Dave Rennie has been at the helm of the Wallabies for almost two years now, and his appointment is starting to pay dividends for the Australians. The Wallabies managed to win four on the trot in the Rugby Championship by comprehensively beating the Springboks with an expansive game of rugby, before putting Argentina to the sword in the following two fixtures.
Prior to this, the Wallabies had a tough July incoming tour against a 2nd string French side, however they still got the win in the bag and will be pleased with their 2021 record at home. It was maybe harsh to criticize the Wallabies for successive losses to the All Blacks because almost everyone struggles to contain them. In the last two years, the Wallabies have played their kiwi neighbors more than anyone, so its been hard to gauge where they're at prior to the Rugby Championship.
Add to this the fact that the Covid pandemic has limited their selection options, the "Guiteau law" was relaxed to allow Rennie to select a competitive side, with the hope of luring the players home. This saw Sean McMahon included late in the championship and now we've seen Will Skelton, Tolu Latu and Rory Arnold added to the side. Kurtley Beale also looks set for a possible return, however with 92 test caps, the "Guiteau law" doesn't apply to him.
Another miraculous story for the Wallabies has been the return of Quade Cooper to the 10 berth. He came in to face the Springboks and has played an extremely pivotal role in the season. He kicked the match winner against the Boks and has now managed to nail down his role in the team. James O'Connor is another player who has come full circle and has shown he is up to the task having matured as a player both on and off the field.
The Wallabies now head into the Autumn Internationals in form and with a string of strong performances buoying them up ahead of clashes with Japan, Scotland, England and Wales. In terms of their style of play 3 wins would be a successful tour, with England proving to be a speedbump, however with Eddie Jones wielding the axe too, the Wallabies may just get one over their former coach too.
A winning environment is the easiest time to grow a squad and Rennie is on the right path in the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The return to form of the Wallabies will just add fuel to the Southern Hemisphere sides and help all of them prepare better for the World Cup, only two short years away.
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