Wallabies offer shot at redemption

IN just over six months, Ireland face the daunting task of playing New Zealand on successive weekends on their home patch.

The frightening prospect is that the hosts will be even more formidable than last Saturday as they continue the process of evolution towards the 2007 World Cup. With seven internationals before that date, it will be interesting to track Ireland’s progression to that critical point.

It’s a long time since I have seen such a depressed bunch of Irish players depart Lansdowne Road on the final whistle. In some respects they shouldn’t be too hard on themselves as the All Blacks have had that effect on most teams of late. Their only recent blemish was the defeat to South Africa in Cape Town last July. Tellingly, the Springboks are the only nation at present with the ability to match New Zealand in the physical stakes.

Fifteen months ago New Zealand finished bottom of the Tri-Nations table. In order to effect change, Graham Henry and his management team made some fundamental changes. Given that Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen had all coached in the northern hemisphere, they recognised that New Zealand’s apathy towards the set piece had to be addressed.

Following the Super 12 blueprint, previous coaches had experimented for a number of years playing back row forwards like Todd Blackadder, Brad Thorne and Troy Fravell in the second row. While all were outstanding ball players, Henry knew a lack of quality primary possession from scrum and lineout was restricting the impact of strike runners like Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Tana Umaga. Working in unison with provincial coaches, the set piece was prioritised. Amazingly, within a short time young props like Tony Woodcock and John Afao have emerged to complement Carl Hayman.

Last autumn, Henry then took the risk of leaving three iconic figures - Andrew Merthens, Carlos Spencer and Justin Marshall - at home when they embarked on their tour to Wales and France. In a deliberate effort to develop leadership he empowered the younger players on tour and selected Dan Carter in the pivotal No 10 position for the first time.

His gamble almost came unstuck when Wales ran the tourists to within a point at the Millennium Stadium. Defeat would have left major question marks back home. But the turning point came when they decimated then Grand Slam holders France in Paris. That night, a young team came of age.

Since then they have secured the Tri-Nations championship, a Lions test series and victory against England on Saturday should guarantee their first Grand Slam since 1978 - only Scotland remain to be devoured.

During the Lions tour Clive Woodward wasted no time in reminding all and sundry in New Zealand that England were the holders of the World Cup. This is the first time the All Blacks have visited Twickenham since that triumph. They are on a mission.

England’s powerful pack will ask similar questions to that posed by the South Africans. Henry knows this and having used the games against Wales and Ireland to look at his full squad will now select his strongest team.

Almost in direct contrast to New Zealand’s ascendancy over the past 12 months has been the pace with which Australia have tumbled down the world rankings. On the back of seven consecutive defeats, Eddie Jones and his players are in totally unfamiliar territory. Ever since the Grand Slam winning Wallabies of 1984, Australia have been to the forefront of world rugby. With two World Cup victories and a runner-up spot since then, they have enjoyed unparalleled success. The principal catalyst for change in New Zealand’s fortunes of late has been the improvement in their set piece. Conversely Australia’s woes can almost exclusively be traced to the demise of their scrum. The other significant factor has been a horrendous run of injuries, which sees up to 14 top class players unavailable for Saturday’s game. Hence, Jones has decided to play silly buggers and delay his team announcement until tomorrow.

Behind the scrum, Australia are as strong as ever. Despite the loss of Steve Larkham, Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock, Clyde Rathbone and Elton Flatley, the Wallabies retain the ability to cross the whitewash. While losing twice to New Zealand in the Tri-Nations, they still managed to score five tries in those games. When you consider just how good the All Blacks defence has been on tour (one try conceded in two games), you appreciate just how dangerous the Wallabies can be.

With Ireland’s front five struggling last weekend, Jones will know that Saturday at Lansdowne Road represents an excellent opportunity to halt their current slide.

Predictably, Eddie O Sullivan has made minimal changes to the Ireland side. The forward unit in particular has been offered the opportunity for redemption. The battle up front will provide a reliable indicator for the Six Nations given that both England and France pulverised the Australian pack. Ireland’s scrum was very disappointing last weekend and a similar showing on Saturday will hand the initiative to the visitors.

The one change to the side sees the welcome introduction of Andrew Trimble in the centre. Six years ago a 20-year-old, who had yet to play for his province, made his international debut against an Australian midfield of Tim Horan and Jason Little. Brian O’Driscoll hasn’t done too badly since then. Trimble is another fantastic young talent and is deserving of his opportunity.

Over the past few seasons, this Irish squad has enjoyed some outstanding victories. It will be interesting to see how they react to the comprehensive nature of the New Zealand defeat and the psychological damage, if any, inflicted.

Despite the loss of O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Denis Hickie, Ireland still field a side containing nine Lions. Those senior players must now lead the way. This Aussie side is hardly brimming with confidence and is there for the taking.

I’ve rarely seen them this vulnerable. Seize the moment while you can.