The Wallabies are confident their 33-7 loss to South Africa can act as a building block for their season as they reflect on the lessons against World Rugby’s ‘benchmark’.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was left frustrated after they were outclassed across the pack by a red-hot Springboks side.
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The ‘Boks took a 21-0 lead into the break as they dominated the collision battle and set-piece contest in front of a spirited crowd for both sides.
“That’s probably a benchmark for us. We’ve had three Tests prior to that but that’s really a starting point up against the really big boys,” Schmidt said post-match.
“They’re at a different stage of their evolution with so much experience and players who’ve played at the very top level for a long time and successfully.
“We have quite a youthful side and a side that is still coming together but we’ve got to come together better than we did today and accelerate some of the learning.
“There’s obvious learning from today but you don’t suddenly solve the South African conundrum.”
Captain Allan Alaalatoa was left to battle away against a powerful Springboks pack that won mutliple penalties with their scrum and was confident the loss would make the side better.
“It’s going to be a tough pill to swallow but a lot of our boys will learn from that,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of our boys with a handful of caps learning what the Test arena is like and there’s no better way to learn than against South Africa.
“We’ve got to learn and then make sure that we’re better for Perth".
Schmidt hinted at keeping a stable side for next week’s Test at Optus Stadium, despite Filipo Daugunu (leg), Nick Frost (laceration above the eye) and Jeremy Williams picking up knocks.
Taniela Tupou is a chance to return after dealing with a family bereavement.
“I think there’s guys who will improve what they’re delivering and maybe not in time for next Saturday but we do have to have a bit of a long-term plan,” Schmidt said.
“We’ve got a much younger sit and a lot less caps and therefore my belief is if we chop and change too much then it’s very hard to grow the cohesion. When you go out in a game like that, you’re very interdependent and you’re going to have to make sure that everyone know their role has been built ready to deliver.
“I thought Carlo Tizzano did really well today but would’ve been nice to have Fraser McReight as well and then you have Luke Reimer coming off the bench so there’s guys that will get better with opportunity.
“…I’m a realist and I know that you don’t suddenly match up and front up but you’ve got to better yourself for next week.”
