A s recently as August, the Wallabies humiliated rugby’s No 1 side, back-to-back world champions South Africa, in Johannesburg. They then smashed the pride of the northern hemisphere, the British & Irish Lions, in Sydney. By going all-in and not settling for a draw with Argentina, they won that Test – and with it, a nation’s heart.

“The Wallabies are back”, we proclaimed. And indeed they are – back in the doldrums.

Australia have now lost six of their last seven Tests. Their latest abysmal showing, a 46-19 demolition by Ireland , follows a humiliating loss to world No 10 Italy and a toothless 25-7 defeat by England earlier this month. If the men in gold lose again to France this weekend it will be Australian rugby’s first winless tour of Europe in 67 years. The Wallabies were me

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