AA makeshift Wallabies side celebrate their win over Scotland at Murrayfield. Picture: AFP Source: Ian MacNicol / AFP
THERE is no sugar-coating it, 2013 has been a debacle for Australian rugby.
The Wallabies did not win any major tournament or series they set out to, off-field incidents damaged the code further, and severe financial woes forced stinging cuts at the ARU for players and staff.
But a strong spring tour finish, and some honest reflection from coaches and players, has revived hopes that Australian rugby is on an upward trajectory leading into next year rather than a free-fall.
SUMMARY:
It was a year that Australia lost the British & Irish Lions series, finished a poor third in The Rugby Championship, were whitewashed in the Bledisloe Cup, and lost any chance of completing a Grand Slam when defeated by England in the first match of their spring tour. Coach Robbie Deans was sacked post-Lions, with successor Ewen McKenzie unable to find immediate success in the major trophy battles.
The culture of the side became a major focal point after James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale were busted out at 4am days before a Lions Test, and then 15 players were reprimanded for drinking days before the Ireland Test.
At headquarters, an $8.3 million annual loss forced the redundancies of several ARU staff members, the scrapping of the youth academy systems, and most damaging of all, cuts to player wages and match payments.
Alongside Australia's cricketers, the Wallabies can lay claim to being the only other national side that is considered a major force of a globally significant sport.
But at home, rugby is now lagging behind three rival codes; league, Aussie rules and football, in measures of public resonance and media coverage.
There is a tough road ahead.
EWEN McKENZIE: The new coach took time to find a rhythm and style that has produced results, but hasn't been afraid of making the big decisions and statements in the early goings of his tenure.
McKenzie has won over many long-suffering supporters with his disciplinary action against the Dublin drinkers, while players are constantly on their toes after he first left Quade Cooper on the bench, then dropped Will Genia, and then took the captaincy off James Horwill.
McKenzie wants to install a ruthlessly efficient environment now so the team can flourish in two years and handle the unexpected.
McKenzie will ultimately be judged on the Wallabies' performance at the 2015 World Cup.
While Australia is in the toughest pool, and on current prospects would struggle, time is on their side.
An interesting fact is that World Cup winners New Zealand (2011), South Africa (2007) and Australia (1999) each failed to win the Tri Nations tournament two years prior to their Webb Ellis triumphs and were considered to be wavering forces, yet they manufactured rapid ascensions.
The return of Quade Cooper has been a big boost for the Wallabies. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
HIGHS:
Quade Cooper - Once deemed a liability and a dissident, Cooper is now among the most respected figures in the Wallabies camp according to teammates. He has grown his game too, showing impressive signs of composure and class late in the year. Went from outcast to vice-captain within months.
Michael Hooper - The human Energizer bunny has followed his John Eales Medal victory with more man-of-the-match efforts and dominant displays.
Ben Mowen - Quite an astonishing rise in 2013 for the backrower, playing his first Test aged 28, leading the Brumbies to the Super Rugby final, and assuming the Wallabies' captaincy all in the space of a few months. His brutally honest press conferences are also weekly highlights for local and overseas rugby media.
Israel Folau - What a breath of fresh air for the game. It is unimaginable how bad the shape of Australian rugby would be now without this extraordinarily gifted star. Folau has played the game for one year, but already commands a place in any World XV team - it is tantalising to think how good he'll be in two years.
LOWS:
James O'Connor - Once the golden boy of Australian rugby, O'Connor's fall from grace was severe; roundly criticised over that infamous night out at Hungry Jacks, being booted by the Rebels, then having his ARU contract torn up after being escorted from Perth airport by police. He now plies his trade in England for London Irish.
Kurtley Beale - The gifted player's troubles with alcohol came to light this year and he is attempting to work his way back on and off the field.
David Pocock - Injury robbed Pocock from playing any Test rugby this year while Hooper has made the No.7 jersey his own. The most feared poacher in the game when fit, Pocock's bulging body must treat him kindly next year.
Robbie Deans - The man who coached Australia in more Test matches than any other has not been heard from since his departure from the role in July.
Israel Folau is rapidly becoming a rugby superstar. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
2014 IS A BIG YEAR FOR:
Bill Pulver - Wants to set up a new national rugby championship, has to turn around big financial losses, and regain traction for rugby in Australia's ultra-competitive sporting market.
Wycliff Palu - Runner-up in the John Eales Medal tally despite taking no part in The Rugby Championships, the injury-plagued enforcer faces make or break.
Michael Cheika - The honeymoon is over, and Cheika must now do what no man before him has done; lead the Waratahs to the Super Rugby title. That alone would go a long way to reviving Australian rugby.
Henry Speight - After a seemingly endless three-year wait due to eligibility restrictions, the brilliant winger will finally be eligible for the Wallabies next year. Explosion time.
2014 PREDICTIONS:
1. The Wallabies will beat the All Blacks, but only once, failing to regain the Bledisloe.
2. James O'Connor will return from overseas to play in Australia, bidding for a place at the World Cup.
3. The National Rugby Championship will get the go-ahead, heralding a new era for the domestic game.
4. Benji Marshall will have a mixed year with the Blues, failing to make the All Blacks in his first season.
5. The Waratahs will make the Super Rugby final but concede a last-minute try to the Chiefs, with Aaron Cruden getting two shots to kick the winning goal.
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