Combine a good performance against Japan with victory against Scotland at Murrayfield, and the tour can be given a pass mark.
Whether the tour can be considered a success relies on the performances – not the results – against England and Wales.
Two losses would not be catastrophic – or even a failure of the tour as a whole – provided the performances are good enough.
Both England and Wales are genuine heavyweights when playing at home.
One win in these matches would make for a very good tour, two would be outstanding.
England may well be the better target – having also had only one lead up Test against Tonga, and with perhaps an eye on the World Cup final rematch against the world champion Springboks the following week.
It’s in that Test that I would welcome James O’Connor back into the starting XV, too.
Dave Rennie and James O’Connor.Credit:Getty
Quade has earned the No.10 jersey for the moment, but I doubt he’ll play all four Tests.
O’Connor will benefit from having a rival with a similar profile. He will be hungry and eager to become top dog again.
I can see them sharing time against Japan and Cooper lining up against Scotland and Wales, but Rennie will want to see what O’Connor has to offer in their highest profile Test, against England.
How Rennie integrates Will Skelton, Rory Arnold and Tolu Latu into the squad will be critical to success.
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Of that trio, the player I can’t wait to watch play is Skelton. He’s now a more mature, hardened player, aided by the weekly experience of big, bulky forward play. If he combines that experience with his natural ability, we’ll see a complete international player.
In the backs, I’m looking forward to seeing Izaia Perese test himself at the next level. He had some impressive performances in a losing side against New Zealand teams in Trans Tasman Super Rugby. We know Len Ikitau can deliver at No. 13, but another strong option there would be great for the Wallabies.
Why Scotland – not England – will decide whether Wallabies get a spring tour pass mark
Source: Philippines Alive
