Robbie Deans
I made some comparisons during the recent World Cup about the fortunes of Australia and England. Now that the tournament is over, and supporters of both teams have come away disappointed, it seems to me that there are more similarities.
Martin Johnson and Robbie Deans stand out as the two coaches of top teams with worsened reputations after the weeks spent in New Zealand.
Marc Lievremont looked to be a contender but critics have eased off after his team’s performance in the final. Perhaps he can’t claim any credit there but another reason he isn’t in the firing line so much is that he’s already been replaced.
The Wallabies certainly had a better tournament than England, who ended up falling at the first major hurdle. Third place is no disgrace, but it seems to me that supporters of both teams have come away unsatisfied by their teams’ performances.
Australia never got their attacking rugby into gear. Against Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand, they managed to score only one try which seems a poor return for a highly-regarded set of backs.
The try count improved against Wales but the match, while hotly contested, was outside the important end of the competition.
In a tournament of controversial refereeing, neither England nor Australia can claim to have been affected. Perhaps some Wallaby fans might argue this, as they always do, and cite the Ireland loss, but the neutrals will agree. As supporters of the Boks, we certainly have many reasons to feel aggrieved. However, England certainly weren’t refereed out of the tournament and nor were Australia. Fact.
In short, Australia and England failed to rise to the occasion. The Wallabies’ win over South Africa is a scalp that a Northern Hemisphere side would be proud to claim, but it wasn’t a polished display by any means. England has no performance to fall back on.
Supporters will want to see their teams make up for their failed campaigns with some strong performances in their next internationals. Australia has matches against Wales coming up. Fortunately, Wales were one of the form teams of the World Cup and, if they will test the Aussies.
England has the challenge of defending their Six Nations title against teams who will all fancy their chances. Wales have their tails up and will want to show their superiority at Twickenham. Ireland is still going on about what might have been in New Zealand and would also love to turn over the English on their home ground. Scotland will be looking to make up for their early exit while the French will want to confirm they deserved to be in the final by winning the competition. Italy don’t usually have much luck but, if England are on the ropes in the competition, then the Italians have home advantage this year to add to England’s misery. I can only hope.
If Martin Johnson does somehow remain in charge, he might not last if England can’t find any form. There are fewer questions over Robbie Deans but surely not many Australians will be backing him if the Wallabies stutter in their first home matches.
Victories would lift the mood for all. England is desperate to re-establish their credentials as a top team and a Six Nations title would go a long way to doing so. For Australia, seeing off an ambitious Welsh team would give them a chance to establish a degree of consistency which has been largely absent in recent years.
There’s always a feeling of emptiness when your team doesn’t win a tournament but the next challenge is just around the corner and, for those who love this game, these matches can’t come too soon.
