ARU review to address path to RWC 2007
A Review of the 2005 Wallaby season is nearly complete and its findings have had a significant influence on
work undertaken by the Coach Selection Panel that is determining the coaching structure and personnel to take
the Wallabies to Rugby World Cup 2007.
ARU Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Gary Flowers says the review process has unearthed
critical deficiencies that will be addressed to ensure Australia can win Rugby World Cup 2007.
"The clock is ticking but we will put the right structure and the right coaching team in place to put the
Wallabies in a winning position for 2007."
Mr Flowers says some of those issues have presented the ARU with a reality check on where Australian rugby
sits in critical areas of the game.
"If we are to be brutally honest, we are significantly behind many of our competitors in key areas of the
game. We remain number one in areas like defence but elsewhere - restarts, offloads, lineouts and scrummaging
we are deficient compared with our major rivals."
"It should be emphasised that end of season reviews are conducted each year to assist the team to prepare
for the upcoming season."
"What this review is telling us is that we are not simply one win away from getting things right. The good
news is we know where we have to improve and we now have the platform to ensure that we do improve. The work
undertaken by the Review team and the Coaching Selection Panel has been of enormous benefit."
The review has been undertaken over the past two months and has examined the following;
- A detailed statistical analysis of the season
- Written reports from all coaching and managerial staff including recommendations
- Review of all team systems & processes by members of the Panel
- Analysis of the current direction of international Rugby
- Where Australian Rugby needs to be in 18 months at RWC 2007
- Examination of a number of "non-performance" related KPIs
- Logistical, budget and planning requirements for the next 18 months
The Review remains ongoing but a final report will be presented to the ARU Board when it meets in late
February.
Related Article:
ARU respects McKenzie's decision (Mon Jan 9)
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