I've been away so just watched the match.
Whilst it is never good to lose, there was a lot of good stuff from the Wallabies, and much of the average to poor stuff can be fixed.
Beale and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) did very well in their 'new' positions. I hope Beale can deal with the Springbok high ball onslaught in the next match.
The tight 5 improved their game a lot - why is there so much hate for Mumm? I thought he got through a load of work, was solid in the lineout, and ok (though not outstanding) in the scrum. Maafu is still struggling in the scrums. S Fainga'a played with some guts, but his lack of size/power meant that he probably should have been replaced when he was knackered.
Brown was very similar to last week - tried hard but not quite there (but the oppostion loose forwards were pretty awesome).
The ball retention game plan was, I think, a good one. It will be essential if Cooper is coming back into the side (ie less defence), and also more effective (likely more urgent and effective attack). Better basic skills would have helped too. The big failing in the backs was the lack of structure and both attacking and defensive cohesion - spontenaity is one thing, but even the best improvisors don't lose sight of the head completely.
A Fainga'a gets an A for effort, but a D for achievement. With an attitude like his, his achievements will match his effort sooner rather than later.
JO'C does not look the goods on the wing. There are other viable options I would like to see there, with JO'C dropping to the bench. He is a great talent, but not really a winger.
I didn't like seeing fresh reserves unused when there were players who were tired and could be replaced, and the game was on the line (why hold back?).
I don't accept the 'what if we had our best XV' or 'if we had player XYZ we'd have won' line. Injuries are not an acceptable excuse as they are a part of the game, and everyone has to deal with them. As for the 'Best XV' - which 'best XV' would that be? RD's?, mine?, yours? To say the team can't be judged until a certain combination is available may mean they are never scrutinised.
