Wins over Lions, Springboks offered hope. But it is now undeniable the Wallabies have gone backwards
No end in sight to the pain as France await
The French got the wobbles midway through their 34-21 win against Fiji in Paris on Sunday (AEDT), but that was arguably a reflection of the competitiveness of the Pacific Islanders, who pushed England last week as well.
However, Les Bleus still have more than enough quality to condemn the Wallabies to a winless tour of Europe next weekend. Hopes of a top seeding in the World Cup draw are long gone for the Wallabies, but that’s not the main issue.
Robbie Henshaw crosses for Ireland’s sixth try in their thumping win over Australia.Credit: Getty Images
The recent losses – or more accurately the performances – have highlighted that incoming coach Les Kiss has a short runway to address the issues that still persist within Australian rugby before a home World Cup.
As the year ends, it looks like opponents have worked out Joe Schmidt’s side – and he will have them for another three Tests before the awkward handover process is completed.
Hockings makes horror start for Japan
Former Queensland Reds lock Harry Hockings made his debut for Japan against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday morning (AEDT) – and it’s one that he’ll remember for all the wrong reasons.
With Japan leading 23-21 in the dying stages, Hockings was sin binned for a shoulder to the head of Welsh flanker Alex Mann as he charged down the sideline.
Hockings had been injected into the game in the 48th minute as Eddie Jones’ team chased an important scalp, and the 27-year-old is certainly a more imposing figure than the beanpole who left the Reds in his early 20s.
However, his lack of composure ultimately cost Japan as Wales kicked to touch, won another penalty from a maul and then kicked the three points that won them the Test.
All Blacks share in Wallabies’ misery
If there were any lingering doubts about how far northern hemisphere rugby has advanced in the past decade or so, England ended them with a 33-19 win against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
In doing so, England employed the same game plan they did against the Wallabies, with similar effects.
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Their kick pressure was strong, winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was a menace on the edge and their British and Irish Lions-stacked bench came on and finished the Test with an enormous amount of energy.
There were also some lovely touches by midfielder Ollie Lawrence, who missed the Wallabies Test.
With the World Cup in Australia just two years away, it confirmed England are a team on the rise, and reflected the definite shift of power away from Australia and New Zealand and towards Europe since the 2015 World Cup.
