Rugby World Cup 2019

   A week off is what it takes for em to get back to this blog I guess (except for Star Wars). I write as the Rugby World Cup has been run and won by the inspired South Africa!! This gave credence to the "any one of five teams could win it" predictions going in. New Zealand at unbackable odds were outplayed by England, who exposed the things the All Blacks had been trying to fix with their squad adjustments and first XV picked. Then South Africa, who had reached maybe 80% of their potential across the previous two years, stepped up and from scrum to running the ball were that extra bit better team...
   The Wallabies stuttered along with the ability and some smart changes to style of play. They chose players on form, not preconceived ideas, and while some of that didn't work it the loss to Wales consigned them to the tougher side of the draw and an exit at Quarter Final loss stage. Anyhow, I assume Dave Rennie will fix all that, surely, or else why would he already be signed on for the coaching role (why waste time on an exhaustive search or why appoint someone Scott Johnson couldn't manage, like Eddie)...

   Our game didn't get the hoped for boost... cue memories of our legendary 1984 side, close in 1987, winners in 1991 when you couldn't get a Bledisloe Cup ticket of you logged on 15mins after onsale. Inspired by our form I became a Waratahs Member, attending up to four Super Games PLUS access to presale Wallabies tix and many memorable games at the SFS and later Homebush... There's a lot that needs to be fixed...

So the recipe is:

- Coordinated Super Rugby cooperation and clear pathways in every province
- Foster a cohort of Aussie Coaches

- A clear program to keep growing our national player depth, choosing on form 

  (as Cheika finally did for this Cup)

- Technical scrum coaching, pick n stick with a loose forward combination and get fit

- Balance our kick and run/pass game with plan B as well

- Keep working on our defence as it's not too bad when their 'heads are on'
- Look forward to a rectangular Stadium that Homebush will become
- Win Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, playing the French in the Final!!