By Nick Mulvenney
SYDNEY, Sept 16 (Reuters) – If you believe some sections of the Australian media, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was within 24 minutes of losing his job during the Rugby Championship test against Argentina on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Trailing 19-6 to the southern hemisphere championship newcomers, Australia rallied with two tries and a penalty in the last 20 minutes to win 23-19, but it was by no means a convincing victory.
Deans spoke afterwards about how the win should not be underestimated given how strong the Pumas have been in the Rugby Championship, particularly drawing with South Africa and holding their own against the All Blacks for an hour.
There is no doubt Argentina have been more competitive than many expected in the championship and the Australians have shown great character to battle back two weeks in a row after their win over South Africa in Perth.
But all too often it has been mistakes that have first blunted the Wallabies’ attacking endeavours and then allowed the opposition to score and take the lead in the first place.
Against the Springboks, Deans railed against the “silly” grubber kicks his backs had employed in strong attacking positions, and on Saturday his first reaction to the match at pitchside was again frustration.
“Good composure from a young group but we shouldn’t have been in that situation,” he said. “The two tries that we let in were both totally unnecessary.”
The two Argentina tries inside two minutes both came from Wallabies kicks, the first when Quade Cooper’s clearance was charged down by Tomas Leonardi and the second from Julio Faras Cabello after a counter-attack from a Berrick Barnes kick.
Continued…
