"Ikitau enjoyed a phenomenal year in the gold jersey, opening the voting period in spectacular style by delivering the magical match-winning flick pass to Max Jorgensen in Australia's epic win over England at Twickenham last November. Nicknamed Flickitau ever since, the 48-Test midfield linchpin ended the voting season by topping the Rugby Championship in try assists to become the first centre to win the medal since it was introduced in 2002."
"We have already had ten Test matches, three against a big team like the British and Irish Lions, the Rugby Championship, who are very physical. There is a degree of fatigue. We only had a nine-day break after the Rugby Championship before we came together to get ready to travel here. I think it's just around energy management as much as anything."
Appraising the Wallabies remains difficult after a mix of promising results and persistent problems. Australia recorded notable wins, including in Johannesburg, and performed competitively against the British and Irish Lions while introducing dynamic young players. The team has nevertheless lost 13 of its past 20 Tests, struggles with chronic ill-discipline at the breakdown, and lacks a settled halfback partnership. Len Ikitau became the first centre to win the John Eales Medal after a standout year, providing a match-winning flick pass at Twickenham and leading the Rugby Championship in try assists. A much-changed XV was selected to manage player fatigue ahead of a congested schedule.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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