Time for Wallabies to stand up and fulfil potential

The potential hasn’t translated to success on the field and the Wallabies — and their fans — have had a gutful. The time for talk is over.

Wallabies gun Michael Hooper searches for answers after another loss. Picture: Getty Images

The underachieving Wallabies are just as fed up with hearing about their potential as a frustrated Australian public.

Fresh off yet another disappointing Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand, who trounced Australia 3-0, the Wallabies are bracing themselves for the might of world champions South Africa in a Rugby Championship clash on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

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Utility back Reece Hodge, a strong chance to start at fullback, wing or fly half against the Springboks at Cbus Super Stadium, said there had been “enough talk”.

He said watching the review of Australia’s 38-21 weekend loss in Perth to New Zealand was frustratingly similar to post-mortems of the Wallabies’ defeats in the first two Bledisloe Cup matches in Auckland.

Reece Hodge says the playing group feels like it’s ‘Groundhog Day’ after the Bledisloe Cup embarrassment. Picture: Getty Images

“We were reviewing a lot of the same things that we have after game one and game two,” Hodge said.

“I’m sure the fans have a sense of ‘Groundhog Day’ as well and it’s definitely the feeling within the group.

“We need to improve quite a few parts of our game – it’s time for action now.”

If Hodge does play on Sunday, it will be his 50th appearance for the Wallabies.

“Every player wants to be starting and whilst I’m happy to fill that utility role, obviously I want to be pushing for a starting berth whether that’s 10 (fly half), 15 (fullback), anywhere really.

Wallabies gun Michael Hooper searches for answers after another loss. Picture: Getty Images

“You want to be playing as many minutes as possible for your country.

“Hopefully I can just make the most of any of the minutes I (get) … and just keep pushing for that starting team.”

From Sunday onwards, the Wallabies will add the First Nations design to their new gold jersey via the numbering.

Indigenous Wallabies squad member Andy Muirhead said: “This is a nice touch that the boys can run out every week, and display and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture is pretty special.”

The Wallabies will also wear their predominantly green First Nations jersey in their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Townsville on September 25.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said the jersey held “significance to every member of our team”.

The Wallabies have added First Nations artwork to their jerseys. Picture: Getty Images

“And to have the First Nations artwork now on our primary jersey is something incredibly special,” Rennie said.

“It was the players who had been advocating for the idea of a permanent First Nations addition, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to come up with a solution.

“As a squad, we pride ourselves on culture and inclusivity, and that’s what the First Nations jersey represents, and to now have it on both jerseys is something special for our rugby community.”