The Australian rugby squad, known as the Wallabies, is starting to display promising signs of improvement, according to coach Joe Schmidt. Evidence of the new era of Australian rugby delivering on its promise appeared in the 13th minute, with the Wallabies firmly positioned inside Wales’ 22. A few minutes earlier, Filipo Daugunu achieved a spectacular try involving a considerable pitch stretch, individual talent, a high-risk action and a lucky ball bounce. Though impressive, it’s not the type of play that meticulous Schmidt would appreciate frequently.
Schmidt, rather, values the play that occurred shortly after, viewing it as an indication of his project beginning to yield results. Utilising a penalty advantage and within reach of the Welsh goal line, Australia chose to keep it close, cycling through 22 phases. Jake Gordon provided tidy passes to the runners off his shoulder, obliging the Welsh defenders to repetitively tackle. This play style, hallmark of Schmidt’s strategy, contributed to his three Six Nations victories with Ireland and two European Championships with Leinster. Even though a fumble by James Slipper, the captain in his 136th Test, did occur, the game’s momentum favoured Australia. Additional three points were secured with the help of Noah Lolesio’s kick.
Not often seen as attractive characteristics to young players more interested in other types of football, pragmatism, accuracy and efficiency are qualities that can lead to winning Test matches. Exactly these traits, which were missing from the Wallabies’ game leading to an all-time low performance, have made a comeback with two consecutive victories─ a first in three years, signalling progress. Nevertheless, coach Schmidt still has work to do in eradicating all the team’s shortcomings which were closer to that of elephant skin than a rugby team not too long ago. Particularly, the defence against the maul demands extensive enhancement, especially considering forthcoming Rugby Championship matches against South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina.
Disorder and misconduct during the breakdown must be rigorously addressed. Nonetheless, there seems to be progress in other areas and the team has shown its ability to play Schmidt’s endurance game that values persistence over showiness.
However, hold your worries, purists. The new coach hasn’t completely discarded all previous approaches. Australian rugby is rooted in dynamism and, assuming his players have not rejected direct instructions, they’ve indicated they still hold the capacity to excite. Marrying their intrinsic attacking fervour with a newfound hardiness might mean the British & Irish Lions series next year could be less of a humiliation than anticipated by many.
The team’s impressive roster of athletes, capable of setting the field alight even in difficult conditions, certainly aids in this endeavour. Daugunu’s first try was a result of bold and hazardous action by Andrew Kellaway, who chose to keep the ball in action when a safer choice would have been to send it out from far within his own 22. His brave pursuit and recovery allowed the move to persist, setting up Fraser McReight to release Daugunu on his right.
A Welsh mistake enabled Gordan to score a try, as did Daugunu who gambled on a seemingly futile situation and benefitted from skilled play by Liam Williams. Daugunu took advantage of the Welsh winger’s athletic jump that left Lolesio’s penalty unable to reach touch, swooping in and seizing the loose ball for what eventually turned out to be a crucial score.
Schmidt may not consider these plays as his focus, but he’s willing to accept them. Winning is the ultimate aim, and the means to achieve it, at this point, is irrelevant.
Reflecting on the Springboks’ triumphant journey to the 2019 World Cup, coach Rassie Erasmus stated the need to “keep the main thing the main thing” – winning rugby games. The additional aspects, like easing racial strife and providing joy to those in need, would follow in due course, stemming from their victories on the field.
Unlike the Springboks in their homeland, the Wallabies do not carry the same weight of cultural value in Australia. They lack the equivalent of the symbolic relationship shared between Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar. A similar tale to Siya Kolisi’s rise from poverty to sporting excellence remains absent. Rugby union is often disparaged in Australia, considered somewhat of an insignificant sport desperately holding on to relevance. It would be wrong to say it possesses the ability to unite the country.
Nevertheless, this current lineup of Wallabies harbours goals that extend beyond their playing field. The responsibility lies on them to elevate interest in the sport, attract spectators and rekindle national pride in a jersey that was once donned by captains of two World Cup victories. They’re tasked to appreciate the loyalty of their devoted followers during the tough times and persuade others to re-join the fold.
Providing entertainment is beneficial, but securing victories resonates much stronger. Due to Schmidt’s influence, the primary focus may indeed remain the same in the near term.