As the dust settles on the Lions series the Deans era draws to a close. After six seasons at the helm of the Wallabies, Robbie Deans stepped down and it was of little surprise that Ewen McKenzie was named as his successor.
McKenzie is the right man for the job. He is a coach that can get the best out of the players and a coach that will design a style of rugby that will not only be enjoyable to play and enjoyable to watch but one that will get results. McKenzie has demonstrated his ability to get the best out of his players and get results.
I might be old fashioned but I always see it as a benefit to have an Australian coach a national side. I know that he is very well liked by the Reds players and that he will be missed in Queensland. Let’s hope that the Reds loss is the Wallabies gain.
A lot has been said about a possible return of James O’Connor to the Emirates Western Force. Obviously, having someone of his ability would be an asset to any backline, and it is exciting when you hear the names of Holmes, Mathewson, Godwin, Morahan and O’Connor all in the same backline.
In saying that we have come a long way as a playing group and created a culture and standards that everyone believes in since he was last here. Now, it is all about earning respect. If he doesn’t fit in with our direction, no matter how much playing ability, he will not be tolerated. The team will always be more important than an individual.
The British & Irish Lions have come and gone, leaving our shores victorious after winning the Test series. It was great to see a tough fought contest with the first two games only being separated by goal kicking. The final game demonstrated the class act that the prestigious Lions are. The Australian rugby public has been given fresh experiences and memories to hold until the rematch in 12 years time.
My highlights included watching some strong débuts by emerging talent in Australian rugby stocks. Isreal Folau proved that he is a dual international and one that I hope will remain in rugby union for years to come.
Christian Lealiifano had the shortest début game after being knocked unconscious in the first minute of play. However, in the following games he showed that his silky Super talent translates smoothly into the international arena. I predict that he will be a mainstay of the Wallabies into the future.
Jesse Mogg made the most of his one opportunity off the bench in the final Test and showed glimpses of his dangerous attacking flare and speed.
Another highlight was the style of rugby played by the Lions in the final game. Up to this point both teams had failed to find their rhythm and were playing not to lose rather secure the win. To see the collaboration of the 22 international Lions stars open up their engine in top gear was inspirational to watch. That is what the Lions tour is about.
Naturally as an Aussie it would have been great to see the Wallabies pull out a similar performance. I guess there is always 2025.
The final highlight was Leigh Halfpenny’s outstanding kicking and general play that rightly had him named player of the series. He made the Wallabies pay for every penalty and had the back three under pressure every game. Any team would be more dangerous with him in your midst.
With the international season on hold until the Rugby Championship starts mid-August the focus returns to Super rugby.
The Emirates Western Force had the unenviable task of two games in four days before the prolonged break and now, returning for the final game of the season we face the Brumbies, top of the Australian conference and who will no doubt have one eye already on the finals.
As a team we are seeking redemption for both our last outing against the Waratahs and also for our disappointing turnout against the Brumbies. It was not only a scoreboard that we weren’t happy with, but also the effort as a team. We have improved a lot since we last met and we are out to turn the table and disrupt the Brumbies run to the finals. We wish to end the year playing the rugby that we have been working towards all season.
This week we welcomed back our trio of Wallabies, Ben McCalman, Hugh McMeniman and Nick Cummins. I know these boys will be hungry for game time and are going to enjoy being back in Force colours. No doubt they will be keen to impress the new national coach and further their national claims.
