Stop the clock at 55 minutes when excellent Wales No.10 Gareth Anscombe left the field with a shoulder injury during the Wallabies’ 39-34 win in Cardiff.
The Wallabies were trailing 34-13 and you could almost hear the knives being sharpened at Rugby Australia for Dave Rennie.
Then, two things happened. First, Wales, frankly, became a shambles (Anscombe’s replacement Rhys Prestland threw a crucial intercept to Pete Samu). Second, the Wallabies executed a clever tactical shift by kicking long to the backfield, recognising that Josh Adams is not a natural No.15 and Anscombe’s departure had caused organisational chaos.
They emphatically won that kicking contest, with Len Ikitau and Jock Campbell kicking well. This win had ticker and spirit – but there was also a lot of calculation in the chaos.
2. Mark Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete can be weapons on the edge.
The Wallabies haven’t had an unplayable fullback/winger since Israel Folau, and while Nawaqanitawase isn’t in that category there were signs in Cardiff that his arrival has changed the Wallabies as an attacking force.
‘Give it to Izzy’ has evolved into ‘Give it to Marky’, with Len Ikitau – we repeat our belief he is top three in terms of centres around the world – shifting the ball to Nawaqanitawase as soon and as often as possible.
Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete must now be favourites to combine on the wings next year and Nawaqanitawase does have one advantage over Folau – he’s better at finding the ball and targeting defenders around the ruck.
3. Wallabies, Springboks wins even the score up.
Where does the balance of power lie? In the Southern Hemisphere or the north? Or in between? Remarkably, the Rugby Championship teams finished the calendar year with 13 wins, 13 losses and a draw against the Six Nations teams.
England trudge off Twickenham after losing to the Springboks.Credit:Getty
With a year to go until the Rugby World Cup, there is nothing between the hemispheres, which is one reason why so many Test coaches have found themselves under intense scrutiny this year. Eddie Jones, for example, won one from four Tests during November – and none against the Rugby Championship sides.
4. No pressure NSW, but you are a top six side.
Ben Donaldson returns to the Waratahs in 2023 with two Test caps.Credit:Getty
A back line of Gordon, Edmed, Pietsch, Foketi, Perese, Nawaqanitawase, Donaldson. Back-row depth in Hooper, Harris, Gleeson, Swinton, Gamble and Hanigan or Holloway.
That’s a good footy side in the making. The Waratahs have publicly targeted a top four finish in Super Rugby Pacific in 2023, but let’s go with top six in recognition that the Crusaders, Blues, Brumbies and Chiefs will go OK.
Darren Coleman’s side will lose the element of surprise next year, but if they stay grounded and get a good run with injuries there could be something building in NSW.
5. My Rugby World Cup rankings.
Forget the Rassie Erasmus soap opera, the Springboks have enjoyed a significant November. They dismantled England at Twickenham on Saturday – beat them with the ball in hand and set-piece – and have discovered a brilliant new winger in Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup – and the draw that puts France, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa on the same side – they are No 2 in my rankings, behind France. My top six are as follows: 1. France 2. South Africa 3. England. 4. New Zealand. 5. Ireland 6. Australia.
The Irish will be up in arms, but they have to get the irreplaceable Johnny Sexton through another 12 months and will face either France or New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
