Really? I like Joe but it's not like we won the Bledisloe or anything. We had a decent EOYT but it's still pretty likely we'll lose 3-0 to the Lions.
I'll be sad to see him go if he does, but I don't think the world will come crashing down if we have to find a replacement.
For me it's the obvious improvements in basics, cohesion and team harmony/happiness/culture. Others will say it's all about wins/losses but those wins don't come without the 3 above improving... they lead onto everything else.
After an absolute disaster RWC they only got one real flogging... by the Argies. They were easily beaten by the best team in the world twice. Had an average loss to NZ however narrowly missed out by 3 in the other match. Scotland was always the big worry for me on the EOYT, more so than Ireland. Scots were on fire and Aus were well off. Lost by 3 to Ireland at the end of a long tour. Beat England at home for the first time in donkey years in an absolute classic.
Given where they were 12 months ago, by my metric, I'd call it a successful year. Many will disagree with me.
Comparing apples to apples they lost to Wales by 30+ 12 months prior to beating them by 30+ away. While also defeating then 3 more times earlier in the year. Yep Wales stink, but so did we 12 months earlier.
It's also the way the team actually played on that EOYT. Mostly played smart, tough, skillful and (when appropriate) exciting rugby. Something I haven't seen from the Wallabies in a few years. They backed themselves at some key moments but probably overdid it at others. That all comes from confidence individually and as a team. I'm sure as the group grows they'll become smarter about when to pull the trigger and when not to.
The big worry for me is defence. Individually they're all good Defenders however as a group just too inconsistent. This needs significant improvement.
Like I said, for me it's improvement. Great strides were made last year. No real good will come from changing the coach again after the Lions. They need consistency. Schmidt is the guy IMO. Exactly what this group needs. The players respect him and enjoy playing under him, I think he's great with the press, quite open. He's also willing to try something new and give people a shot. There's a good balance to him.
Hopefully he can stay on while continuing to take care of his family, which is understandably his priority.
