While some might be quick to suggest Australia needs to put 2014 aside and focus on the upcoming season, no Test nation has as many potential improvements and as a consequence the prospective growth potential for the Wallabies excites.
Michael Cheika took over midyear but any who thought his success with the Waratahs would quickly translate to the national setup were sadly mistaken as the significant gap between Super Rugby and the Test arena was proved again.
There is plenty to like even if the old issue of the scrum reared its head, especially out wide, where man for man there is nothing to suggest that the Wallabies backline couldn’t become the world’s glamour division in time for the Webb Ellis trophy.
The good, bad and ugly of the year…
Good:
Henry Speight has finally made his Australian Test debut giving the Wallabies some genuine power in the rear, especially alongside the likes of Tevita Kuridrani. One could dryly suggest that if the forward pack can match their mates out wide, this could be the making of a very very good side.
Bad:
One of the core principals of Cheika’s success with New South Wales was abrasive and direct forwards supplying production line quality ball to their outside troops. Jacques Potgieter for example is Waratahs forward that Australia simply doesn’t possess right now – such mongrel will be wanted in 2015.
Ugly:
In the same way that New Zealand forwards skills in passing the ball is in their DNA, perhaps losing confidence when scrumming in England is in the Australians. The Wallabies have never had the best forwards in the game, but they have often had the smartest. Yet the big men in gold are getting beaten on both fronts. We anxiously await Cheika’s flagged changes.
Best players: While there may have been some concerns over Michael Hooper’s captaincy, a young man still learning his craft, his pure rugby ability is special. Maybe too much so as often Hooper seems to be ahead of his team-mates. Israel Folau was considered the Wallabies flagship attacking weapon but was worked out by some of the hungrier defences. Such a champion will want to reimpose himself next year.
Tactical overview: There are already slight changes although when Ewen McKenzie tweaked the Wallabies running attack for his last game as coach, the ball was set in motion. Cheika will demand more from his forwards but the backs are running from deep and with purpose. If the Australian pack starts being able to boss their rivals at the ruck, it will be easier for the side’s abundant backline riches to be unleashed. Too many times in Europe the men out wide stood idly.
Biggest strength: Remains that larrikin attitude that even the All Blacks fear when that rump slapping gets in motion. The Wallabies are a confidence team and are down on that, even if some perspective could help. Some big talking from the team this season was not backed up on the field. If Australia comes into 2015 with some swagger and some sparkle in their eye, the world will be on notice.
Potential work-on: Working out the absolute best fifteen players who would take on the world’s finest in a Webb Ellis knockout match. The Wallabies depth has not received the credit it is due, with Robbie Deans and McKenzie both failing to gain recognition for the sheer amount of new players introduced. But returning stars present even more questions? It is difficult to remember a time when the Australian rugby selection stable was so stacked.
Next season? Will be immensely intriguing as Cheika, unique in world rugby, will be working full time as a Super Rugby mentor while his other Test coaches pour over footage while putting together their master plans.
The beginning of the year will be a fine starting point. The Waratahs are champions, the Brumbies are in good health, and the Force are on the rise while the Reds glamour signings of James O’Connor and Karmichael Hunt will be watched.
The trick will be for Cheika to keep in dialogue with his potentially chosen 31, for his busy schedule may detract from the careful man-on-man planning required for a side to be successful at the World Cup. But while results may not spawn hope, the pedigree of the coach and the depth of players available is enough to produce a world class outfit – but is there enough time?
