Wallabies beat Lions but are left to reflect on what could've been
Such a victory can boost morale, while providing relief from the humiliation of another defeat.
Conversely, they can also act as a reminder of what could've been.
For the Wallabies, in their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions, it should be the latter.
While the 22-12 triumph over the British and Lions in the third and final Test in Sydney meant they avoided a series whitewash, the result will also make them reflect on missed opportunities.
The Wallabies offered up a meek performance in the first Test, which they lost 27-19 in Brisbane.
They were dominated in the collisions on both sides of the ball and sorely missed the physicality of injured forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton.
At one stage, the Wallabies trailed 24-5 and only added respectability to the scoreline after the Lions effectively put the cue in the rack, knowing their opponents were already beaten.
The shoe was on the other foot the following week in Melbourne, with the Wallabies producing a largely clinical display in the opening 30 minutes to establish a 23-5 lead.
As much as the Jac Morgan-Carlo Tizzano incident in the final minute of play was cited as the trigger for the Wallabies' downfall, the failure to protect their scoreboard advantage underpinned the 29-26 defeat to the Lions at the MCG.
It wasn't a skill deficiency or poor match fitness that allowed the Lions back into the contest, rather the Wallabies' lack of confidence as a squad conspired against them.
They didn't appear to have the self-belief required to put the Lions to the sword.
The second Test loss isn't an isolated event in this regard, as the Wallabies have coughed up sizeable leads during their barren Bledisloe Cup run since handing over the silverware to the All Blacks in 2003.
If the Wallabies are to become a World Cup contender again, they must rediscover the ability to land the knockout punch when they have teams on the ropes.
Player depth is another concern, although to coach Joe Schmidt's credit he's made an effort to address the issue, having handed 19 players Test debuts in 2024.
But world-class depth is elusive at this stage, as the Lions series illustrated.
Yes, there are positions where it could be argued the Wallabies go at least two deep in terms of Test-standard players, such as openside flanker, where Fraser McReight and Tizzano are available.
But the Wallabies' options are limited in other positions, most notably fly-half.
Tom Lynagh showed potential against the Lions, but he wasn't in the same class as Finn Russell, who expertly steered the tourists' attack wearing the 10 jersey.
The Wallabies next face the two-time defending world champion Springboks in back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa, beginning in a fortnight.
Where Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is selected may be of interest, as there is debate about whether the ex-Sydney Rooster should be shifted from outside centre to wing.
If Suaalii's moves out one spot, Hunter Paisami may be recalled to the midfield, allowing Len Ikitau to return to his preferred position at outside centre.
Would Schmidt consider a left-field option such as using Ikitau's Brumbies teammate David Feliuai at inside centre, given their effectiveness as a combination in Super Rugby Pacific?
Perhaps that would be throwing caution to the wind, but the Rugby Championship does give Schmidt the opportunity to look at fresh faces across some positions.
It would be a shock if the likes of the uncapped Ryan Lonergan and Joe Brial aren't on his radar when it comes to naming his wider squad.
Bob Dwyer famously used the Wallabies' 2-1 series loss to the Lions in 1989 to take stock of what his squad lacked two years out from a World Cup.
Realising there were players not — or no longer — of Test quality, he ushered in eight debutants in the Wallabies' next two internationals against the All Blacks and France, including 1991 World Cup heroes Tony Daly, Phil Kearns, Rod McCall, Tim Horan and Jason Little.
Schmidt, who will be replaced in his role by Les Kiss next year, isn't expected to participate in any bloodletting.
But like Dwyer did 36 years ago, he needs to assess whether the current squad is comprised of players that will be a chance of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup when Australia hosts the World Cup in 2027.
The Lions series won't just provide lessons for the Wallabies, as Australian rugby as a whole needs to learn how it can improve.
There must be takeaways for the semi-professional and grassroot levels of the game, which will hopefully benefit from the financial windfall the cash-strapped Rugby Australia will enjoy from the tour.
During his career, World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry spoke several times of the transformative nature of the Lions' visit to New Zealand in 1971.
The Lions, coached by Welshman Carwyn James, won the four-Test series against the All Blacks, with Henry describing the tour as "very influential on New Zealand rugby".
"I think the '71 Lions won the first World Cup (in 1987) for us because we had to change our game," Henry said in 2005.
"That shook the foundations of New Zealand rugby and from the top down things changed."
Time will tell what impact the 2025 Lions will have on Australian rugby.
But it would be hoped their defeat of the Wallabies can inspire young coaches and players locally in similar way to what Henry experienced.
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The Advertiser
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The Australian
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Goodwin would not have known where to turn for discussions, advice or support as he attempted to fast-track a mini-rebuild of sorts with a team which was in the process of pivoting to a new style and way of playing. Instead of having a strong backing, the man who led the Demons from being a basket case to premiership team (along with Roos) was left looking over his shoulder all year. Where Melbourne heads next is anyone's guess. Clearly, clubs are targeting Petracca and the club may have to pay up to half of Oliver's salary to seal his move one year after the club should have traded him to Geelong. The deal was done by his management, and his papers were stamped to the Cattery. But the board blinked, again. Green was asked what he wanted in a new coach on Tuesday and he said the club wasn't sure yet. Hopefully, they can work it out. But there are no guarantees. The reason Goodwin simply had to go Jay Clark is a leading AFL reporter for News Corp and CODE Sports, based in Melbourne. For almost 20 years, he has helped set the football agenda with his breaking news, deep-dive feature writing and issues-based reporting. He is a trusted voice on the biggest stories in the AFL. AFL Simon Goodwin is set for a monster payout after his brutal sacking as Melbourne coach. All the details and what the $1.2 million dollar figure means for the Dees' soft cap heading into 2026. AFL The AFL's final round is set to feature a finals shaping, double header Sunday, forcing the top eight standings down to the wire. Plus, a prime time farewell is in store for Port Adelaide's long time servers.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
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Rumours fly over list of candidates to replace Simon Goodwin as Demons coach
The race to find a replacement for Simon Goodwin is on. Melbourne dropped a bombshell on Tuesday, sacking the 2021 premiership winning coach with three games left this season and despite Goodwin having a contract for 2026. However, club president Brad Green said the Demons wanted a change made instantly for the club to go in a new direction. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. According to Code Sports, 48-year-old Goodwin will receive a one-million dollar payout as part of the contract termination. Assistant coach Troy Chaplin will step in as caretaker coach for the remainder of the 2025 season for games against the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Collingwood. 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There is definitely a view from Melbourne that they're not the only club (looking for a new coach).' Speaking on Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle, the Herald Sun's Jon Ralph said the leading first-time coaching candidates were Brisbane football boss Danny Daly, Essendon assistant Daniel Giansiracusa and Collingwood's Hayden Skipworth. Ralph said former Essendon coach James Hird is 'very much a person of interest' for the Demons, while premiership coaches Longmire and Adam Simpson are also in the mix, along with Port Adelaide's Ken Hinkley and ex-Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley. Hird said he was 'flattered' but ruled himself out of contention for the Demons job. On Footy Classified, Eddie McGuire described Longmire, Simpson, Buckley and Hinkley as 'the big four' candidates. 'Here's the thing. They've very aware that not many coaches have won a flag, moved clubs and won another one — Leigh Matthews and Mick Malthouse only in this century,' Ralph said. Buckley is widely viewed as the leading candidate to be Tasmania's inaugural coach when the Devils enter the AFL in 2028. A subcommittee comprised of incoming CEO Paul Guerra, Brad Green, Steven Smith and Alan Richardson will make the final call on choosing Melbourne's new coach. 'There are issues cultural, with the board and stability,' Ralph added. 'There's an enormous amount of change there. It's not an incredible gig. 'If someone like John Longmire was really thinking about it, I think he might look for a better position out there. I'm sure he'll take the phone call, but I'd probably prefer Carlton than Melbourne.' Demons legend Garry Lyon said on AFL 360 about Longmire: 'You can sell 'Horse' to anyone.' The Demons are set to have significant change off the field, with a new CEO, a new president and perhaps a new footy boss. Lyon, who was shocked by Goodwin's sacking, said a void of leadership at the club in recent times set Goodwin up to fail as he attempted to rebuild on the run. 'It was the sameness (on-field) for a long time — and that was a frustration of him … it's sort of greater than that though,' Lyon continued. 'It's a football club that's confused at the moment (with) exactly where they are. It's a football club that's disconnected; I don't think there's any doubt about that. It has been for a long time. 'It was pertinent that he mentioned it four or five times today — you must have a strong, stable off-field support mechanism. I doubt he's felt that over the past couple of years.' AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley added: 'It would have been a miracle if a coach had been successful in these circumstances … the next president is not in the job, and the chief executive was appointed in April and doesn't start until September. There's no elite program in the world that has those pillars absent, and achieves success. 'I think it undermined his capacity to do the job that he knew needed to be done.' Melbourne's off-field structure has also grabbed headlines in recent years, including tensions between former chief executive Gary Pert and key club personnel. 'When they won the premiership, they were the most selfless team in the competition and it was trotted out everywhere. I don't think they are now, and I'm not sure whether the board over the journey has been particularly selfless as well.' Lyon said. 'They are screaming out for a figurehead. A strong, strong, decisive leader of this football club — apart from the coach.'
