The Wallabies' recent performance has been a topic of much discussion, with Rugby Australia (RA) claiming significant improvement. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture, one that is far from straightforward. While it's true that the team has shown progress under the leadership of coach Joe Schmidt, the last three weeks paint a different story. The Wallabies' recent results against Ireland and France, in particular, raise questions about their true capabilities. The Italian test, which the Wallabies won convincingly, was against a team that had been struggling, with poor discipline and multiple changes to their starting lineup. This victory, while impressive, should be taken with a grain of salt. One of the key areas of improvement has been the selection of players. Halfback Ryan Lonergan and second-rower Josh Canham have emerged as strong performers, with Lonergan's control and goalkicking ability making him a coach in the making. Canham, meanwhile, has long been an athlete of serious quality, and his partnership with Jeremy Williams in the second row has been a success. However, the exodus of Australian players to New Zealand for the NPC raises concerns about the Super Rugby AU competition. This trend undermines the very foundation of the competition and could have long-term implications for the development of rugby in Australia. The All Blacks coach, Ian Foster, has also faced his fair share of challenges. Despite a recent win against Ireland, Foster's communication has been a point of contention, with the New Zealand public becoming increasingly fickle. The Wallabies' scars from past performances may be helping Foster, but the team's current form is a cause for concern. In conclusion, while the Wallabies have shown some improvement, the last three weeks have been a mixed bag. The Italian test was a convincing win, but the results against Ireland and France raise questions. The selection of Lonergan and Canham is a positive development, but the exodus to New Zealand is a cause for concern. As the team prepares for the future under Les Kiss, the true test of their capabilities will be yet to come.
