As 2024 began, I wrote here:
“The Wallabies have been stymied by seven cardinal rugby sins for a decade or more. A high penalty and card count, poor referee relations, a shapeless attack, poor ball retention, overreliance on a few stars, a tendency to play to the level of the opposition (tight losses to top teams, narrow wins versus weaker team), and a disconnect from fans and their proxies in the media. Joe Schmidt is tailor made to address the first six issues.”
Schmidt has addressed accuracy, picked an affable but inspirational captain, brought shape to starter plays as well as third phase plus ball, forced dramatic improvements in ball presentation, and moved away from a star-focused mentality.
The last two iniquities are the last to be redeemed: learning how to win when you might not deserve it, and building excitement and rapport in the larger spaces of entertainment.
Joe has his Joseph now, and the signs are good, but…
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