Wallabies are on the canvas and there’s no easy way back up. Here’s why

1. Daytime kick-off shows Australian rugby in harshest light.

There wasn’t a gap between the Wallabies and Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday, there was a chasm. From scrum to skill levels, and arguably even fitness, the world champions were far ahead and the most chastening part of the Test was the fact there doesn’t appear to be an easy way to get off the canvas.

Without regular exposure to South Africa, and perhaps an inability to pick too many overseas players owing to their Super Rugby deal with New Zealand, Australian rugby appears to be caught between two worlds at present.

The longer-term play is clearly to build Super Rugby up into a competition of genuine rigour once more – and some steps forward have been taken – but the clock is ticking fast towards the arrival of the British and Irish Lions, well stocked with players who just beat the Boks in South Africa.

2. Changes needed to beaten-up side.
At times Suncorp Stadium resembled a hospital ward for the Wallabies, with Nick Frost and Jake Gordon sporting bandages and Filipo Daugunu replaced early.

Taniela Tupou, if available, must surely return for the Perth Test after the scrum was monstered, while Marika Koroibete’s fearlessness is badly needed on the edge.

It is probably now time, too, to see how Tom Lynagh handles the heat. Noah Lolesio was always going to struggle behind a pack going backwards, but his collision with Tom Wright in the backfield hinted at a worrying lack of communication.

3. All Blacks have slipped backwards since last year.
The All Blacks’ 38-30 loss to Los Pumas has been characterised as “suffocating” by coach Scott Robertson, but don’t fall for that line. Yes, Argentina applied pressure – it is Test rugby – but they also ran for more than 100 metres more than the All Blacks, scored four tries and blew a couple of other chances.