What you thought of the Wallabies historic win in Durban

Not surprisingly the Men of Gold Mailbox was full of glowing praise for the Qantas Wallabies this week after their historic 27 – 15 win over the world champion Springboks in Durban last Saturday. Australia’s first win in the Republic for eight long years !

 

 

Plaudits flooded in from across the globe - New Zealand, the UK - even South Africa. The mood of elation was probably best summed up by Blayne, in our Letter of the Week:

 

“Bloody spectacular.

 

Finally, the Men of Gold played good old school Rugby, I loved every minute of the game, and was a very happy supporter. I know Saturday’s Test at Ellis park is going to be a mammoth task, I just hope the Men of Gold will come through, the Springboks are wounded and will want to bounce back, it will be much harder than what the Wallabies experienced in NZ earlier this year, I hope that true Aussie grit will come through and give the springboks a lesson in how to play Rugby.

 

Good luck boys, all the best.”

 

Some regular contributors also wrote in to add their critical praise. Norm Noack from Perth writes:

 

“What a great effort from the Men of Gold across the whole paddock. They had their share of errors and were put under enormous pressure from a desperate Bok outfit, but rose to the challenge in all facets of the game in defence and attack. The scrum held it's own and our commitment to the breakdown created many turnovers which in turn created attacking opportunities. 22 men played their hearts out and deserved their win.”

 

Norm went on to talk about the injury toll and how the Wallabies task may be even tougher this week. He also expressed his frustration at the citing of Rocky Elsom, a sentiment many Men of Gold fans probably heartily agree with.

 

“The injuries are going to hurt us and test our depth, and the Boks have their injury issues too” Norm continues.

 

“I am disappointed that Rocky Elsom is facing the judiciary over an indiscretion on the filed that was picked up by the referee and assistant referee and he was penalised on the spot and not deemed serious enough to yellow card Rocky, so why are the judiciary interested ? Is this a case of over zealous officiating perhaps.

 

This week will be a big test for the Wallabies to recover from the many injuries and also for the Boks to break their home ground losing streak.”

 

Another regular writer Chan Hum-Coue, the Wallabies Cape Town based supporter, added some telling insights:

 

“What a great performance by Stirling and the boys.  Robbie Deans has proven that a “thinking coach” can bring the team to a new level and make them believe in their own abilities.  All the hype by the South Africans and Springbok supporters in reminding the Australians that the last time they won in South Africa was 8 years ago – didn’t have any effect on the guys and as I predicted in a previous email.”

 

Chan also chided Classic Wallaby Phil Kearns, a member of the Foxsports commentary team:

 

“Shame on Phil Kearns for not backing the Wallabies to win, but maybe that was part of the plan because the Springboks seem to think that they can beat any team in the world just by playing a physical (and not an intelligent) game.”

 

He finishes by predicting another Wallabies win this Saturday:

 

“I feel that the Springboks are ripe for the picking and Johannesburg should prove to be a close match, but one that the Australians should win taking into account their form and tactical play.  There is a lot of talk here in SA about Peter de Villiers going back to the World Cup winning strategy, but the new ELV’s will simply set the Boks up for endless counter-attacks.  Thank goodness that style of rugby has disappeared. Go the Wallabies.”

 

Kevin Norris was another to congratulate the Men of Gold and added some other colourful comments which Men of Gold may agree heartily with but can’t re-publish here.

 

“I thought it was a tremendous effort by the Men of Gold” he writes. “CONGRATULATIONS  - WELL DONE AUSSIES AND YOUR KIWI COACH.”

 

Daniel Kamau, a long time Wallabies fan, just wanted to say thanks and hopes Timana Tahu might get his chance this weekend in the starting XV:

 

“Thanks to the Aussie victory, my week is off to a great start! I must thank the Men of Gold including Deans for the progress of the Wallabies. Great performance especially since it was an away game but it would have been an okay game if it was on Aussie soil. I hope Timana Tahu finally slides into the first centre slot because I think his combination next to Stirling Mortlock and Lote Tuqiri would be great. Thank you.”

 

Geoff Barton from Rockhampton thought “George Smith was at his absolute best” while Darryl Steel “missed watching the game” but said it was a “wonderful way to start a Sunday with the great news. Be strong at Jo’burg!”

 

Henry Leber from Broadbeach, Queensland thinks “the main difference with the Wallabies since Robbie Deans has taken over as coach is that they are playing as a team and seem to be enjoying the game”.

 

Jonesie in Christchurch wasn’t surprised by the result: “What do you expect, the best coach in the world who has been ignored by the NZ Rugby Union and you folks over there have taken advantage of our stupidity... good on you for grabbing Robbie. Congratulations on beating the Boks.”

 

Blinky Bill from Bellingen in New South Wales added to the chorus of plaudits but added a note of caution:

 

“It's become clear that only small percentages separate NZ, South Africa & Australia, and that on any day any team can beat the other. But for the first time in quite a while I am seeing Wallaby skill levels, passion and commitment all combining to make us a real chance of winning this Tri Nations.

 

If we continue to improve at this rate, and play well in Jo'burg, then I can see us as a real chance of rolling the All Blacks in Brisbane and bringing home the silver ware. After that.........who knows? A win in Hong Kong is on the cards. But hey let's not look too far ahead. One step at a time. Go the Wallabies!!”

 

Tim Huskisson wrote from the UK to voice his compliments:

 

“Well done Boys! A truly gutsy performance by all. Was glued to the telly for the full 80 mins. Robbie Deans + ELV's + the Wallabies = Tri Nations Champions! Keep up the good work”

 

Even the Springbok supporters were singing the Wallabies praises, albeit reluctantly.

 

“Quite honestly, the Wallabies played GREAT” writes Bok supporter Cathy Harris from South Africa, “for all intent and purposes it could have been Romania they were playing against – but if this makes them feel like a job well done, then so be it.

 

Pity they didn’t win the World Cup though – the hardware sits in SA …….. enjoy your moment of glory, it will only last as long as the useless coach we have in SA lasts….”

 

The Final Word for the week is shared by two excellent summaries of Saturday’s game from Ben and Peter McGregor.

 

Ben writes: “The Wallabies performance against the Boks showed just what Robbie Deans has accomplished in his short time with the team. In my opinion, the Wallabies played with superior self confidence and freedom.

 

I dont think the ELV's play as an important role as people make out. Stirling Mortlock made an error kicking out from the 22, yet several minutes later ran through a gaping hole in the Bok defence, crossing the try line down the other end to seal victory.

 

The reason these blokes play for Australia is their natural abilities in Rugby Union, with Robbie at the helm, they look as though they have no worries playing on their instinct, rather than training techniques and set plays. Their ability to play naturally makes for much more exciting Rugby. The AB's play this style of Rugby, and I cant wait for the Tri-Nations decider. Go you good things!”

 

While Peter McGregor comments on the intensity of the Test then gives a list of positives and negatives:

 

“That has to be one of the hardest Tests I've watched. Well done the Wallabies. Nothing like a try of two to keep the South Africans quiet. 

 

Good things:- Ability to take an opportunity and play what's in front of you.

Knowing when to commit to a ruck and win some ball by forcing a turnover and general quick decision making. 

Not retaliating to those dirty plays that the Boks do and taking the penalty.

Driving in tackles.

Look like they're enjoying playing the game again.

Patience.

Kick and chase.

 

Not so good:- Still not sure about the structure of the defence, SA's first try as an example. (There is more ferocity in the defence, more urgency when there is a line break, but I don't think the structure is as good as it has been)

 

Scrum is getting better, but for goodness sake bind tight and get low.

 

Questions: - Wasn't the Boks second try a dropped ball?

Why wasn't Steyn cited for a tackle on Drew Mitchell while he was in the air? So what if Steyn was silly enough to hit his head on Drew's knee.

 

Of all the good things, they'll still have to step up further next week.  Don't get sucked into retaliation.”

 

Till next week.

 

Yours in Rugby,

Men of Gold