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Former Wallaby brands Wales 'second tier' opposition

Sam Costelow of Wales looks on during the match between Queensland Reds and Wales at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Former Wallabies flanker Jeff Miller has branded Wales as a ‘second tier’ side in an interview with South African publication Rapport.

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Miller made his debut for Australia in 1986 and went to earn 26 caps for the Wallabies between 1986 and 1991.

The 62-year-old was quizzed on the chances of the revamped Wallabies at this year’s Rugby Championship. The side who struggled under former head coach Eddie Jones are currently unbeaten under new head coach Joe Schmidt.

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    Despite last year’s disastrous Rugby World Cup where the Wallabies got grouped, many in Aussie rugby circles are feeling optimistic heading into the Rugby Championship.

    Miller, however, is not convinced that the winning start to the Schmidt regime can be seen as a bell weather for the tournament.  He dismissed Australia’s opponents to date, including Wales and Georgia, as ‘second tier’ opposition.

    “Winning three Tests in a row will give the men a bit of confidence, but it was really against second-tier teams,” Miller Rapport. “I would like to see them be competitive but I think the Springboks and All Blacks will have all the advantages of combinations and also be a more physical presence.”

    Given Wales’ dire run of results, maybe ‘second tier’ status might be such an unreasonable claim. Wales were beaten 41-13 by South Africa at Twickenham in June, before losing the opening Test against Australia 25-16 in Sydney and again 36-28 at AAMI Park a week later. It was their ninth consecutive Test defeat.

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    Wales’ last Test match win was against Georgia in a pool game at the 2023 World Cup ten months ago, with a narrow victory over the Queensland Reds the only bright spot in an otherwise abysmal 2024.

    Miller also downplayed the idea that the Wallabies would be in contention to win the Rugby Championship.

    “I think we are starting to see improvements in our structures in attack and defence,” he said.

    “But I wouldn’t say the Wallabies are now real contenders for the Rugby Championship.”

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    Mzilikazi 3 hours ago
    Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

    Thanks for the article, Brett. I must say I am disappointed that the Reds have lost both games against the two top teams from NZ they have played so far this year. I feel they should be more advanced under Les Kiss and his coaching team in what is now the second year of tenure.


    The lineout, which you highlight in the article, is an obvious standout. Matt Faessler is shaping as a standout finisher of mauls, but that ability is wasted if the throw/lift/catch element is a shambles.


    Also very disappointing so often is the ability to spread the ball wide using the “out the back” type passes well. Just watch Scotland, even currently weak Wales, to see the level of sophistication in this area that can be achieved.


    In the final analysis, the breakdown work is not as good as all the NZ sides achieve with apparent ease. Their scrum halves so often have an “armchair ride” compared to our 9’s, who deal with slow and often scrappy ball. And I would say this applies to all our Australian sides, not only the Reds.


    Not being one eyed on Qld, I am also disappointed to see the Waratahs not performing as one would have hoped, given the strength of their roster now. Ofc, one must also look at the injury toll effect on all teams.


    And there is no question, on the positive side of this years competition, how very competitive all teams can be on their day. Mona Pacifica are looking more than just competitive now, but the Highlanders are are much better team than last year, as are the Force.


    I find the background bits on players great reading always. and your recounting of Matt Faessler’s grandfather’s exploits is just up my street. Keep writing for us, please !!

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