#trc2013

Does this look like a team to bag the Bledisloe or will the wily Wallabies snatch it?  

Bledis-who? It’s been gone for so long that I’d almost forgotten what it looked like. Lucky it took the tour last weekend while it was here or I may still have drawn a blank.

It’s meant to be our biggest rugby rival, perhaps even our countries biggest sporting rivalry alongside the Ashes, so why has it been so long since we were able to lock it up in OUR trophy cabinet?

The past is the past, but the fact remains that the Wallabies haven’t won a Bledisloe series since 2002, which is a test best remembered for the two streakers who entered the field donning nothing but a Vodafone logo – yes even back then Voda offered poor coverage.

Of the major trophies in World Rugby (and I’m only considering the Southern Hemisphere variety), Australia has only held one in the last decade, being the Tri-nations title in 2011. That year was supposed to be Robbie Dean’s turning point where Australia went from promising to threatening, but on reflection, that tournament victory was built upon the creativity and flair of the Ewen McKenzie coached Quade Cooper and his Reds teammates Genia, Ioane and the leadership of James Horwill.

The Reds rode that wave of confidence and self-belief all the way to the Super Rugby title, Australia’s first since 2004, and the knock-on effect into the Wallabies squad was huge.

The Tri-nations title was supposed to be the lift the Wallabies needed going into the World Cup in New Zealand, but (ignoring the fact Cooper got the yips) Robbie instead reverted to a more structured game plan, took only one number 7 to the World Cup and cost a good squad a crack at the title.

Since then we all know what has happened, but now with Ewen at the helm, Australian rugby fans cannot wait to see if the Wallabies will try and replicate their style on the international stage.

Imagine Quade Cooper, with a fully loaded backline, and Ewen calling the shots, asking him to play what he sees. Imagine Quade Cooper, linking up with Izzy or Mogg, Christian or Tevita.

It’s enough to make a backs coach salivate.

The time was right for change, and I’m really excited that Bill decided he was going to chop Robbie even IF we won the Wallabies series.

Australian Rugby is on the up. Of our five Super Rugby teams, only the Reds did not beat or better there win total from last year, yet they still record 10 victories and qualified for the playoffs.

The Australian Conference won 37 of 80 games, up from 32 in 2011, which, while still a touch below where it should be, is a positive sign. Combined, the Australian teams had 12 wins and 10 losses versus New Zealand teams, which would’ve been 12 and 8 excluding the finals series.

There are new, young and exciting backs and forwards coming through who are SCREAMING for a Wallabies birth, and do you know what it reminds me of? The Reds in 2010.

In 2010, Ewen McKenzie stepped into the Reds job after the team had finished second last on the ladder. The team had lost stalwarts Berrick Barnes and Hugh McMeniman and was built around an immature Cooper, improving Genia and captain Big Kev.

The other players were youthful, fast and hungry but widely unproven players such as Luke Morahan, James Slipper, Ben Tapuia, Ben Lucas and Rod Davies. It’s no surprise that most of the guys ended up cracking the Wallabies.

Ewen turned the place around and established a culture that these guys were dying to be a part of. They played for each other and they almost made it to the Finals. Only a year later did they go all the way, and this year made it three finals series in row.

That squad had talent but it took McKenzie to step in and instill the belief that took them from good to great. At the Wallabies he has gathered what he feels is great talent from around the country – now it’s his job to turn them into world-beaters.

I’m excited because McKenzie has the ability to start fresh – a new squad, a new style and renewed hope. Yes most of the guys in the squad have been a part of the setup at least since the Spring tour or Lions series, but when he selects 23 out of his existing 30 man squad, maths tell us there will be at least one fresh face chosen.

Ewen brings hope and respect to the playing group, which was so sorely missing in the Wallaby camp since the Rugby World Cup debacle. He was the right choice for the top gig and I cannot wait to see what he can do with Australia’s best players at his disposal.

There is one more area however that the ARU will be really hoping Ewen delivers the goods, and that is to the games coffers.

For a lot of reasons, none more so than successful attractive rugby, the McKenzie coached Reds organisation has been able to pull some absolutely staggering front office numbers, including over 32,000 memberships sold in 2012 (up from 15,000 in 2011), as well as the number 1 game day attendance average for elite sporting teams in Queensland.

There is no doubt Bill and his board would have considered these facets when selecting their new coach, and believe me it is the fans who will stand to benefit if Ewen can a) bring the successful game plan to the Wallabies and b) bring the sponsorship dollars and eyeballs back to the game.

I’m excited for the potential. I’m excited for the hope. I’m excited for the rugby championship.