Thought we were gone at 17 - 0 down.
The Wallabies showed a lot to fight back and even take the lead 20 - 17, although with help from a shocker from the TMO.
Foley showed what he brings in that first half - not the best destributor or tactical kicker or most creative player, but give him a sniff and he will beat a man with footwork and acceleration and find his support. With some space created from a few good returns and Phipps, he made the most of it.
Cooper is a bit of a contrast, a lot more variation that looks more threatening and a tactical kicking game, but a bit riskier brand of rugby. Think it could be horses for courses at times, but at least Cooper's return is looking pretty heartening as to heading to where he was on the last EOYT.
I am pretty happy with McCalman this Test season, if Palu struggles to get back I think he is out 8 going forward.
I am unsure on our defensive system. The tries in the first were scored from a good kick and intercept, although they caused a few problems at times. What I don't like is hiding the 10 on the wing. It works in Super Rugby, but at Test level they are getting exposed under the high ball when competing against wingers and fullbacks, hell Foley even got out jumped by a 13. Would like to see wingers there instead and 10s more sweeping like other teams.
Don't want to talk about Beale too much, but the bench backs were unbalanced, and we needed Horne in the end. An injury to the worst person, Kuridrani, made life really hard, particularly as Beale starting coming into first receiver a lot and Foley just completely disappeared from the game. Losing what has been arguably our best back and then getting stuck with too many playmakers trying to get into first receiver saw our structure disappear. Cooper arrested that a little, as he seemed a little more dominant in stepping into first receiver.