RUGBY: Tri-Nations Preview - Australia

Wednesday 13th June 2007

The Wallabies are virtually down and out. They are regarded as no-hopers for both the Tri-Nations and Rugby World Cup tournaments - or so their critics would have us believe.

Following the unprecedented poor performances of the Australian franchises in the Super 14 - the Brumbies in fifth place were their best performers, followed by the Force in seventh, while the Waratahs and Reds propped up the bottom of the table - the critics were convinced that the Wallabies are there for the taking.

And they did indeed look vulnerable in their opening match of the year against Wales - they were indeed there for the taking. However, the Aussies showed some real character in coming back to sneak a 29-23 win and then whitewash the Welsh (31-0) in the second Test. They showed further growth in thrashing the Fijians 49-0 the following week.

While a number of questions remain over the Australians' ability to step up in crunch matches, they at least showed they will not be the cannon fodder most expected them to be.

What makes it even more interesting is that with the 2007 Tri-Nations series reduced to a six-Test tournament (two home matches each) - to allow for the
Rugby World Cup which kicks off in France on 7 September - the attrition rate will be a lot less on the teams, which will certainly benefit the Wallabies.

The key for Australia will be how their old guard of George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock perform. These remain the key players for the Wallabies and that is why a shortened event - which reduces the risk of serious injury - can benefit them.

You still wouldn't make them favourites, but anybody writing the Wallabies off do so at their own peril.

Strengths: They have experience in abundance in the backline - three of the wisest heads in world rugby in George Gregan (a world record 123 test caps), Stephen Larkham (107 caps) and Stirling Mortlock (56 caps). Then there is their continuity game. When the Wallabies get this going they trouble any team in the world.

Weakness: Question marks remain over the ability of their tight forwards and their scrum in particular. Any team that puts them under pressure in the set pieces will disrupt their game plan. They also don't have real dept, especially in the 9/10/12 channel.

Coach: A career rugby coach, John Connolly has more than 15 years coaching experience at the elite level. He took over from predecessor Eddie Jones as Wallaby coach in February 2006. The man, known to many in rugby circles simply as 'Knuckles', says he is ready for the challenge of preparing the Wallabies for the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007. But first he has to get through this year's Tri-Nations.

Captain: The decision to appoint 'co-captains' (Stirling Mortlock and Phil Waugh) is seen as both visionary and foolhardy. However, it does allow for smooth transition when the wise old heads of Mortlock, Gregan and Larkham move on next year. After returning from his first tour (Europe November 2006) as captain of the Wallabies, Stirling Mortlock is primed to extend his leadership credentials ahead of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Phil Waugh became the 74th player to captain the Wallabies, leading the team on against Wales at Millennium Stadium on last year's year-end tour.

Previous campaigns:

2006: Second
2005: Third
2004: Second
2003: Second
2002: Second
2001: Champions
2000: Champions
1999: Second
1998: Second
1997: Third
1996: Third

2007 prospects: They will put up stern resistance, but their tight forwards frailties and lack of depth will count against them. Third place (or last place if you will) finish.

Fixtures:

June 16: v South Africa, Newlands, Cape Town - 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
June 30: v New Zealand, MCG, Melbourne - 20.00 (10.00 GMT)
July 7: v South Africa, Telstra Stadium, Sydney - 20.00 (10.00 GMT)
July 21: v New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland - 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Squad: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Alistair Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Sam Cordingley, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan, Stephen Hoiles, Julian Huxley, Stephen Larkham, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock (c), Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh (c)

By Jan de Koning _ Planet Rugby

*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of this Blog