Almanac Rugby Union – Second Test, Wallabies v British & Irish Lions: Gut punched!

Rugby has given me some amazing moments of joy over the past 5 decades. It has also given me some gut punches.

A few years ago, I wrote in this esteemed publication about one such moment. The Wallabies lost a Bledisloe Test at Docklands when a contentious refereeing decision gave the All Blacks a chance for a last minute steal.

The 80th minute incident at the MCG on Saturday night makes that gut punch look like a tummy rub. The Lions stole home and clinched the series. Many of us have watched a ruck cleanout in the lead up to the winning try scored by the Lions and concluded it was a clear penalty. Our coach Joe Schmidt went as far to quote the law that was infringed.

Rather than receiving that penalty to seal a Wallabies win, the scoreline states the visitors won the Test 29 – 26. Added to their Brisbane win, they now have a 2 – 0 series lead. The Tom Richards Cup is heading north once again.

It’s such a pity it ended like it did, as it was a magnificent spectacle. The rain held off and the huge crowd of 90,000 was treated to sparkling, innovative rugby for much of the game.

The Wallabies were particularly impressive in the first half. They played a high-paced possession game with well-rehearsed backline moves set up by penetrative carries by the big boys. They were clearly determined to put the Lions under pressure. Lynagh slotted two early penalties to capitalise.

The visitors got the opening try, but the Wallabies responded magnificently. They scored the next three to get out to a 23 – 5 lead by the 30th minute.

Classy teams bounce back. Unsurprisingly, the Lions got the next two tries before the break.

Even though the Wallabies were unable to cross for any five-pointers in the second half they still looked in charge for most of the term. They carried well and often got over the gain line. Frustratingly, offloads are rare in Schmidt-trained teams. There were just three for the game and several chances went begging when players went to ground and wasted the open space they had forged.

Sonny Bill Williams said he thought it was the best Wallabies performance he’s seen in years. I tend to agree. It was a more complete effort than the win over England last November. That day marked the arrival of the wunderkind, Suaali’i. He took a big step on Saturday with his game.

The lineout, scrum and general defensive structure were all better than Brisbane. Combined with the attacking flair and polished set pieces, the highlights reel from the second Test is one to savour.

There is a chance to salvage some pride in Sydney this Saturday. This is the fourth series since the 12 year rotation became ensconced in 1989.  The previous three were all 2 – 1 results with just the one going in the Wallabies’ favour.

Ultimately, it’s no surprise that this series has escaped our clutches. There were concerns before the Tour started that it could be an embarrassing whitewash. From that standpoint, it has been a resoundingly successful series.

Looking beyond the scoreline and the controversy, Saturday night proved that international rugby is a joy to behold and a globally significant sport. It’s a spectacle that can stir passions and gives the Wallabies a chance to demonstrate what I have always believed – that it is our most consequential national team.

Tune in on Saturday and you’ll see what I mean.