Berrick Barnes was not the only Australian putting his mark on Rugby last night with Channel Ten commentator Rupert McCall providing the voice that in my op-inion has been missing from Australian rugby broadcasting for some time.
Firstly Barnes looked all class in only his second test for the Wallabies perhaps dare I say, looking like the ready made replacement for the retiring legend, Stephen Larkham. Barnes injected himself with an inexperienced experience and nervous calmness.
Looking right at home, the new Number 10 provided some missing playmaking that Australian rugby has lacked in recent time and joined forces with Matt Giteau to be dominating across the park.
The first half was the best rugby the Wallabies have played since the 2003 Rugby World Cup with Number’s 1-15 all contributing, looking like a real cup contender. The Wallabies second half was however a different story with the Aussies struggling to inject that attack that was scintillating in the first half and defense that was questionable.
Lote Tuqiri must go as he failed to inject himself at all in attack, knocking the ball on at least three times and missing simple tackles on his wing. Tuqiri must fine form in the next games against Fiji and Canada or his place will be in jeopardy for the finals series.
Australia still have to formulate an eighty-minute game of football but they will be proud of their effort beating Wales at Millennium Stadium and taking one step closer towards the quarter finals.
The Wallabies look like possible contenders for the William Webb Ellis along with their southern hemisphere SANZA counterparts: South Africa and New Zealand. Unfortunately no northern hemisphere team look like cup contenders with England and France well off the pace and Ireland, Scotland and Wales looking like making their exit in the quarters.
Barnes was not the only shining light of Australian rugby last night but unknown commentator Rupert McCall provided the ‘balls’ that Australian rugby has missed with Gordon Bray and Greg Clark’s play-by-play style. McCall was more of the ‘Ray Warren’ excitement style but not too over the top. McCall presents ‘Sport’s Today’ on 4BC talk radio Brisbane weeknights but could have a career as the new voice of Australian rugby.
As Australia heads towards the quarters, South Africa and New Zealand are starting to put together their play and look like the favorites to hold the William Webb Ellis in 2007.
