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Former Wallaby brands Wales 'second tier' opposition
By Ian Cameron
Former Wallabies flanker Jeff Miller has branded Wales as a 'second tier' side in an interview with South African publication Rapport.
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.
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.
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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Latest Comments
France got a typically french 14 point try last week and they'll need to look for chances for another couple to be comfortable in the win against Argentina.
Fiji could actually be the ones for upset of the week. Typically clunky with players always in and out of their team this would be about the time they put another England beating performance in against Ireland.
SA to be as strong again this week carrying away from their opposition. Probably an underpar performance though.
New Zealand will be determined to actually put the triple figure score on the Azzurri this time. In actual fact a tired and physically beaten AB side has been chosen for this one so expect to see some space and free flowing rugby from both teams but still nothing more than a 30 point gap between them.
Aussie will be thwarted by a draw in their Slam attempt, otherwise another 1 point game either way.
Lets hope Japan is selecting more of its stop starters like France's Tavita Tatafu's cousin, Tavita Tatafu, otherwise it could be the biggest scoreline game of the weekend.
Go to commentsBack then, Jen it was respect and tremendous rivalries even in provincials! Scores didn't seem to matter exactly! 🙃
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