Australia’s Wallabies rugby team staggered out of their match against the world champions, South Africa’s Springboks, having suffered a crushing 33-7 defeat. Despite riding high under shiny new coaching from Joe Schmidt and a strong past performance record at their home ground, the Suncorp Stadium, the Aussies had walked onto the pitch with an air of silent sureness. Yet, they were drastically outplayed by South Africa’s springboks.
Australia’s rugby team found the match a haunting experience, leaving significant wounds behind. Springboks, under the leadership of Rassie Erasmus gave the Wallabies a harsh crash course in the fundamentals of rugby. Whether in the offense, defence, or endeavours at set-pieces, the Wallabies were continually outclassed. The final results played no favours to either team, as the South African team was also notably not playing at their peak.
Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies’ coach, in his post-match review termed the severe beating at the hands of the reigning champs as a learning occurrence. He identified experience and morale as the critical elements that differentiated the teams. According to Schmidt, the South African team is much more advanced in its journey, with many of its players having long time experience and multiple successes at the highest levels of rugby. On the other hand, he described the Wallabies as a youthful, developing team that still needs to grow together and learn to tackle the South African challenge.
For Wallabies to stand any chance in the imminent test, Schmidt needs to embed discipline and energy within the team rapidly. Australia’s triumphs against the rugby teams of Wales (ranked 11) and Georgia (ranked 12), which both had scored 28 or more points against them, masked major Wallabies’ weaknesses. These waenesses were mercilessly exploited by the Springboks who displayed more vigor and strength, running for a more considerable distance, and missed fewer tackles despite having a slightly higher number of carries.
The most alarming performance indicators were the 15 penalties the Australian team incurred and the 33 points they allowed. Despite the statistics showing Wallabies handled their scrum and lineout reasonably well, the Springboks overpowered them to great effect. Had it not been for try-saving tackles by Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, and Rob Valetini, the Springboks’ victory margin would have probably been more than 50 points.
One of the major concerns for the Wallabies was their weak offensive efforts, with coach Schmidt himself overseeing. Scrum-halves Noah Lolesio and Jake Gordon executed premature, frequent and ineffective kicks, thus preventing their centres and back three from significantly influencing the early stages of the game. The Wallabies only managed to score points during the 75th minute when it had virtually no consequence.
Now, it is time for reflection and recovery.
The focus is on how Schmidt will revive his shaken young team for the impending rematch happening over the weekend at Optus Stadium in Perth. This location is famed for a strong South African fan following, far surpassing what was witnessed at Suncorp. The hurdle here isn’t just physical; it equally tests mental strength and will be a significant examination for both the coaches and players of Australia.
The scrum led by Mike Cron needs to regain its momentum after a disappointing performance in Brisbane, while Geoff Parling’s lineout was embarrassingly upset by Springbok’s unconventional tactics. With players like Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams sidelined due to concussions, Taniela Tupou in Tonga for his father’s funeral, and Allan Allalatoa noticeably off-form, immediate fixes are needed in Australia’s engine room.
Emerging Reds players Josh Canham and Angus Blyth, Force heavyweights Tom Robertson and Sam Carter, are likely to be deployed for support, along with Tigers fanatic Tom Hooper. Star Waratah Angus Bell’s performance remains uncertain due to a shaky foot, but he should play if his health permits. After a flawless debut performance with twenty tackles, Carlo Tizzano is deserving of another opportunity.
The backline also seems impacted. Filipo Daugunu, with his fibula fractured, is certain to miss the subsequent five Test matches. Marika Koroibete, the double recipient of the John Eales medal and a formidable adversary, was unprepared for the initial test but should be employed as an asset in the upcoming one. Jake Gordon’s speedily executed passes and bold tackling tactic should preserve his half-back position.
Out of all the issues Schmidt is facing, the most formidable could be his decision on who would be the Wallabies’ playmaker. After 21 fluctuating Test performances, Lolesio’s self-confidence appears significantly damaged after the match at Suncorp. Given that Carter Gordon has shifted to the NRL, Ben Donaldson’s inadequate performance against Georgia, and veteran James O’Connor being disregarded, Schmidt might have to consider extreme solutions.
Joe Schmidt is well aware of the significant talents of Reds’ youngest player, Tom Lynagh, in addition to acknowledging his tender age. Despite being only 21, Lynagh is known for his maturity, audacity, and remarkable ability to strategize on the pitch, qualities he has shown in abundance since transitioning from Italy to the Reds at the tender age of 18. In the shadow of his father, Michael Lynagh, who boasted an impressive 72 Test games with a record-breaking 911 points at the time, Tom Lynagh has steadily grown into a promising talent.
Schmidt has been cautious, introducing Lynagh gradually, allowing him to participate in only two Test matches so far. However, the sparks of potential Lynagh has exhibited require nurturing in order to shine even more resplendently. Following the revelation of Wallabies’ lag behind the global standard, the time might indeed be ripe to gamble on promoting the up-and-coming generation. A suggestion has been floated to propel Tom into the thick of action, predicting that he could dramatically ignite the game.