This was published 11 years ago
Rugby Union: 2014 Year in Review
It was a season that began full of promise with a Waratahs Super Rugby win, but 2014 quickly unravelled to a year of woe for Australian rugby.
The Wallabies won their opening three Tests, before Ewen McKenzie's men struggled in the Rugby Championship and were beset by controversy.
Kurtley Beale was stood down and fined $45,000 for sending lewd text messages to a female staffer who quit, before McKenzie eventually fell on his sword and was replaced by Michael Cheika.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks continued their dominance.
The Wallabies began 2014 full of promise.
They handed France their biggest ever defeat on Australian soil - 50-23.
Israel folau again led the way in attack.
The 3-0 series win gave the side its first silverware of the the year.
The signs also looked promising when the Waratahs won the Super Rugby title.
After topping the table, the Tahs beat the Crusaders 33-32 in the final.
The Wallabies then drew the opening Rugby Championship game against the All Blacks.
The 12-all result sparked optimism, but there was also feeling of lost opportunity.
