The best thing about rugby is that there’s always another game.
Dave Rennie and his men won’t have much time to dwell on the great escape before planning for the next Test.
Some notable mentions are that Michael Hooper did exactly as expected. He had a big shift, and it was great to see him back in the fold. Hunter Paisami the hitman was probably the only back who looked like a genuine threat. His timing was rusty but will improve in the coming days.
My concerns are around Matt To’omua and Tom Banks. I think the halves will remain the same for the next Test, which means they will likely keep 12 there as well. I can hardly remember seeing him out there last night, and that’s not due to the whiskey. He is the most experienced back and needs to show it.
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Once again Banks has been given another opportunity and turned in another average performance. Not making touch in the first minutes of the game is unforgivable. His days are numbered, and I fully expect Reece Hodge to don the No. 15 jersey when he’s fit.
In a similar way, Rob Valetini didn’t seem to show any of his Super Rugby form. Expectations were high from his dominant performances, particularly against kiwi opponents, yet he failed to deliver.
Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio showed no signs of being a threatening combination. Both will likely get the nod to start again in the next Test but need to sharpen up if they expect to see more game time. Lolesio was often caught too flat; he needs to open up the angle of Gordon’s pass by sitting deeper. This makes the service from No. 9 more consistent and means the runners off No. 10 can still be flat while getting clean ball.
It’s always good to see a young No. 10 backing his ability, but Dave Rennie will likely have a word about the drop goal attempt – with the forwards parked on the tryline and penalty advantage in hand, it’s time to let the big men rumble. Credit to Lolesio for putting his hand up to take control, but being the general doesn’t mean going alone.
The bench performed well, both Taniela Tupou and Tate McDermott added value in the dying minutes, although some of McDermott’s skills will likely keep him on the bench. For his development as a Test No. 9, the No. 21 jersey is a good spot to be. He can take confidence from more running opportunities late in the game and will have less pressure on executing from the ruck.
All in all, the Wallabies showed they have some way to go before climbing back into the top three, but a win against a plucky French outfit is a decent starting point.
One from one in 2021. Let’s look forward to seeing a more complete and perhaps less stressful performance in Melbourne.
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/08/wallabies-beat-france-questions-answered-or-concerns-raised/
source https://therugbystore.com.au/wallabies-winners-and-losers-from-frantic-french-test/
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