The Wallabies are back. Bring on the Boks
Yes, it was a bugger that they didn't win the entire series, but by any measure bar that, their performance really was staggering. Up against the combined might of four countries, they not only won four out of six halves, but were also not behind on the scoreboard for all but one minute of the final 160!
Too much ink has already been spilled on that one refereeing decision that saw the Lions win that Second Test and so take the series, but it changes not the central fact – which is that the team humiliated 40-6 by Wales – yes, of all teams, Wales – at the World Cup in 2023 has come so far since then that they very nearly beat a combined All Stars team which could only find space for one Welsh player!
Most importantly, it was the way the Wallabies played throughout. That was back to their entertaining best. The tries by the likes of Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch and Tate McDermott were simply superb, and nearly as impressive as the work of the Wallabies forward pack, who were so resolute in defence, and unmerciful in battering the Lions line.
No less than 24 years on, Justin Harrison is still rightly celebrated for stealing the lineout ball in the final minute of the third Lions Test of 2001. In this third Test, the Wallaby lock Nick Frost stole three Lions lineouts in about as many minutes. And Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is turning into what it said on the tin from the beginning – one of the most gifted players we've ever seen – not just athletically, but in his ability to read the game and set up the players outside him.
Where to from here?
That's easy – taking on the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park, next week! The key now is whether the Wallabies can take the momentum from this series and keep it going. The fact that Will Skelton is still there is huge, as is the fact that Rob Valetini will likely play. From here, all efforts must be made to keep this current side together as much as possible. On last year's spring tour, the coach Joe Schmidt did a lot of mixing and matching, trying out various combinations. Ideally, that will stop from now.
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The Australian
8 hours ago
- The Australian
‘Lovely big horse': Joe Pride out to produce first Godolphin starter
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The Australian
8 hours ago
- The Australian
Randwick inside mail: Kristen Buchanan can't believe the odds for her stayer Stylebender
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'But he's a talented horse, he's been placed in the Doncaster Mile and Golden Rose, and I have a feeling Gary (Portelli) has him ready to perform first-up on Saturday.'' 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TRIAL POINTERS Theblade (race 7) showed early speed to lead and then raced clear in the straight to win a Rosehill trial by nearly four lengths. He ran the 900m in 54.39sec – the second fastest of the session – and won his trial without being put under any real pressure by his rider. The Team Hawkes-trained sprinter looks to have returned in very good order and is primed for his comeback run. Adelaide River (race 9), a Group 3 winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter in Europe, is now with trainer Kris Lees and on the evidence of his two recent trial wins, he is set for a winning return in the Premier's Cup Prelude. Adelaide River was put under pressure by his rider and responded to streak away to win by more than six lengths in a Wyong 1200m heat in June. He then trialled again at Gosford over 1200m on July 23 where he stalked the leaders, went wide on the turn and accelerated impressively to win with authority. 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Perth Now
18 hours ago
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Injured Petaia retained by Chargers, weighing options
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