The Wallabies only have themselves to blame

There were some strange twists and turns in this match and it's hard to imagine that this would have been the All Black's highest score against the Wallabies had Daniel Carter kicked the final conversion.

Going into this game there were genuine hopes that the home side might be able to end the visitors 7 game winning streak against them but all that came to a screaming halt at about the same time the Wallabies failed to find touch from a penalty just after Owen Franks was yellow carded.

The Wallabies inability to capitalise or take advantage of certain situations is severely lacking. It was only 1 kick but it needed to find touch. The fact that it didn’t, let the All Blacks off the hook, and was perhaps a turning point in the match.

Another example was when Drew Mitchell scored off a charge down only to have the same thing happen at the other end moments later. The few times that they were in a position to capitalise an unforced error would release the pressure.

Poor old Rocky Elsom. He couldn't win a trick. First he complains to the referee that the All Blacks were slowing the ball down only to have it backfire when Drew Mitchell was red carded for doing exactly that. He inadvertently got his own man sent off!

There were also some puzzling decisions throughout the match. Had the officials managed to get Sam Whitelock’s number he would have been yellow carded for a highly effective and perfectly legal tackle. Seriously, the referees are just getting a bit to eager to hand out yellow cards.

Another questionable decision was when the All Blacks were penalised for collapsing the scrum 5 metres out from their own line when it was clear the ground gave way underneath them. How was it their fault?

Although neither coach complained, the surface wasn't really good enough and questions have to be asked about it's playing future.

The other questionable decision was to play Matt Giteau at ten considering how well he has played all year at 12. What was Robbie Deans thinking? James O'Connor looks lost on the wing and is much better suited to fullback. They could do worse than give Kurtley Beale a start next week and perhaps give someone like Lachie Turner a run on the wing.

Shute Shield is alive and well!

We enjoyed a day out with the locals yesterday and watched a thoroughly entertaining game between Randwick and Sydney University in the premier Shute Shield competition.

For a family of 4 it cost just 20 bucks to get up close and personal with the action. This represents great value when you consider the number of Wallabies on display.

The standouts were Drew Mitchell and Kurtley Beale and unfortunately for Sydney University they were both playing for Randwick. Drew Mitchell scored 1 of the tries of the season when he twisted, turned and accelerated his way through at least 5 or 6 defenders. He looked sharp, surprisingly big on the field and was physical.

Kurtley Beale was all class and if he struggles to get a start in the Wallabies then they must have 1 of the best backlines in the world. His try in the 2nd half was electric. He picked up a bounced pass about 20 metres out from the goal line and within a blink of an eye he was gone. Just like Drew's try it looked even more impressive in person than it did on TV.

Just for the record Randwick won and we all got to mingle with the players post match. Terrific stuff!

Lighten up guys!

A patchy performance from the Wallabies but at least their defence was reasonable. The 1 positive is that they have only had 2 tries scored against them in 4 tests this year, which given the amount the amount of injuries they have had, is a fair effort. If the Wallabies could get their full strength side on the field they might be a chance.

They were dull in the first 1/2 half and were guilty of kicking too much ball away. They had plenty of opportunity to counter attack (a hallmark of a Dean’s coached Crusaders) but too often, chose to kick.

The Wallabies have a talented backline but it’s being wasted, because apart from from Quade Cooper and perhaps James O’Connor, they are not backing themselves. They are too hesitant, lack confidence and it results in players dropping passes, knocking on etc.

At least Kurtley Beale provided some spark when he came on but is lacking confidence also, hence his grubber kick instead of backing himself. Still early days though and given his time again, I'm sure he would have kept ball in hand.

You get the feeling that the players don’t have the backing of their coach at times and are too scared to express themselves in case they make a mistake.

The mood in the camp was highlighted by the post match press conference. Watching it reminded me of a visit to the morgue. What’s wrong with these guys? Again, nothing upbeat, nothing positive and it looked like they were slowly but surely being dissected. Defibrillator anyone?

Kurtley Has To Be There!

There is no doubt in my mind that Kurtley Beale has to be in the Wallaby backline. He is a special player and now is the time for him to shine. With James O'Connor knocking on the door and also brimming with talent he has to be in there somewhere too.

Unfortunately for the Wallabies, both are currently playing fullback and 2 does not go into 1. O'Connor's preferred position is fullback and has to be picked there for the Wallabies. Beale is a naturally gifted 10 and although many will disagree that's where he belongs.

He has played well since moving to fullback for the Waratahs but that's because he could play anywhere and be a standout. The reason he didn't live up to expectations early on was partly because of the way the Waratahs were playing. Excuse the term but during his first couple of years with the Waratahs they were winning 'ugly' and this style of play didn't suit him. He wasn't happy or able to express himself and it showed. Now that they have opened up a little, Beale has thrived.

Quade Cooper is a real talent but unfortunately for him he is not a Beale and has to graciously step aside. The Beale's of this world are once in a generation type players and there is no way they can leave him out. O'Connor to fullback and Beale shifts to 10 in the Wallably backline.

The All Blacks for example, can rest easy if Cooper is chosen at 10 but not Beale. Beale makes all the difference. He is the 1 player that would make them nervous and have defences 2nd guessing.

The rest of the backline is up for debate but would have 9. Will Genia, 10. Beale, 12. Matt Giteua, 13. Rob Horne, 11. Lachie Turner, 14. Drew Mitchell and 15. O'Connor.

Wallabies defeat Fiji 49 - 3

The Wallabies rolled the Fijians last night and probably spent more time ducking missiles than anything else. To their credit the Wallabies held their nerve and after a slow start finished strongly.

Lucky enough to score just before half time, the men in canary gold, went into the break 14 - 3. After the break however, they looked like a different side. They were full of running and scored 5 tries to 0 in the 2nd half. In the 1st half they were guilty of not committing enough players to the ruck and had a tendancy to drift sideways on attack. Once they straightened the play they had the Fijians at 6's and 7's. The big advantage this year is that the Wallabies have plenty of players in their backline that can straighten the play. Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Digby Ioane, Rob Horne etc all like to straighten the play and it paid dividends last night.

The forward pack is a concern and with the loss of another front rower in the form of Ben Alexander to injury they are starting to look a little thin on paper. They have cover but it will be put to the test next week against England.

Players to stand out for the Wallabies were Cooper, Kurtlley Beale and Nathan Sharpe. Most of the backline played well for the home team and most importantly their defence was solid. This could prove to be a silver lining this season because the statistics showed that collectively the Australian Super 14 teams this year had the best defensive record.

After a bit of hype surrounding Rupeni Cau Cau before the match it was disappointing that he never lived up to it. In fact he was hardly noticed but to be fair he wasn't given much opportunity either.