For the sake of world rugby, Australia must learn to win before Lions tour

Apologies to Argentina but I really hope that Australia win at least one of their two forthcoming tests against the Pumas in South America. The international arena needs as many competitive teams as possible. Any thoughts that Australia were set to make an early return to the elite in the wake of recent wins against a weak Wales team are in need of urgent reconsideration.
South Africa spanked them in Brisbane — a city where the Springboks have historically struggled against Australia — before being battered in the second half in Perth, by a combination of conditions and the world champions. Horrible as the elements were, they saved Joe Schmidt’s team from an even heavier defeat against a much-changed — and diminished — South African side. Australia have it all to prove.
It’s not just fans of the global game who are waiting for Schmidt to work his structured spells. Anyone involved with the British & Irish Lions, administrators, players and perhaps most of the 20,000-odd supporters who constitute the red army, will want to see signs of improvement.
The Lions are up there with the All Blacks and Springboks as the three biggest brands in rugby. They don’t have to win series to retain their brand power as long as they go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the world.
The first Lions tour of the 21st century — to Australia — was an epic series, with Justin Harrison snatching a late lineout from the clutches of Martin Johnson to seal victory. Australia, back then, were the best team on the planet, world champions. No shame in defeat. The Lions bounced back to win a series against a much weaker Wallaby side 12 years later. Still, the hosts were good enough to hold the attention of all Australia and the rugby world.
The brief Eddie Jones era was a calamity and the fallout is still being felt. Mark Nawaqanitawase, one of the most exciting wingers to break into the international scene in the last few years, had been outstanding for Australia — he impressed in the Olympic Sevens too — but in December he joined the league ranks and the powerful Sydney Roosters. He played union until the Olympics ended but is now launching himself into a new career with one of rugby league’s giants.
Carter Gordon won eight caps after being plucked from near obscurity and turned into a World Cup fly half by Jones, only to be prematurely dumped in typically flamboyant fashion. Carter did not make the same impression as Nawaqanitawase but has joined him in the rank of union defectors.
His new club, the Gold Coast Titans, are a much smaller unit than the Roosters but still, he was lured away from union and the prospects of what has been the tantalising presence of the Lions. The ARU is struggling as the NRL thrives.
The Lions can help the Wallaby cause with a series to ignite the spluttering union presence but the home side has to be good enough to make a fight of the three games. A Lions whitewash would be catastrophic — the word is chosen more with care than hype — for one of the world’s great nations of the last 40 years.
Argentina, in contrast, remain on their slow bumpy road somewhere towards the top of the game. Their recent victory in New Zealand was a high after the low of a 44-6 loss to the same side in the World Cup semi-finals. The 42-10 loss a week ago was another speed bump. The Puma graph is up and down whereas the Australian trajectory is plummeting in one direction.
Schmidt’s side may be preparing for 2025 but this young team need to learn how to win, now. Against serious opposition. Paradoxically, the Wallabies have a chance by taking on the Pumas at their traditional game. Argentina were once a stronghold of the scrum. It can be argued that the absence of scrums for an hour in Wellington, and the plethora of them in Auckland a week later helped explain a thumping, great turnaround (along with a clear pattern of the Kiwis kicking complacency out of their system.)
The very thought of Australia dominating Argentina’s scrum would have been a joke a few years ago but while the South Americans have lost their edge, Australia have a potentially decent scrummaging pack.
Angus Bell, coming back from injury, had a fine first 40 minutes against the Springboks until a cut above the eye ended his comeback Test match. He is a strong ball carrier but, more importantly, a fine technician in the front row. On the tight-head side, the charismatic Taniela Tupou — The Tongan Thor — is one of those players whose presence can lift those around him.
Considering Allan Alaalatoa captains the Wallabies from prop, the front row is a potential match-winner. It is not beyond the bounds that Australia will gain a psychological and tactical advantage in the scrums. Whereas South Africa are up there with the All Blacks as the best scrum, Argentina are a feeble reminder of a fabled past.
After the next fortnight, Australia face New Zealand, home and away. Two wins in South America would be exactly the lift this troubled sport requires a year out from the Lions; a sticking tape. Two more defeats before the All Blacks and Australia are already on the brink.
Australia do not have the safety net that was Argentina’s win against New Zealand. Nor does Argentina suffer from the strength of rugby league. Schmidt needs to restore balance behind and ballast up front before the two-times World Cup winners implode. For the sake of world rugby and the Lions, let’s hope he masterminds some sort of Australian comeback, starting next Saturday.
August 31, 11pmTV Sky Sports Action