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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has declared himself “spellbound” after his team recovered from its beating in Sydney last week to deliver a painful reality check to the All Blacks in Brisbane on Saturday.
The All Blacks were messy and poorly disciplined during their 24-22 loss, but credit must go to the Wallabies for an energetic display that exposed the visitors’ decision-making and lack of defensive urgency.
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Dave Rennie was delighted with his team’s response to a tame loss in Sydney last week.
“Obviously I’m engrossed,” Rennie told Sky Sport in relief afterward.
“There was a lot of character. It has been a tough week.
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“We knew we were better than our performance last week, and it was great to have the opportunity seven days after showing it.”
Most of Rennie’s big decisions turned to gold, particularly Reece Hodge’s pick at No. 10.
The utility, beginning his second test at No. 10 (the first was against Japan), outpointed Beauden Barrrett and Rennie also injected her X-factor mainstay Taniela Tupou at the right time in the second half to dominate the All Blacks. . scrum and score a try.
“We have been working hard in training for a long time,” Rennie said.
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Wallabies No. 10 Reece Hodge defeats Beauden Barrett at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
“You have to do all parts of your game well to be competitive against the All Blacks.
“We took better care of the ball tonight and we defended quite well.
“I think our kick chase was a really important part of the game. I’m very happy.”
The game will be remembered for two red cards (to Ofa Tuungafasi and Lachie Swinton) and two yellow cards (to Scott Barrett and Marika Koroibete).
That poor discipline reflected the high degree of annoyance between the sides, and it is clear that Rennie has not lost his ability to make his players face their opponents.
Aside from some runs by Ardie Savea that wrecked the defense, the All Blacks were unable to establish any form of physical dominance and Barrett’s yellow card was a reflection of the pressure they felt they were under.
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Wallabies accessory James Slipper argues with Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.
The young Wallabies midfield of Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia ran hard lines all night, while captain Michael Hooper played his best test against the All Blacks this year.
Rennie also paid tribute to prop James Slipper, who played his 100th Test on Saturday but was forced to leave the paddock at the end of the first half with an elbow injury.
“It’s a great day for James Slipper,” Rennie said.
“We said we were going to the front for him and the guys did.
“He’s a special man and it’s great to have a good celebration for him.”
Rennie’s focus will now shift to the rest of the Three Nations, and the Wallabies are now heading into a bye week.
“It’s a good thing, we still have a chance for some silverware,” Rennie said.
“We have three days off and will reconnect on Wednesday night.
“Then we will see the All Blacks play against the Argentines [next weekend] and let’s see what we can learn from that. “
