There is something desperately wrong with the culture at the Tahs, and has been for some time, effectively ever since Cheika left the room. The reflex response is to blame the coach, but I think it goes deeper than that. Dan was a successful coach at the Brumbies, Penney is having success at the Saders, but no-one can at the Tahs. Yes, there are some weaknesses around the positions, particularly in the second row and 10, 12 and 13, but there were a couple of games during the year, particularly v the Brumbies and the Chiefs, that demonstrated the ability is actually there but they so rarely operate at their maximum level, and often a mile short of it.
I don't know what must be done to rectify it, but at least Dan appreciates that this is a long-term problem and therefore not a quick fix. We will sorely miss Bell and Gleeson next year, who were without any question our two best forwards in an otherwise mediocre pack, with the so-called boost from the Rebels resulting in a significantly under-performing TT and Leota, both of whom looked like they didn't want to be there and are unlikely to be severely missed. One thing I really liked about Dan's comments were those about developing young players into long term Tahs. There is some real potential talent among guys like Botha, Talataina, Wilson, Bowen, O'Donnell, JAS, Jorgo and Lancaster, plus others behind them that haven't had a crack at Super rugby yet, if they can be developed and with them a change in culture, there could be a tomorrow!
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