Ellis Park

That Wallabies vs Springboks game was a painful lesson. The only consolation is that we are still alive to win the Tri-Nations, but this was an amateur performance in a professional game.

Our defense was disgusting; it hasn't been as convincing ever since we switched from Muggleton's solid scheme, but this is the first game where it has been sliced and diced. (The terrible thing about this: it's directly attributable to Robbie's coaching and the attitude of the players.)

For the 3N decider, for the starting XV I think I would pick:

Robinson Moore Baxter Horwill Mumm Elsom Smith Palu Cordingley Giteau Tuqiri Cross Mortlock Ashley Cooper Mitchell

The key selection for the front row is that Moore must be the hooker. Polota-Nau's throwing has been a major "feature" in our losses under Robbie thus far, and he needs to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

We really need Vickerman as one of our Locks, but while he is injured I think I'd take Horwill and Mumm. I think I like McMeniman as depth at blindside flanker rather than Lock. Sharpe looks like he's on the outer with Robbie, not even making the bench for the Ellis Park game!

At the back row, one thing I would take out of the last few games is that Waugh is no longer neck-and-neck with George Smith any more. Smith is clearly the man. I also worry that there is a lack of players challenging Palu for the 8 role; Richard Brown from the Force might be worth consideration.

I actually thought Cordingley provided quick service, so I'd leave him at halfback. We were very obviously exposed with Tahu at Inside Center a number of times (just not enough experience in Rugby let alone the defensive scheme), and if Barnes is out then we need Cross playing there.

In our back 3, Hynes has had very little impact (if not making very notable mistakes) since the first couple of tests, and I think it's time for him to ride the pine. I would move Ashley Cooper from FB to Hynes' wing, and I would start Mitchell at FB. But one thing's for sure: we are really struggling for talent at FB.

It's too bad Hewat didn't stick around for another year -- not only would he have possibly helped the Tahs win the S14, but it's very possible he would have finally got a Wallaby jersey by now.