Wallabies Save Their Worst for Last
The Wallabies’ 11th consecutive loss to the All Blacks in Perth is an unwanted record that has crept up stealthily. Spanning across three coaching regimes, this losing streak cannot be attributed solely to the current team. What will frustrate the Wallabies most after the 28-14 loss—their widest margin of defeat in the Rugby Championship—is the nagging suspicion that they lost too many of the crucial effort areas in the second half.
By my count, there were three kick chases where the All Blacks showed more urgency, each leading to turnovers or mounting pressure. As black jerseys swarmed around the ball, fewer Wallabies were in support. By the final 10 minutes, the struggling Tane Edmed was almost an isolated figure in the backfield. While the Wallabies are on the rise, sometimes in Test rugby you have to take your medicine—and they certainly got a few spoonfuls in Perth.
Date with Eddie: A Chance to Regain Momentum
The Wallabies now have a break before the end-of-season tour, though not necessarily a long one. Their next Test against Japan in Tokyo is scheduled for October 25, just a week before they face England at Twickenham. This tight schedule presents some planning challenges, but the Wallabies will welcome the opportunity to return to the winner’s circle after the disappointment in Perth.
Japan recently lost to Fiji in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup for the second year in a row, revealing their vulnerability to counterattacks from bigger bodies—even though the Fijians were understrength (notably, the France-based players who troubled the Wallabies in Newcastle were unavailable). The past few months have been arduous for the Wallabies, but Japan is unlikely to present the same level of physicality the Wallabies faced during the Lions series and the Rugby Championship.
The No. 10 Wait Goes On
Tane Edmed started well against the All Blacks in Perth but reflected the team’s struggles in the second half. One poor kick that handed possession back to the All Blacks inside their 22 was a moment he would clearly want to rectify.
James O’Connor remains a valuable option, but the Wallabies will surely turn back to Tom Lynagh as their primary playmaker. Regardless of who takes on the No. 10 role, the Wallabies will need to keep innovating. There were signs that the All Blacks were starting to read their attacking shape in Perth, applying increased line speed on the second pass from the ruck and putting significant pressure along the outside channels.
Injuries Have Taken Their Toll
Injuries are an inevitable part of rugby, and every team faces its own casualty list. However, the collective absence of Tom Wright, Dylan Pietsch, and Andrew Kellaway felt particularly significant on Saturday.
Wright and Kellaway’s experience and class are obvious losses, but Pietsch’s absence has been felt keenly as well. Pietsch brings a unique energy and intensity—something New All Blacks winger Leroy Carter has brought in spades since his debut against South Africa in Wellington. Pietsch has proven hard to replace, with Corey Toole, Harry Potter, and Filipo Daugunu not quite able to fill the void.
Springboks Scrum Wins the Title
The Springboks defeated Argentina 29-27 to clinch the Rugby Championship, and they were worthy champions. Although two Argentine tries in the final quarter highlighted Los Pumas’ fighting spirit, they disguised how much control the Springboks held by the hour mark.
The Springboks’ scrum was once again the deciding factor, generating penalties almost at will. They appear well ahead of their rivals in this area, and it will be fascinating to see whether even the French can withstand that level of pressure.
However, even champions need a bit of luck. The Springboks were fortunate that Canan Moodie was not sent off in the first half. Already on a yellow card for a high tackle, Moodie deliberately knocked on during an Argentine attack. The referee’s decision not to send him off will undoubtedly frustrate the Argentines, who displayed bravery and effectiveness in navigating the blitz defence.
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