By Sam Ryan

Like most of you, I’m still too upset to fully comprehend what happened at Allianz Stadium last night, so I’m going to focus on just one aspect of the Waratahs 35-17 semi final loss to the Highlanders  – the need for two playmakers in a backline. To be more specific, a Wallabies backline.

As the Waratahs headed back into the sheds after their on field warm up last night, Bernard Foley lined up three kicks at goal, one almost exactly from the spot where he kicked the Waratahs to a first Super Rugby title just under a year ago.

He missed all three kicks.

Foley was far from his best last night, however the purpose of this article is not to bag the incumbent Wallabies No.10. The point I’m trying to make, is that Foley, like the rest of us, is human and is going to have an off night from time to time.

When your sole playmaker isn’t performing, it’s very difficult for the rest to the team to function. Unless, you have a second option.

In my opinion, every backline must have two playmakers. Whether it be an inside centre or a fullback, a second playmaker can relieve pressure from the flyhalf and adds another dimension in attack.

Last night, with Kurtley Beale sitting on the sideline, the Waratahs didn’t have that luxury and it led, among other things, to the reigning champions demise.

Had Beale been able to take some control of the Waratahs backline, Foley may have been able to play his way into the match last night and lead the Tahs to victory.

But to quote the two fickle Waratahs fans sitting behind me, “it just wasn’t our night.”

Looking ahead to this year’s World Cup, it appears Foley and Israel Folau will most likely occupy the Wallabies No.10 and No.15 jerseys. As brilliant as Folau is, and in a losing team last night he really was, he is not a ballplayer and handing him that responsibility would only detract from his attacking flair.

So that leaves the No.12 jersey.

Whilst many fans get excited by the thought of a big barnstorming inside centre, I don’t think it suits Australia’s style of play, particularly under Michael Cheika. For me, Australia needs almost a second flyhalf that can take pressure off Foley, add another dimension to our attack and solidify the midfield.

Beale and Foley have obviously formed a strong combination at the Tahs and Cheika would be more aware of that than most. Whilst Kurtley’s defence has improved dramatically in recent years, it still may not be up to Test match standard, effectively ruling him out in my opinion.

Matt Toomua is another that ticks all the required boxes and despite injury leading to a disappointing end to the Super Rugby season, has been impressive for most of 2015. Whilst I have no doubt Toomua has the ability to star at this year’s World Cup, his lack of experience is a concern.

As George Gregan told Rugby News in an exclusive interview earlier this year:

“It’s a different animal the World Cup; it’s not like any other competition that you’ll play,” he said.

“History shows that experience counts at the back end of the World Cup, so you want guys that have ideally World Cup experience but at least a few years of test match experience under their belt.”

That leaves just one man and thanks to a change in the ARU’s contracting policy earlier this year, it’s more than just a hypothetical thought.

Since leaving Australia at the end of 2011, Matt Giteau has led Toulon to three successive European titles.

Sure he was surrounded by a team of all stars, but if it’s in form players Michael Cheika is looking for, few fit the bill better than Giteau.

Keep in mind, the Top 14 and the European Challenge Cup aren’t exactly beer comps these days and Giteau has been one of the best in both.

If he can prove himself in the Rugby Championships, I’ve got no doubt that he is the man that can lead Australia to an unprecedented third World Cup.