The Wallabies

[Twodogs]

Re: The Wallabies

Someone must have signed off on Jones' approach otherwise why give him 5 years? If they didn't discuss an approach then the administrators are negligent. If they did discuss and approved the approach then they are cowards.

I can't see how a professional sports organisation would allow a head coach to adopt a youth policy without some tacit agreement to the approach.

I think he's been shafted!

Do you reckon it's too late to ask about replaying our World Cup group matches to see if we can at least get out of the Group stage with whoever will be the new coach?

[FrediKanoute]

Fast forward 2 years and the 2023 World Cup woes seem to be fading. A creditable Autumn campaign in Europe which saw 2 wins and 2 losses gave a glimmer of hope that the Joe Schmidt influence was beginning to take shape. Followed by a home Lions tour which despite what many in the British Press had down as an Ashes style white wash turned into a contest decided in the end by a couple of questionable calls. Aside from the 1st half of the first game the Wallabies were more than competitive and at times dominant.

A win at Ellis park against the Spingbok's proved the Lions tour wasn't a flash in the pan. A loss in Cape Town whilst disappointing was competitive and could have been different but for James O'Connor's boot not be accurate. Fears of a revert to type performance against the Pumas were averted by a 2nd half performance that was classy and showed real grit and nerve. The decision to twice kick to the corner in injury time and a refusal to take the 3 points which would only have gotten a draw a testament to the confidence that is ebbing through this Wallabies side. Make no mistake, the Puma's are a good team and Saturday's win is right up there.

The team is much better balanced than 2 years ago. No longer reliant on a aging core of Hooper, Beale, White etc the team has a great blend of experience and youth, strength and pace, able to mange the game through difficult periods. The imergence of Jorgenson, Lynagh, Suaalii and Piestch, is exciting. Wilson the number 8 leads from the front and the team has much better balance. It's been able to cover injuries to key players like Tom Wright and the loss of Skelton back to the French leagues. A Huge part of the most recent success has been James OConnor's return to the Wallabies team. The fly half that could have been, at 35 he is showing his class and experience when the Wallabies need it most.