Lukhan Tui's brutal cameo off bench changed match for Wallabies

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This was published 6 years ago

Lukhan Tui's brutal cameo off bench changed match for Wallabies

By Paul Cully
Updated

Tight Five

1. It is hard to remember a finer performance off the bench from a Wallabies tight-five forward in the era of tactical replacements.

Outta my way: Lukhan Tui had a sensational impact off the bench for the Wallabies.

Outta my way: Lukhan Tui had a sensational impact off the bench for the Wallabies.Credit: AAP

That's no slight on Rob Simmons, who was throwing himself into everything, but Tui's second half hinted that he could develop into something special.

He won lineouts, he smashed into contact, and took a crucial restart that should have helped the Wallabies close out the game in the less anxious manner in which they did.

Heating up: Lukhan Tui had a sensational impact off the bench for the Wallabies.

Heating up: Lukhan Tui had a sensational impact off the bench for the Wallabies.Credit: AAP

In short, he provided everything the All Blacks did not get from Patrick Tuipulotu.

Simmons' injury was regrettable, but Tui's ability to hit the gainline at pace, in the face of some heavy tackling, was enough to give the Wallabies some momentum in the second half.

An outstanding prospect, but much more a second-rower than a No.6 in my eyes.

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2. Michael Hooper's inspirational carry

There was no doubt that Sean McMahon's charge in the second half – in which he beat half of New Zealand's North Island – will make the highlights reel, but Michael Hooper's run in the shadows of half-time was the moment the Wallabies started to believe.

He got on the outside of Wyatt Crockett and had the All Blacks backpedalling to create the space for Israel Folau's try. It was crucial because in truth for much of the game the Wallabies attack spluttered.

Perhaps it was the location but Bernard Foley appeared to think he was former Queensland prop Martin Lang, running hard lines towards the All Blacks pack and practically losing a rib in the process.

Hooper, McMahon and Jack Dempsey may not be the biggest trio, but it would be hard to find a more willing one.

3. Dane Coles taken hook, line and sinker

The Wallabies were into the Hurricanes' hothead hooker all night, taunting him after All Blacks errors, and they got exactly what they wanted. Coles was so off his game that it is hard to remember if he did anything to positively affect the performance.

He was dragged after another spat and the Wallabies can claim a little victory here, because when he is switched on to the actual game we all know he is exceptional.

By contrast Tatafu Polota-Nau did not give in to his own particular demons at the lineout, regularly finding his jumpers, and has obviously improved the scrum beyond recognition from Dunedin.

Sekope Kepu also deserves a mention here. He was tested by Kanes Hames but stayed strong.

4. Why this Wallabies win was important

You could put a lot of qualifications on this win – the All Blacks played poorly, they were missing players, it was a dead rubber – but those are all overridden by the context of the game.

Australian rugby has been through hell. It has lots of fans. But now it has been given a platform to build on.

The crucial relationship here is the link back to the Super Rugby teams.

If the Reece Hodges, Jack Dempseys and Lukhan Tuis can take this belief back to their franchises and raise those around them the Super Rugby landscape does not look so bleak.

We have been through this before though, and the wavering supporters will require more evidence of a revival before they recommit. Still, it was a step forward, driven in part by a new generation. Green shoots are visible.

5. SBW does it again

He has been questioned often in his career, and he has often responded. And so it was on Saturday when the evidence of his meticulous preparation was again obvious when some of his teammates looked flat.

The old agility was there, the hit and spin and offload, as well as the bone-shuddering defence that is becoming his signature.

Kurtley Beale dominated him in Dunedin but SBW squared the ledger in Brisbane.

Had his No.10 and No.15 even been near his level it might have been a different outcome for the Wallabies.

His best game since causing the British and Irish so many problems while playing for the Blues.

Bledisloe Cup Team of the Week

1. Scott Sio (Australia)

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Australia)

3. Sekope Kepu (Australia)

4. Lukhan Tui (Australia)

5. Adam Coleman (Australia)

6. Jack Dempsey (Australia)

7. Michael Hooper (Australia)

8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)

9. Will Genia (Australia)

10. Bernard Foley (Australia)

11. Reece Hodge (Australia)

12. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

13. Tevita Kuridrani (Australia)

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14. Waisake Naholo (New Zealand)

15 Israel Folau (Australia)

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