Why Dave Rennie isn't to blame for Australia's poor results
As the saying goes, a postman doesn’t celebrate when he delivers the post. That’s their job, that’s what they’re expected to do, and anything less is a problem.
If someone doesn’t receive their parcel in three to five business days, then that very same postman will begin to drown in a sea of complaints and scrutiny.
Expectation and performance define everyone in the work force; praise can at times be rare or hard to come by, while criticism becomes louder and louder with any failures.
International rugby is no different.
In fact, the unforgiving nature of professional sport rarely allows for any external noise or reasoning. Rugby is a results driven game; there’s no time for excuses or finger pointing.
It only feels like yesterday that the Autumn Nations Series drew to an intriguing conclusion as Dave Rennie’s Wallabies staged an incredible comeback win over Wales, and South Africa dominated England.
In the three and a half weeks since these international blockbusters, both the Welsh Rugby Union and RFU made stunning coaching decisions nine months out from the Rugby World Cup.
Legendary coach Warren Gatland was confirmed as Wayne Pivac’s replacement at Wales, following their disastrous season which included a loss against minnows Georgia in Cardiff.
But the RFU made the jaw-dropping announcement to axe World Cup specialist Eddie Jones about a day later, following England’s abysmal campaign which saw them win just five matches in 2022.
While Pivac simply seemed lost, Jones couldn’t prove his innocence no matter how much he tried.
It’s a results driven game, rugby.
Under fire coach Rennie and the All Blacks’ Ian Foster weren’t dealt the same fate as their Northern Hemisphere counterparts, but the pressure is still on them both.
Wallabies coach Rennie, who has won less than 40 per cent of his Tests with Australia, is reportedly “looking at potential options elsewhere” for after next year’s World Cup.
Free agent Jones is expected to return to Australian shores in some capacity, and following a shocking campaign, Rugby Australia may be intrigued by the radical shakeup.
Australia started their season with a thrilling win over rivals England in Perth, before losing six of their next eight Test matches.
Their end-of-season tour to Europe wasn’t much better.
The Wallabies probably should’ve lost to Scotland at Murrayfield, before losing their next three matches by three points or less – including a first-ever loss to Italy.
While an incredible comeback win over Wales saw the men in gold avoid their worst season since 1958, change is needed.
But not the change that some may think.
Dave Rennie could potentially become the best thing to happen to Australian rugby in 20 years, and could rightly be hailed as a hero if things can fall the Wallabies’ way next year.
The Wallabies had an awful year on paper, but two major factors plagued their season – and it wasn’t Rennie’s influence.
Discipline was an obvious concern for the men in gold throughout their entire season, as they became the most penalised Tier One nation in the world.
Their poor discipline cost them in some key games, including a thriller against the All Blacks in Melbourne, which would’ve alleviated some pressure on both Rennie and the playing group if they had gotten it right.
While the coach does need to take some ownership for these issues, so do the playing group.
The Wallabies are the best of the best in Australia; they’re professional rugby players who have devoted their lives to the sport they love.
They know what they’re doing out there on the field, so the onus has to be on them to change their ways.
It doesn’t make winning any easier if they don’t.
International rugby is hard enough – it’s never been this competitive – but the sport becomes that much tougher when you’re having to select third string options in several positions.
Throughout the year that was, it became impossible for an injury-ravaged Australian side to select their best players, and to develop any momentum in terms of selections ahead of the World Cup.
More than 50 players donned Wallaby gold throughout a difficult season, and there were some familiar faces from yesteryear who didn’t play at all through injury.
While more players were able to realise their childhood dream of playing Test rugby in the coveted gold jersey, it was clear that some players weren’t quite up to that standard yet.
Five different players started Test matches in the No. 10 jersey for Australia, including chief playmaker Quade Cooper who only played one Test this year due to injury.
World class centre Samu Kerevi only played three matches this year, and couldn’t continue to build his combination with rising star Len Ikitau – a partnership which could become the modern day Nonu-Smith.
Injuries added more chaos to the Wallabies’ intense selection headaches, and the coach can only the make the best of what he’s got.
While there’s been some discussion around why these injuries are happening, and if Rennie is to blame, it’s an impossible criticism to pin on one person.
Injuries are part of sport, although not usually like this.
If the Wallabies can have some luck go their way in 2023, and have their key players available for selection, then there’s no reason why they can’t do something special in France.
With Cooper and Kerevi back in Wallaby gold, Australia could have one of the best backlines in Test rugby – and their forward pack is on the rise too.
Having coached the Chiefs to Super Rugby glory, and after a successful spell Glasgow Warriors, the New Zealand-born coach has proven himself wherever he’s gone.
There’s a reason why, even after the year the Wallabies had, that kiwis would still love to see Rennie return to Aotearoa to lead the All Blacks following Foster’s reign.
Rennie is a strategic genius with plenty of potential, and all of the Wallabies’ issues cannot be pinned on him.
If the Wallabies were to part ways with Rennie, even after the World Cup, they’d be making an irreversible mistake.
Rennie isn’t the problem.
The super coach is delivering the post, it’s just up to everyone else in the Wallabies’ setup to do their part by opening the door to collect his gifts.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments