'We can genuinely win the Rugby World Cup': Wallabies fans reflect on 2022
Not everything went the Wallabies’ way in 2022, but it hasn’t stopped Australian rugby fans from daring to dream almost nine months out from the World Cup.
The Wallabies showed plenty of promise and character throughout a tough 2022 season, which saw them lose a number of thrilling Tests by agonizing margins.
Australia began their international campaign with a thrilling two-point win over England in Perth, before losing their next two Tests against their traditional rivals in Brisbane and Sydney.
Those two losses were the beginning of an unwanted streak for the men in gold, who lost six of their next eight Test matches before heading to Europe.
While the Wallabies were out of form, they certainly weren’t out of the fight, having shown glimpses of their potential in a win over South Africa and a controversial loss to the All Blacks in Melbourne.
But pressure was beginning to mount on coach Dave Rennie and the playing group a year out from the World Cup in France.
After beating Scotland by one-point at Murrayfield, the Wallabies lost their next three Test by three points or less – including a first ever loss to Italy.
While they silenced some of their critics with a stunning comeback win over Wales in Cardiff last weekend, Australia still finished their end-of-season tour with two wins from five matches.
But let’s not forget that this was a team who had to overcome some tough odds after many key players were struck down with injuries.
While the Wallabies would’ve wanted to win more Test matches this year, they will still able to convince some of their fans that they’re capable of going far at next year’s World Cup.
Reflecting on the @wallabies season. We had the opportunity to beat every team we played which makes me think: If we have good luck with injuries, keep @LordLaurie58 involved, and get on a roll at the right time, we can genuinely win the @rugbyworldcup.
— Ben Alexander (@benny_alexander) November 27, 2022
Agreed. I think there was some huge overreacting following the Italy loss. They were in absolutely every game they played on the spring tour. Very competitive side. Agree with you mate.
— Brent Ford (@BrentFord26) November 27, 2022
Prep needs to start now within the SR sides. Going into camp in June needing to get up to international standard in not a good starting place.
But agree the team is better than results indicate, and a return of players like Kerevi, Koriabete and Cooper will only add to it— Conor Tierney (@ConorTee) November 27, 2022
This RWC is really going to be interesting, as a south African, I’m truly excited to see what the aussies are gonna do, great team they are building
— chadley (@ChadleyWilliam2) November 28, 2022
Some very bad losses as well eg NZ, SA and argentina. Hot and cold still a problem. Some very poor discipline and inability to cover key injuries eg quade and kerevi.
Full strength squad with key overseas players plus iron discipline will take us far in RWC. If not, we bomb out.— big mac (@bigmac_ak) November 27, 2022
I agree. And given their draw and run to the final, there is a genuine chance.
— observantfox (@observantfox1) November 27, 2022
Never a truer word said Benny A. This was a ripper tour, the notebook is full. Our Aus A team beat Wales in Wales. The dress rehearsal complete!! Time to fire up and bank some more work! We are def a late finals chance at Le RWC
— 💉💉Dave Oliver (@daveoliver81) November 27, 2022
Wallabies never give up attitude is huge.
— HB (@HBeelie) November 27, 2022
💯 our pool will get the cobwebs out… hopefully the injury curse ends
— Ash Carolan (@AshCarolan1) November 27, 2022
The Wallabies really seemed to turn a corner in their Test of the season, having come back from 21 points down to beat Wales in a dramatic clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Rising star Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries in 10 minutes to give the visitors a glimmer of hope, before replacement hooker Lachlan Lonergan crossed for the match winner with less than two minutes to play.
Speaking to the media after the Test, and as reported earlier this week, coach Dave Rennie said the team “could have been going home with five victories or no victories” after a tough tour.
“It’s good for our group. We lost three on the bounce by close scores and all games we could have won,” Rennie said.
“Our supporters have been put through the ringer with us, so it’s nice to get a result.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Irish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
4 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
4 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry 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.
2 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.
3 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 comments