Wallabies' Attack Stalls: Playmaker Needed for Rugby Championship Revival
Following a heavy defeat to the world champions and a loss to South Africa's B-team, Australia's Wallabies face a crucial second leg of the Rugby Championship with a major question looming: how to score tries.
In a staggering 160 minutes against the Springboks, the Wallabies managed just one try, a 75th-minute consolation against 13 men in Brisbane that offered little solace. While facing the dominant South Africans, who have claimed back-to-back World Cup titles and held the top spot in the world rankings for 43 weeks, is a daunting task, it's worth noting that Australia defeated the same Springboks three times between September 2021 and August 2022.
The disparity in quality between the two sides is evident in the final scorelines, with a nine-tries-to-one advantage and a 63-19 points aggregate for the Springboks. However, the sheer gulf in performance goes beyond the numbers. Australia's defence, particularly from their back three, prevented South Africa from racking up a truly devastating score, potentially exceeding 100 points across the two matches.
In contrast, the Wallabies struggled to penetrate the Springboks' defensive line, both on the ground and in the air, repeatedly hitting a wall of resistance. While they showed some improvement in Perth, the Springboks' second-string XV skewed the perception of their performance. The Wallabies were ultimately outmatched.
Joe Schmidt's injury-hit squad now faces a challenging trip to Argentina for two Tests against a Los Pumas side that recently outplayed the All Blacks. With just two weeks to heal and prepare, the Wallabies must find a way to unlock their attack and devise a game plan that sees them crossing the try line more often.
There are signs of improvement. In Perth, the Wallabies shifted their focus to a wider attacking strategy, with fly-half Noah Lolesio playing a pivotal role in this change. His performance in Perth was a standout, mirroring his impressive display in a rain-soaked clash against Eddie Jones's England in 2022. Despite a disappointing showing in Brisbane, Schmidt stuck with Lolesio, and his composed and adventurous play in Perth, including cross-field kicks and chip-and-chase attempts, was rewarded.
However, a missed penalty kick in Perth at the end of the first half proved costly, setting off a chain of events that saw four front-rowers leave the field in quick succession. The Wallabies' scrum, which was excellent in the first half, struggled to maintain its dominance against the Springboks' "Bomb Squad".
The Wallabies will need to rely on a strong forward pack to gain any advantage against the Pumas, who have proven themselves to be a formidable force, boasting both a powerful pack and a blistering backline. Their impressive performance against the All Blacks, including a 38-30 victory that denied the New Zealanders a bonus point, cemented their status as worthy 2023 World Cup semi-finalists and earned them a sixth place ranking in the world.
Despite the challenges, the Pumas represent Australia's best chance of a win in this Rugby Championship. A victory, or even a draw, would give the Wallabies a much-needed boost of confidence heading into the Bledisloe Cup, where they will face the All Blacks in Sydney. Conversely, two losses would leave Schmidt with a negative record against the All Blacks and leave the Wallabies in a difficult position.
To achieve any success in the remaining four Tests, the Wallabies must prioritize scoring tries. They must leverage Lolesio's playmaking abilities to exploit the space out wide and give wingers Marika Koroibete and Max Jorgensen, as well as fullback Tom Wright, the opportunity to score.
Discipline will also be key. The Wallabies' penalty count in Perth, particularly in the second half, cost them dearly. While they have shown improvements under Schmidt, they must maintain their focus and avoid giving away unnecessary penalties.
This upcoming clash against the Pumas is a crucial test for the Wallabies. They must show ruthlessness and embrace calculated risks if they want to turn the tide in their favour. With their season on the line, they can't afford to approach the match with a cautious mindset.
