat.
Going backwards is not the way forward.
I think a completely new centre paring is more crucial at the moment as the ball seems to stop with these guys. JB is not a 12 but he is a very good rugby player so just keeps getting picked there. Guys like Aumua, Lam, Proctor, Higgins, Poihipi. Tupaea, are quality and should be tried. Razor is too conservative so far.
What do you mean strength? If you mean depth and development of talent I strongly disagree. Having foreign based player selection forces the local clubs and provinces to build depth and grow talent to fill the vacancies of international players. It also gives the new talent more opportunities to get blooded earlier. Eg Do you think the half backs for the Canes last year would have got more game time or less if TJ and Roigard were playing overseas in the top14 vs stayed local.
It's not the players role to build capacity, it's the coaches and club's responsibility. Why would forcing players to stay local grow capacity?
What do you mean strength? If you mean depth and development of talent I strongly disagree. Having foreign based player selection forces the local clubs and provinces to build depth and grow talent to fill the vacancies of international players. It also gives the new talent more opportunities to get blooded earlier. Eg Do you think the half backs for the Canes last year would have got more game time or less if TJ and Roigard were playing overseas in the top14 vs stayed local.
It's not the players role to build capacity, it's the coaches and club's responsibility. Why would forcing players to stay local grow capacity?
Its the experience at performing under very different circumstances and being together for 4 weeks that gives the benifit come WC time.
Its the experience at performing under very different circumstances and being together for 4 weeks that gives the benifit come WC time.
Moffat. What a Sideshow Bob. He did more to ostracise grass roots supporters than a 12 loss streak. The sun will eventually shine but an Antipodean slagging off another Antipodean is not news. RP, please stop with these clickbait articles. Nothing said by anybody of note. "He said" , and then "he said" again. Yawn.
Moffat. What a Sideshow Bob. He did more to ostracise grass roots supporters than a 12 loss streak. The sun will eventually shine but an Antipodean slagging off another Antipodean is not news. RP, please stop with these clickbait articles. Nothing said by anybody of note. "He said" , and then "he said" again. Yawn.
I think the lack of touring time together for the top guys shows when the pressure comes on in uncomfortable ( away ) circumstances. Learning to adapt quickly and alter game plans etc comes from touring together. France have always been an inconsistant side but these tours with a B team are increasing that inconsistancy.
I think the lack of touring time together for the top guys shows when the pressure comes on in uncomfortable ( away ) circumstances. Learning to adapt quickly and alter game plans etc comes from touring together. France have always been an inconsistant side but these tours with a B team are increasing that inconsistancy.
Well thats Frances decision not to send their best players and ultimately its France that suffers. They arnt good enough to win a WC because they dont play for 5 weeks on end with there top guys. They all need a rest after 2 weeks.
Well thats Frances decision not to send their best players and ultimately its France that suffers. They arnt good enough to win a WC because they dont play for 5 weeks on end with there top guys. They all need a rest after 2 weeks.
How exactly does it cause dilution of competition? What are you basing this off? Can't think of a single comp that has suffered from foreign player selection but plenty have from rigid selection rules.
The article talks about the conveyor belt that keeps producing star quality but if we let them go overseas all the sudden the conveyor belt stops?
Also just because you don't allow international players selection doesn't mean they stop going overseas. Did the fact Mounga, Barrett, Frizell, Aki and Lowe leaving dilute the competition? If so then you are no worse off than you would be making them eligible for ABs
How exactly does it cause dilution of competition? What are you basing this off? Can't think of a single comp that has suffered from foreign player selection but plenty have from rigid selection rules.
The article talks about the conveyor belt that keeps producing star quality but if we let them go overseas all the sudden the conveyor belt stops?
Also just because you don't allow international players selection doesn't mean they stop going overseas. Did the fact Mounga, Barrett, Frizell, Aki and Lowe leaving dilute the competition? If so then you are no worse off than you would be making them eligible for ABs
I think both Mounga and Razor perform a lot better at SR level than the step up to test level. Both seem to struggle at test level. Can only hope Razor improves but Mounga is 100% not the answer.
I think both Mounga and Razor perform a lot better at SR level than the step up to test level. Both seem to struggle at test level. Can only hope Razor improves but Mounga is 100% not the answer.
Very frustrating to watch the lack of focus by many players in those clips. At one point in the next to last video #23 turns his back and casually trots off towards the wing. Then looks surprised when the action happens without him.
The whole defence looks poor and we need a better defence coach.
Very frustrating to watch the lack of focus by many players in those clips. At one point in the next to last video #23 turns his back and casually trots off towards the wing. Then looks surprised when the action happens without him.
The whole defence looks poor and we need a better defence coach.
1. Nah..not really a diehard Chiefs fan. I am disillusioned with SR full stop. I find more pleasure in Mooloo footy with its century of traditions. 2. I seriously dont think any one player from o/seas would have changed the outcomes in this last season. Other sides are now just as good or better than us.
1. Nah..not really a diehard Chiefs fan. I am disillusioned with SR full stop. I find more pleasure in Mooloo footy with its century of traditions. 2. I seriously dont think any one player from o/seas would have changed the outcomes in this last season. Other sides are now just as good or better than us.
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