The Wallabies didn’t lose any supporters with their efficiency in opposition to France, however their incapability to win the massive moments as soon as once more got here again to chew Dave Rennie’s facet.
Per week in the past the Wallabies have been saved by a missed penalty shot from Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn on the loss of life at Murrayfield.
In Paris, the Wallabies weren’t so lucky as Damian Penaud scored a surprising attempt to break the hearts of Rennie’s facet as France claimed a dramatic 30-29 victory.
Here are our speaking factors from the one-point defeat.
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PERFORMANCE SHOWS WHY WALLABIES CAN’T BE WRITTEN OFF AT WORLD CUP
Sunday’s defeat as soon as once more showcased one of the best and worst of the Wallabies.
Their foundations – scrum and lineout – have been each strong. No worldwide facet can win constantly and not using a sturdy tight-five.
But their breakdown work, notably with ball-in-hand, continues to halt their progress.
When you lose possession, or have your ball slowed down as a lot because the Wallabies do, it stifles assault and is the most important cause for his or her inconsistency.
This isn’t simply the accountability of the openside flanker.
While the openside flanker typically will get on the ball in defence, in assault it’s a staff problem and the dearth of cohesion all through the squad is hurting the Wallabies.
What Sunday’s defeat as soon as once more bolstered, nonetheless, is that they’ll match it with any nation in world rugby.
The secret is consistency, which is one thing that has dogged the Wallabies for years.
REDS FULLBACK SHOWS HE CAN MAKE IT IN TEST RUGBY
Jock Campbell didn’t attempt to cover behind the sport’s defining second, which was his missed deal with on Penaud.
Campbell has by no means been an important defender out broad, which is partly why he has struggled as a winger.
But the 27-year-old was competent in his first Test begin and didn’t look misplaced beneath the brilliant lights on the Stade de France.
He was protected beneath the excessive ball and usually bought the stability proper between kicking and working, which is an under-rated space of Campbell’s sport.
He confirmed that when he took benefit of Bernard Foley’s reduce out go and dragged two defenders over the road to attain.
Campbell additionally mixed properly with Andrew Kellaway on the again.
THE PLAY THAT SHOWED THE WALLABIES’ LACK OF CONTINUITY
For the second straight week the Wallabies have been left with egg on their face from an attacking transfer that backfired.
Just when Kinghorn toed forward to attain final week shortly after half-time for Scotland, France took benefit of one other play that backfired within the seconds earlier than the primary break.
In each circumstances Foley was the person who was made to look foolish as he missed his goal.
But if we take a step again, it’s hardly shocking as a result of the Wallabies had a distinct halfback, inside centre and fullback in 4 straight Tests.
The Wallabies’ struggles on the breakdown additionally, partly, come from the dearth of continuity within the facet.
Wallabies maintain on in opposition to Scots | 01:44
TUPOU’S BEST TEST OF THE YEAR – AND THE DOUBLE ACT THAT CAN CHANGE WALLABIES’ PERCEPTION
By his personal admission Taniela Tupou has struggled all year long.
Against France, the prop was promoted to the beginning facet within the absence of Allan Alaalatoa and delivered his best efficiency within the No.3 jersey for the Wallabies.
He scrummed properly and bought the Wallabies over the acquire line. It’s an enormous tick for a person who typically dominates consideration on and off the sector.
Even if Alaalatoa is match to face Italy subsequent week, Tupou ought to begin.
If he does, he’ll probably staff up with Will Skelton.
It’s a scary thought for oppositions however one that may assist the Wallabies recover from the acquire line.
Oppositions would possibly try and run the Wallabies ragged and goal them on the lineout, however the Wallabies have two sturdy lineout choices in Jed Holloway and Ned Hanigan at blindside flanker who can shore up the set-piece.