Wallaby legend George Gregan is rallying behind Joe Schmidt’s team, urging them to “write their names in the history books” as they face a critical clash against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne on Saturday. A defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground would hand the Lions an unassailable 2-0 lead following their victory in Brisbane, where the Wallabies’ vulnerabilities were laid bare until a late resurgence saw them narrow the loss to 27-19.
The return of No.8 Rob Valetini has given Gregan renewed optimism. The former captain believes Valetini can deliver a game-changing performance akin to Ardie Savea of the All Blacks, crucial for winning the breakdown and gainline battles. Gregan stated, “It’s probably the biggest game in this country for the Wallabies for a very long time. Rob fights for metres after contact, and like Ardie Savea, you don’t tackle him and he drops, he keeps going. Rob will have a big impact in the contact area.”
Historical Parallels and Lessons from the Past
Gregan, a pivotal figure in the 2-1 series win over the 2001 Lions, understands the challenge of rebounding from a first Test defeat. In 2001, after a loss in Brisbane, the Wallabies bounced back with a decisive win in Melbourne, eventually clinching the series in Sydney. Reflecting on those experiences, Gregan emphasized the importance of resilience and seizing the moment. “You know heading into the second Test that you have to front up or the series is done. As a player, these are the moments and games you want to be part of, showing some grit and character and turning things around.”
For Australian rugby union, this match represents a chance to put everything on the line. “Rugby league has just finished their State of Origin and everyone wants to have a game three decider, but that is up to the Wallaby players,” Gregan added. The Wallabies have the opportunity to write themselves into history, and Gregan is confident that with the right adjustments, they can take the series to a decider in Sydney.
The Breakdown Battle: Key to Victory
The breakdown remains a critical area where the Wallabies must excel to challenge the Lions effectively. Gregan highlighted the importance of winning the gainline battle, which influences the referee’s perception and the flow of the game. “There is never any magic science or magic sword, and if you lose the gainline battle, the game becomes more difficult,” he explained. “The breakdown is huge, and this was always going to be the most important battle in this series.”
Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are expected to play pivotal roles in this area. The Wallabies’ decision to start the first Test with rookie half-backs Tom Lynagh and Jake Gordon saw mixed results, with better performances emerging when Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson took over. Gregan noted, “Tate always lifts things, playing with a lot of energy and is dangerous around the ruck and provides a different picture to what Jake does.”
Adapting and Overcoming: The Path Forward
The pressure is on Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt to equip his team with the strategies needed to dismantle the Lions’ formidable lineup. The return to fitness of key forwards like Valetini and Skelton could be crucial. Gregan emphasized the importance of honest self-assessment and adaptation, drawing from his experiences with the 2001 squad. “We had an experienced squad and were very consistent in how we approached and reviewed every match. When we had a loss, we were very honest with ourselves in the review and identified a couple of key areas that let us down.”
Gregan remains optimistic about the Wallabies’ chances in the second Test. “My heart says the Wallabies for this second Test, and what I saw in that final quarter was promising because that is the way to make the Lions feel a bit uncomfortable and not find their rhythm,” he said. Ultimately, execution in critical moments will determine the outcome, and Gregan hopes the Wallabies will rise to the occasion. “I will be there in my gold Wallaby jersey,” he concluded.
