I am inclined to think that the Bledisloe 3 game again probably covered up some deficiencies in both the team selections and the game plan. The first half, particularly, after they had their first two tries on the board, the ABs played more poorly than I've seen them for some time. Dropped ball, poor decisions, missed goals and lack of urgency kept the Wallabies in the match.
From our perspective, I didn't think we showed any improvement in our defensive structures, nor in our vision in attack, and our mistakes rate was still too high. Unless we show a decided improvement in Europe, I can see that the grand slam will be well beyond us.
Improvements need to start with selections. I question why James Slipper is on the outer. He seems to be stronger in the scrum than Scott Sio and probably has a higher work rate around the ground. Scott would make a very good late replacement imo, and I don't think Tom Robertson is quite up to test standard as a LHP atm. Squeaky Moore is still not playing consistently at a high quality. Too many times is first receiver and just hits it up to the gain line without offering any threat to the defense. Easy meat for the opposition. I don't think Hanson is any better, so I'd be looking at Latu as a possible starter.
Second row looks to be settled, and (bite my tongue) Rob Simmons was actually quite effective off the bench.
Back row is getting there. Fardy, McMahon and RHP look the best for No 6, Hooper and Pocock to share or compete for the No 7 spot, and Timani at 8 with cover from McMahon until someone like Holloway comes in.
Phipps is a hell of a step down from Genia, but who is better? Not Frisby, Powell or Stirzaker I'm afraid. Looking forward to Louwrens and Gordon coming into the squad, hopefully sooner rather than later.
No 10 is contentious (ha, ha!). As a totally independent, unbiassed observer without any parochial favouritism getting in the way, I declare Cooper to be streets ahead of Foley in most aspects of No 10 play. Bernard is a better runner of the ball, but that's as far as the comparison in his favour goes. Quade has more vision for the game, has better backline game management and is much more creative than Bernard. Their tackling abilities are much of a muchness as is their goal kicking. Quade's kicking in general play is much superior.
Really pissed off that Kerevi picked up his injury. Reece Hodge did not show the line bending or tackle breaking abilities that we want to see in a 12, and he is very slow by international standards for a No 12. He also didn't show any particular ball distribution skills in the position. Again, who else is there? I'd want Kerevi as our No 12, but that looks unlikely with his injury and with the apparent coaching attitudes towards him. Looks like Reece will get to stay there for the time being.
If Kerevi did fill the 12 spot, or if he is out injured, then I'd bring back Kuridrani at 13. I really would like to see the combination of the two Ks be given a good chance to develop - one exceptional attacking player with very good defense, and the other a very strong defender with his attacking prowess coming back after injuries.
Wing and full back spots are between DHP, Folau, Naivalu, Speight and hopefully Morahan, in the configurations that the coaches might want for particular games. I'd also hope to see Kellaway get a spot in the squad.
But they need to play much better than they have done so this year to have a hope of doing the Grand Slam, or indeed to win a majority of their tour matches.
