Wallaby legend George Gregan is rallying behind Joe Schmidt’s squad to keep the British and Irish Lions series alive, urging them to “write their names in the history books” during the pivotal match in Melbourne this Saturday. A loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) 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 narrowed the defeat to 27-19.
Gregan, a veteran with 139 caps and a World Cup title, draws optimism from the return of No.8 Rob Valetini. The former captain believes Valetini can emulate the game-changing performances of Ardie Savea for the All Blacks, particularly in winning the breakdown and gainline battles.
“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,” Gregan stated.
The Importance of Experience and Past Triumphs
Gregan, who played a crucial role in the Wallabies’ 2-1 series win over the Lions in 2001, understands the challenge of bouncing back from a first Test defeat in Brisbane. That series saw the Wallabies overturn a 29-13 loss with a 35-14 victory in Melbourne, ultimately clinching the series with a 29-23 win in Sydney.
Reflecting on those experiences, Gregan emphasized the significance of resilience and character in such high-stakes encounters.
“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,” he said.
For Australian rugby union, the stakes are monumental. With rugby league’s State of Origin series concluded, the focus shifts entirely to the Wallabies, who have the opportunity to captivate the nation and extend the series to a decider in Sydney.
Strategic Adjustments and Key Players
The Wallabies’ initial Test lineup featured rookies Tom Lynagh and Jake Gordon at half-back, but their most promising moments came with try-scorer Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson in those roles. Gregan highlighted the importance of the breakdown battle and the potential impact of returning players like Valetini and Will Skelton.
“The breakdown is huge and this was always going to be the most important battle in this series. When the Lions get that quick ball, you can see what they can do. They get numbers, play with width and score points quickly. Rob Valetini and Will Skelton will really help in that battle on Saturday,” Gregan noted.
The pressure is on Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt to equip his team with the strategies necessary to dismantle the Lions’ formidable machine. The return to fitness of key forwards like Valetini and Skelton could prove decisive in this endeavor.
Lessons from the Past and Looking Ahead
Drawing parallels with the 2001 squad, Gregan emphasized the value of experience and consistency. The 2001 team, having won the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the Tri-Nations series, and the Bledisloe Cup, was adept at self-assessment and strategic adjustments.
“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 quite badly in the first 2001 test against quality players,” Gregan recalled.
Looking forward, Gregan remains optimistic about the Wallabies’ prospects in the second Test. He believes that addressing key areas, particularly the breakdown, will be crucial to their success.
“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. Then it comes down to who executes in the big moments and I hope that is the Wallabies. I will be there in my gold Wallaby jersey,” he concluded.
As the Wallabies prepare for this critical encounter, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a performance that will not only extend the series but also reinvigorate Australian rugby on the global stage.
