The Wallabies no longer enjoy the reputation for strong defence they once had and have problems keeping a lead, Australian media said Monday after the 28-24 Tri-Nations series loss to New Zealand.
The Australians led 17-7 with 35 minutes to play Saturday but paid dearly for a lack of composure and mental toughness and unravelled to allow the All Blacks in for three soft tries to snatch victory.
The Wallabies finished the six-match Tri-Nations tournament scoring 14 tries but significantly conceded 21, blown out by their record 53-8 capitulation to South Africa in Johannesburg on August 30.
Critics said that while the Wallabies have made progress this year under coach Robbie Deans, the team's mental toughness in defence has to improve, or else they will continue to be among the next best.
"Not that long ago the Wallabies were the defensive standouts of international rugby. They hardly ever leaked tries. They strangled teams out of the game," The Sydney Morning Herald said.
"But this season has been different.
"Nine Tests into Robbie Deans' reign, and he boasts six victories, in particular two important triumphs defeating the Springboks in South Africa for the first time in eight years and swamping the All Blacks in Sydney.
"But where there has been considerable decline is in the team's defence. They finished the domestic Tests and the Tri Nations with the unexpected record of scoring 24 tries, but conceding 25."
The Herald noted that New Zealand scored 11 tries in their three games against the Wallabies -- including four on Saturday, which succeeded in showing how the Wallabies can capitulate under pressure and also have problems defending a lead.
"Deans is in charge of a team that lacks the resilience, tenacity, composure, belief and depth of the All Blacks," it said.
The Australian newspaper said Deans has been coaching with one hand tied behind his back with nine Tests in 14 weeks since he became the Wallabies' first foreign coach on June 2, with just 12 days to prepare for the opening Test of the season against Ireland.
"But from this moment on he will truly begin shaping the Wallabies in his own image," the newspaper said.
The indications are that Deans has made up his mind that some long-serving players cannot, or will not, adapt, and there could well be some high-profile casualties when the 33-man tour squad for November's European tour is announced next week, it said.
The Australian said their places will go to eager young contenders anxious to learn whatever he wishes to teach them.
"It sounds like the revolution but it's mostly evolution that Deans has in mind."
Sapa-AFP - Rugbyweek.com
