The return of Angus Bell and the arrival of Max Jorgensen – as well as a gritty defensive display from Tom Wright – has given the Wallabies hope that they can avoid the Rugby Championship wooden spoon over the next month.
A scrappy, weather-affected affair in Perth saw an improved effort from the Wallabies on their first Test thumping in Brisbane – but the 10 changes to the Boks, while not exactly disrespectful, certainly brought the teams closer together, especially in the first half.
With Rassie Erasmus opting for a world class bomb squad, that changed the game, his new look pack was outplayed by the Wallabies early on, both at scrum and line out.
So who stood up and who struggled for the Wallabies?
DIAMONDS
Angus Bell last played Super Rugby in round seven because of his toe injury but his return was promising.
Bell was withdrawn at halftime but his replacement James Slipper was forced off with a HIA and never returned as the teams were forced to uncontested scrums – Harry Wilson spending some time in the front row.
“It’s been outstanding for Angus Bell to come in and do what he’s done. Time on ground is minimal. Heavy, hard conditions against the world’s best forward pack,” said former Wallaby Justin Harrison on Stan Sport.
“Let’s admit it, world’s best forward back. Admittedly, some changes. Doesn’t change the intensity at scrum time. He has done well. He’s offered as well. He’s not just a passenger showing up for his plane ticket and sitting for the ride. He’s actually influencing this game.”
Angus Bell of the Wallabies looks to make his way through the defenders during The Rugby Championship match between Australia Wallabies and South Africa Springboks at Optus Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
The loss of Taniela Tupou to his father’s bereavement has impacted the tight five – and there were injuries to James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa as Schmidt admitted his team was “beaten up” but Bell’s return gives some light at the end of the tunnel with a double Test visit to Argentina ahead.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was one of the Wallabies’ best in Brisbane and he backed it up again – until an error on 68 minutes as the Wallabies trailled 23-12 and were desperate to get themselves back in the game.
“Lukhan put one down in front of the post that we were pretty close with, and those sort of things really hurt us, because on the rebound, they made things very tough for us,” said coach Joe Schmidt.
Rob Valetini was typically involved and continues to set the standards.
Fullback Tom Wright had one of his best matches despite the comprehensive Bok win. He handled several high balls in aplomb despite the shocking conditions for handling.
He twice came up up with try-saving interventions, cutting down Makazole Mapimpi after Noah Lolesio’s errant kick put the Bok winger in for what looked a certain try, and then teaming up with his No.10 to quell a raid from Cheslin Kolbe.
Tom Wright of the Wallabies runs the ball during The Rugby Championship match between Australia Wallabies and South Africa Springboks at Optus Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Wright also had a part in one moment that would have helped clear the clouds of doom around the second straight loss to the world champions.
His cross field kick was gathered in by debutant Jorgensen, who twinkle toed his way into the Springbok half before a chip ahead was charged down and potential try scoring moment was snuffed out. Wright, however, failed to put Jorgo over later in the game when he couldn’t get his pass away in time.
“He looked at home lighting it up against the best players in the world,” said Morgan Turinui of Jorgo on Stan Sport.
Schmidt added: “He is good in space, and it would have been fantastic if his little chip over the top had come to fruition, because for the young fella, if he’d got something on his debut, it would have been just reward for all the injuries he’s fought his way back from, and the really positive influence he’s had the last couple of weeks in the squad.”
Jorgensen’s fast tracking to the Test team has been criticised in some quarters – not least The Roar comments section – but he’s hoping this is the start of something special in gold.
“Hopefully it’s the start of something big,” Jorgensen said afterwards. “Joe’s an amazing coach and I’ve loved working with him over the past couple of weeks, so hopefully we can continue to do that and better our game.”
Schmidt’s sole overseas pick Marika Koroibete made some impact, although was outshone by Boks star Kolbe.
ROCKS
Until Noah Lolesio can win a big game against a top team there will always be concerns over his position at No.10. Right now Schmidt doesn’t exactly have a lot of options and the other candidates’ best features, for many fans, is merely that they’re not Noah.
He showed great poise to land two of the four penalties – but his miss right before halftime summed up the frustrations with him. His loose kick in the opening half required a bail out from Wright, but he did seem more involved than usual.
Nic White was brought in for his experience and we saw the usual feisty performance. He got under the skin of Boks scrum half Morne van den Berg in the first half, and referee Paul Williams told him off in his sternest dad voice – “not today!”. Meanwhile, a slipped pass to LSL running wide on the left was comfortably picked off by speedster Kolbe.
Hunter Paisami was quiet and involved in the Boks opening try. The centre ran the ball into contact and lost control, allowing the Boks to put on the jets. Mapimpi’s cute kick down the touch line was gobbled up by fast flying fullback Aphelele Fassi for a five-pointer.
Josh Nasser struggled with his lineout throw – completely understandable considering the conditions and the woes of his opposite No.2 Johan Grobbelaar, whom Harrison noted had the yips.
Meanwhile, spare a thought for Seru Uru – he was on on 54 minutes and in the sin bin 17 minutes later. He’ll be sweating on getting a future call up.
Tony Harperhttps://https://ift.tt/KgLutS2 and diamonds: ‘Hope it’s the start of something big’: Tahs and Tom Wright shine, miserable 17-minute debut
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