Wallabies finally show what they’re capable of with Italy domination
Yes!
Finally, after at least ten Tests in which the Wallabies have proven themselves to be more than competitive against the best teams in the world, losing only nine times, this time – THIS TIME – they showed what they can do by recording a stunning 57-10 victory over Italy.
And yes, of course, there will be those who belittle the victory, claiming that Italy was a weak opponent. They are wrong. Italy have regularly beaten Australia in recent years and have been good enough to beat Scotland and England this year. They entered this match as the bookmakers’ favourites. And the fact that in this match the Italians – I’m not kidding – were desperate enough to get one man sent off. from the counter, It says something about the energy they expended trying to stop our men.
But there was nothing they could do as the Wallabies came out with such power and precision that they scored at least nine tries, six of which came in the first half.
In terms of tackling mountains of work, the entire Wallaby forward group looked like the Himalayas. While each individually distinguished himself – in attacks, in passes and tackles, in wonderful set-pieces – collectively they were devastating in the mauls that rolled near the line that the Italians were powerless to stop.
This was Everest second rower Josh Canham in the Himalayas; While he scored three goals – count them as THREE – and scored some great tries, beyond that he was too busy on the pitch. As for you, Allan Alaalatoa, the pass you prepared to help defender Tom Wright break the deficit in the ninth minute will get you kicked out of the Front-Rowers Club (Motto: “We Are the Scrums”) forever. What was that thing you released? Double mixed-blind-slingshot-flick pass to Wright without even touching him. Who is doing this? It’s not the stage, it’s who it is! (But congratulations. If this was in my highlights reel, I would have cut it there. I would have stunned everyone. The Italians were.) Another standout among the highlights was Carlo Tizzano in the back row; he was, as always, busier than a one-legged man at a bum-kicking contest. As Kipling wrote, if the band was “broken or cut, you can bet your blooming nut”, Tizzano was always and always in the thick of it, including giving a great try.
Rears?
If I could extend the analogy a little further, they were stars shining over the Himalayas! They were talented, they were fast, their passing game was great to watch. The chosen one of the group was Len Ikitau, who constantly threatened the Italian line with his quick passes without looking. Alex Jorgensen was also great, as was Harry Potter on the other wing. Tom Wright at full-back wasn’t a revelation because we’ve seen this before, but if he can stay injury-free he has the potential to become a truly world-class player.
All in all, it was a great win and just what the doctor ordered after a tough winter so far.
One last thing.
As this is Joe Schmidt’s last Test in charge of the Wallabies, I’ll hand it over to Les Kiss before I say a word or two before I go, coach. Thank you. Yes, the last twelve months have been hopelessly disappointing with too few losses. But you will still be well remembered around here.
You have inherited a pile of rubble in the smoking ruins left by Eddie Jones’ destructive reign. You have restored stability. You have developed valuable talents, including Tizzano and Canham, and helped Harry Wilson become an outstanding captain. You presided over a series in which the Lions came within a whisker of victory, and you were the man who coached them when they beat the Springboks by scoring 38 points in the second half. Your own highlights reel should start with this last one!
Most importantly, you have given us Wallaby fans hope for our own World Cup next year. We know these are some great puzzle pieces that will make them look like world-class players. They just need to learn how to put it all together during the day. But you left the team ten times stronger than you found it.
Above all this you were a good rugby man who went above and beyond for the good of the game, giving time to coach youngsters, attending rugby events and speaking to fans. Well done and go well.
And bravissimo, you Wallabies!
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Peter FitzSimons is a journalist and columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X.
