In their first game of this year’s shortened Rugby Championship competition, Australia accomplished a remarkable comeback against South Africa; overcoming a 20-7 deficit at the start of the second half to eventually triumph 24-20 after a last minute Tevita Kurandrani try. The game was played at an amazingly frenetic pace almost throughout, aided by the fact that both sides were led by aggressive running fly half with a flair for the dramatic (in both a positive and negative sense). Following a disappointing set of Autumn Internationals for both sides, there was also plenty of urgency and desperation from both sides in both attack and defence that only added to the already tangible sense of drama. Here are three takeaways from the game from an Australian perspective.
Questions Remain For Australia Despite Impressive Win
1) Comeback highlights increasing experience and maturity: While many analysts were quick to point out after the game that this year’s contest between the two sides had followed a similar pattern to last year’s, with a late Australia try capping an impressive comeback, Saturday’s revival felt more controlled and considered than 10 months ago. Australia built themselves back into the game very effectively, highlighted by the way they were able to control possession and territory while pressurising South Africa when they had the ball. The decision making of captain Stephen Moore (in really his first game in the role) was equally considered, choosing to go for the post shortly after South Africa had stretched their lead to 13 points, rather than overreacting and going for the corner. While experience often something nebulas and intangible that former players and coaches can point to when they have no better explanation for what just happened, Saturday provided a very clear, definite example of how vital it can be in deciding a game and could be crucial for The Wallabies come September.
2) Michael Hooper vindicates selection: Leading up to the Australia’s first game of this international season, much of the chatter was centred around one topic; who would Michael Cheika pick to wear the number 7 jumper. With David Pocock finally back healthy after two lost seasons, and Michael Hooper elevating his play to that of arguably the best flanker in world rugby in the meantime, Cheika was faced with a glorious, seemingly impossible dilemma. In the end he stuck with flaxen-haired whirling dervish who was key in The Waratahs successful 2014 Super Rugby campaign and was rewarded by a typically active, athletic performance. There were the trademark thundering dump-tackles that put South Africa on the back foot, the excellent running lines and bull in a china shop-esque tackle breaking and overall speed, intensity and power that no other forward in world rugby can compete with. Moreover, the knowledge that Hooper can provide both the tackling and ball-carrying most sides look for from their number eight (as well as everything else he gives a team) means Cheika can take a risk and play a more mercurial player like Scott Higginbotham at 8, and while that risk didn’t really come off on Saturday, Hooper’s work also meant it didn’t cost the team too much. Also, bringing Pocock off the bench makes him all the more effective, as he’s fresh while playing against a tiring opposition pack, meaning he has more opportunity to use his prowess at the breakdown.
3) 10/12 axis remains a mystery: The other big talking point leading up to the game was the selection of Quade Cooper over Bernard Foley at fly half and Matt Giteau’s return at inside centre. Australia are blessed with several good options at both positions, while lacking the truly elite options New Zealand enjoy with the likes of Ma’a Nonu. On Saturday both starters had their moments; Giteau smoothly slicing through a Handre Pollard tackle for one of the few clean breaks in the contest, Cooper providing a beautiful inside pass to send Adam Ashley-Cooper under the posts in the first half. However, neither shone enough to silence those asking for the likes of Matt Toomua and Foley to be given a chance; and the likelihood is that both will be given an opportunity to stake their claim for a starting spot in the next month. In fact, the battle for both positions appear doubtful to be solved before The World Cup.
In short then; following a disappointing Autumn, it was important for Australia not only to perform well but to get a victory over a major rugby nation with The World Cup less than two months away. They were able to accomplish both on Saturday and while questions still remain in several areas for Michael Cheika and staff to resolve, they have plenty to build on in the lead up to playing Argentina this weekend.
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