By Darren Walton
November 15th 2008 @ 3:12am
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Fired-up Wallabies seeking respect and revenge
Attacking ace Matt Giteau admits Australian training sessions have risen to ferocious heights this week as the Wallabies strive desperately to mend their battered reputation in England.
The Wallabies head into Saturday’s Twickenham blockbuster not only with an almighty point to prove after last year’s humiliating World Cup quarter-final loss to the Red Rose in Marseille, but also eager to improve one of the most appalling, and puzzling, away records in world rugby.
In the last five years, the Wallabies have only managed two paltry Test wins from 20 starts on the road against their Big Four rivals - New Zealand, South Africa, England and France, who, alongside Australia, traditionally occupy the top five places in the world rankings.
The Wallabies have ticked plenty of boxes in 2008 under new coach Robbie Deans, most notably scoring a home win over the top-ranked All Blacks and twin victories over the world champion Springboks, including their first success in South Africa in seven years.
But their strike rate against England and France - two teams they continually whip in Australia - has been pathetic on recent spring tours and the progression under Deans will be lost on fans if the Wallabies suffer more northern-hemisphere heartache this weekend.
Australia’s last away triumph over England or France came at Twickenham four years ago and Giteau today conceded the Wallabies were bent on acquiring a rare European scalp.
“It doesn’t get any bigger an occasion than playing England at Twickenham,” Giteau said.
“Even at training, the intensity and things like that - any drills, defensive drills - when you’re not supposed to be hitting hard, guys are still hitting hard.
“The intensity is right up there and everyone is really looking forward to this game.”
Veteran flanker Phil Waugh said victory was essential for the side’s international credibility.
“We need to perform here in the northern hemisphere. Once we do that, we can gain some respect,” Waugh said.
“Our last visit wasn’t a memorable one - it was memorable for all the wrong reasons - and obviously the World Cup last year was disappointing.”
For Al Baxter, the criticism of the Australian scrum has been personal, the Fleet Street press condemning the veteran tighthead as a weak cheat in two cutting articles.
Teammate Nathan Sharpe, one of six survivors from Marseille in the Wallabies starting side, suspects the savage attacks on Baxter may come back to haunt England.
“He’s ready to go,” Sharpe said.
“But he’s not going to do it on his own. All his mates around need to help him. That’s how we want to play this weekend, for each other.”
Sharpe is another stalwart anxious to notch a precious road win over England, having featured in the Wallabies’ 2003 World Cup final loss to the old enemy as well as the disastrous 2005 and 2007 defeats.
“There’s been a few disappointments, no doubt,” the 71-Test lock said.
“But the boys did a good job in Durban this year and shoved the gorilla off the back, so hopefully we can do the same thing over here.”
Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Richard Brown, George Smith, Hugh McMeniman, Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Sam Cordingley, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane.
England: Delon Armitage, Paul Sackey, Jamie Noon, Riki Flutey, Ugo Monye, Danny Cipriani, Danny Care, Nick Easter, Tom Rees, Tom Croft, Tom Palmer, Steve Borthwick (capt), Phil Vickery, Lee Mears, Andrew Sheridan. Reserves: Dylan Hartley, Matt Stevens, Simon Shaw, James Haskell, Michael Lipman, Harry Ellis, Toby Flood.
Kick-off: 2.30pm (1.30am AEDT).
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Mark H said | November 15th 2008 @ 8:42am | Report comment
This might just be the game when it all comes together. Good luck England. If the Wallabies fire, we could just see another game like in 1998. Go boys.
hayden said | November 15th 2008 @ 10:45am | Report comment
I’m going for an Aussie victory, just to shut the British press up about 2005 for heaven’s sake. If living in the past was an Olympic event, these hacks would win it all. Time for the Ockers to bring them into the present - Oz by 10.
Davo said | November 15th 2008 @ 12:52pm | Report comment
All this focus on scrums…..the simple fact is the Pom front row are significantly larger and the Wallabies as “scrum technicians” have at best improved from poor to acceptable. If we can not go backward on our feed and allow Burgess and Brown some clean ball to pick up it will be a moral victory. But based on how our backs played in Padova I am not sure it will be enough to secure total victory. England by a couple of penalties and a try to Sackey leaping over the top of Mitchell to nab a cross field bomb.
sheek said | November 15th 2008 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
Well, it would be nice to shut up the British press. But that’s easier said than done.
Ironically, I’m more concerned about our backs than our forwards. Who would’ve thought……….
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 15th 2008 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
Massive… MASSIVE game for Australia.
Unlike just about everybody else, I’ve reserved my judgment of Robbie Deans and the Wallabies development until the end of their Europe tour.
You would not believe the level of scrutiny the Aussie scrum gets in England. Matt Dunning jokes everywhere! Australia need to gain some respect.
On top of that, Australia haven’t been a good touring side in a long time. If my memory serves me right, they haven’t won in England this decade. Their performances in France aren’t much better.
This is the real test to see how far the Wallabies have come. And ironically I think Australia’s problems with their backline might be their undoing. I think England will win.
Bailey4 said | November 15th 2008 @ 6:51pm | Report comment
Nope Australia are too good. Australia to S*&^ all over England…Period!!!
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 15th 2008 @ 7:57pm | Report comment
England will win because:
1. Matt Giteau has been squandering possession
- Giteau hasn’t played well in the last few games. His flick to Drew Mitchell in Hong Kong was all class, but he squanders possession with poor kicking.
2. Berrick Barnes is injured
Barnes has been Australia’s best back this year. Look what happened in South Africa when Australia tried a new centre pairing of Tahu and Mortlock. I don’t expect such a weak defensive effort again, but the depth just isn’t there.
3. Australia aren’t counter attacking
Like Giteau, Ashley-Cooper’s kicking has been letting Australia down. His up and unders constantly go too long. Australia have been weak on the counter attack all year, and their kick-chase game has been poor. Chris Latham is sorely missed. Whether it’s kicking or attacking with the ball in hand, Australia at weak at the back.
4. The backline isn’t geling
That pretty much sums it up. Considering the amount of talented backs Australia has produced in their rugby history, games where their forwards gain parity with the other side, but lose because of squandered possession in the backs… well they have to hurt the most.
5. England are superior in the forwards
Rocky Elsom will be missed by Australia. The best Australia can hope for it parity with the English pack. Nothing would be better for Australian rugby than for them to dominate England in the forwards, but it wont happen. That’s where England will attack and try to suffocate Australia. I actually think the Aussie forwards will play well and suprise a few people, but parity is the best Australia can hope for.
6. Home advantage
Means a lot to the English
All that said, I’ll admit I’m wrong if Australia find a way to win
westy said | November 15th 2008 @ 9:04pm | Report comment
Now to talk about real rugby..I cannot wait for this game. it is the test for me as to whether Giteau can play 5/8 provided the Wallaby pack hold. We should rejoice in this contest and talk about our game not some mindless league knocking.
Worlds Biggest said | November 15th 2008 @ 9:52pm | Report comment
Kickoff only a few hours away now and I am looking forward to this game big time. England at Twickenham is a massive litmus test. I think our guys can win but not by much. Sheridan and Vickery do worry me as they feast on our front row.
Time for our whole pack to aim up at scrum time and not let the front row take all the heat. Obviously our away record is appalling so a win here is crucial to get us back on track. This would just be the start but a solid stepping stone.
COME ON WALLABIES !
Worlds Biggest said | November 16th 2008 @ 1:21am | Report comment
halftime, fowards have been out muscled and backline is disjointed. They need to pick it up.
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:21am | Report comment
“All that said, I’ll admit I’m wrong if Australia find a way to win”
I admit I was wrong!
The Aussie scrum came up on top in the second half. That shove-on in the 63rd minute was wonderful.
At half time I thought Australia were in big trouble. Despite having a one-point lead, all the momentum was with England. England were dominant in the tight, and I thought as long as they kept it tight they would win.
But the turnovers killed England. Every single time they put a few phases together they were very damaging it must be said. I thought Australia would lose at half-time. The backline was disjointed, and England were going forward keeping it tight. But things came together.
It’s strange because I criticised England last year for not being able to score tries… yet Australia never looked like scoring a try for the first 60 minutes.
A few more thoughts:
* Burgess played poorly.
* Cipriani outplayed Giteau
* Why has Australia’s defence lapsed this year?
* I wonder how the British Press will interpret the loss for England?
* Will the British press say the scrums were poorly refereed?
* What will Stephen Jones write about this?
* And lastly… why should Stephen Jones have the best job in the world?
Worlds Biggest said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:22am | Report comment
much better 2nd half got us home, you beauty !!. We didn’t play that well overall so a great effort.
Sharpe was the best player on the field by a mile. Gits played well, scrum was solid.
How good is a 3.30 am blog to yourself !
Well done Wallabies !
Worlds Biggest said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:24am | Report comment
Frank - I agree with all your points.
westy said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:24am | Report comment
World’s Biggest…..We did not play well and we still won. First half was scrappy and England were better. Second half the English got the shock of their lives with our scrum. England have found a potential backline but lost a bit up front. Not often an English front row is warned more than once not to pull back ( and they were). This instability affected the rest of the team…..not use to playing behind at times an unstable scrum. Don’t you love the irony all those long arm penalties to us ………
True Tah said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:27am | Report comment
Gosh, it was as if the two teams swapped jerseys before the game.
Our scrum really held up, however we really really struggled to score tries, and I have to say, England looked a hell of a lot more dangerous for greater periods of the game, but little knockons and turnovers killed them.
Was really impressed with Cipriani, he outplayed Giteau, quite a few of the England players impressed me, but our scrum did impress me the most.
True Tah said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:28am | Report comment
Westy…I bet the Poms wish the game had been played under SH ELVs now!
Worlds Biggest said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:31am | Report comment
Westy, I agree with you as I said the same thing. I will take a win at Twickers any day of the week. Bring on France !
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:33am | Report comment
“Frank - I agree with all your points.”
Actually I might take back what I said about Cipriani playing better than Giteau. Aside from his two breaks, he wasn’t that effective. Then again Giteau didn’t have a big game in general play. It’s fantastic he kicked so many goals though.
Frank - I agree with all your points.
“Gosh, it was as if the two teams swapped jerseys before the game.”
I had the exact same feeling. I think the Aussie side should be a bit worried about how their backline are going backwards. Mark Ella needs to put his opinion on how Australia should improve their backline into print.
Worlds Biggest said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:37am | Report comment
If anyone has 10 HD the France v Pacific Islands game is on now.
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:43am | Report comment
Thought I’d add Ashley-Cooper’s little chip that Hynes followed through to (or was it the other way around) was very intelligent! The back three should work together more like that.
Another thing I was wrong about. Ashley-Cooper did something very constructive in counter-attack there.
bennalong said | November 16th 2008 @ 2:59am | Report comment
Great game. Pity about the full penalties rule but we made the most of it. Full ELV’s (or as used in the super 14) would have produced a different game. Care to speculate?
The Forewards were great. The English were allowed to dive over but generally created more foreward momentum in loose play. We could take a leaf here. Congrats to the scrum. I await an interpretation from an expert. Benjamin, what say you, Falstaff? Who was collapsing. Who was pulling back?
A point to consider when reviewing the match — the backs rarely acheived fluidity but perhaps this was due to the movements into the English half ending in penalties and restarts.
Burgess stuttered a fair bit but where were the ball runners? I think there’s a problem here and I blame Giteau to a large degree.
Ideally we need a different five eighth (Beale?), Giteau inside and Mortlock back to his real pozi where he’s got room to generate foreward momentum. Don’t dismiss him yet. He played a captain’s knock and his skill are not suited to inside centre
Good on you Robbie Deans
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 16th 2008 @ 3:01am | Report comment
Another thing…
That was a big win for Australia. I forget how many consecutive games Australia had lost away from home against New Zealand, South Africa, France and England… but I think it was around 21.
So far this year they got one away game against South Africa and now one away game against England. If they can win against France next week then that will truly restore Australia’s reputation on the world stage.
Even when Australia was ranked number 2 in the world, they’d go in as underdogs when they were playing away from home. That game against England today was a matter of respect.
Despite the flaws in the Wallabies play, that really was a fantastic win… and so far the response from some other websites I’ve posted in is that British fans are very accepting of the fact that the Wallabies were better.
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 16th 2008 @ 3:05am | Report comment
“Ideally we need a different five eighth (Beale?)”
It dawned upon me watching the game that Australia might need Beale to improve his game so he can worthy of Wallaby selection. If Beale was a world class 5/8 it might solve this Wallaby backline puzzle. Giteau has so much talent, but he’s not a specialist five-eighth.
I wouldn’t depart from having Barnes at number 12 though. Gosh he’s been fantastic there. I don’t know how Barnes tackles above his weight as he does (hope injury doesn’t destroy his career).
Colin N said | November 16th 2008 @ 3:12am | Report comment
Well played Wallabies.
Your scrum held up well for once. I’m disappointed about the result but there were some promising signs. I thought Armitage played well and Cipriani showed the occasional flash of brilliance but in all he didn’t play his best, but then again he’s only just come back from injury.
As for Australia, it’s difficult to say because I don’t think you were 14 points better than us but you certainly deserved to win. In the breakdown, Australia just about edged it and achieved turn overs in crucial positions especially when England were pressurising the line. I suppose it was ill-discipline that eventually cost us the game.
We tried to play expansively but in all it was quite a dis-jointed game but was very enjoyable to watch as it was played at a quick tempo. Anyway well done Australia you deserved to win.
Benjamin said | November 16th 2008 @ 7:07am | Report comment
Indeed, well played Australia. I’m not sure what another 5/8 would have achieved though? I doubt a weak kicker like Beale would have improved upon the performance? The Australian defence put in some outrageous hits toward the end and just seemed to want it that bit more at the contact zone. The scrum was impressive too but it must be noted that this was the weakest of England packs seen in a long time, however the Australian pack performance improved during the 3N and also against Italy so clearly a trend is developing and as the game progressed the front row got better and better. Credit where it is due. I’m not sure what to make of the overall performance because we saw so little of the backs but given past defeats in the tight 5 I think the performance of the pack was a huge positive and is something to build on. Hopefully now all those idiots clamouring for the removal of Mortlock will be quiet also.
I think there were positives for England and it was interesting when Johnson said that some players were ‘reverting to type’. I am guessing that he was referring to the pod system that the forwards were employing. Vickery and Borthwick simply must go. There were some bizarre decisions by the captain and it is abundantly clear that he is not a test player. When Vickery ignored Jonker’s calls to leave the ball - 3 calls that is - and persisted in trying to kick it I turned off the tv. I don’t think Australia will find they are gifted an easier 15 points. Hopefully Johnson will not allow England to be so overpowered again. The lineout was a worry as well.
The backs looked inventive but the second half was a shocker. Cipriani kept flinging out aimless miss passes and England were playing in front of the defence as opposed to attacking the gainline. Care looked chirpy and Armitage looked safe - if a little too casual at points. Flutey had some nice touches as well. Noon did not however and thus the team had no balance. Simpson-Daniel will add to that when fit but the lack of a true 13 is a huge worry.
Benjamin said | November 16th 2008 @ 7:10am | Report comment
I have to say, it was nice to see Sharpe have a good game. I think he’s always been unfairly targeted by Australian rugby fans and yet I have always thought he was vastly underrated. He can be proud of himself today.
Colin N said | November 16th 2008 @ 7:22am | Report comment
I basically agree with most of your points there Benjamin. Flutey does look an international class player but I thought the scrum was refereed poorly. I thought that both Sheridan and Baxter were as bad as each other in not binding and Jonker could have penalised either of them and he generally chose to penalise England. We missed Kennedy at the line-out and Palmer did very little of note. However, Haskell was very impressive when he came on and is hopefully getting back to a bit of form.
Benjamin said | November 16th 2008 @ 7:29am | Report comment
I agree Colin, I saw Baxter binding on the arm a few times, but overall Australia won the scrum battle so no point in crying over spilt milk. Ideally I’d like to see Stevens, Kennedy, Shaw and Haskell start next week, perhaps even Hartley too. The pack was severely underpowered and yet kept choosing to trundle the ball up, I’m not sure what Borthwick was thinking. I know it’s going to take time to remove that mentality so I’m willing to be patient, however.
The backs were a mixed bag. If Armitage’s drop goal had missed I would have been furious. It was a silly option that luckily went over. Ultimately though I don’t expect a huge amount from such an inexperienced core. Care, Cipriani and Flutey will grow together. I just hope Noon is removed. I saw him caught out quite a few times in defence and he is too small and slow to make an impression in attack.
Overall it was a poor performance, let’s not avoid that. At half time it was a close game but England capitulated and that is not acceptable but experience can’t be bought and at least this team tried some things whereas under Robinson the forward pod movement was basically the teams only weaponry. I can’t recall the last time I saw a team make so many appalling and basic mistakes though. That is a worry.
Davo said | November 16th 2008 @ 7:54am | Report comment
Was indeed good to see maligned Aussies such as Sharpe and Baxter have huge games. Baxter was excellent around the field also and the fitness and mobility of the current Aus front row is a definite plus and contributed to their scrum dominance ( can scarcely believe I am writing ) that in the 2nd half. Mortlock’s straight running, his quick flick on to AAC for the try and his hit on Flutey were great moments, but his hands continue to be an issue as they were last week. Dropping that Giteau pass on the end of his breakout run was kids stuff.
I felt Burgess got marooned at the back of the ruck a few times with no options or there were stationary players in the way of his intended pass but he’ll be dissapointed, thats 3 average games in a row for him and I wonder on the back of a very big season that started in March if he doesnt just need a bit of a break.
Quick thoughts on the English from someone who doesnt see them play that often:
Backrow were reasonable although I liked the look of Haskell when he came on.
Flutey is a dangerous runner but a ball hog
Noon also seems reluctant to pass the ball wider but unlike Flutey who at least goes straight, Noon goes diagonal. Did Monye or Sackey once receive the ball where they weren’t forced to take a backwards step as their first step ??
Care and Cipriani at 21 each if a very tasty looking half combo to go through to the next World Cup with and beyond.
Finally, I cant resist…Benjamin, in praising the Aussie scrum you’ve slipped in the caveat that this was one of Englands “weakest packs” and to your credit you’ve named your replacements, but you cant have it both ways. Sheridan has lived off the tag world best scrummager the last few years, Vickery was in because of the supposed power he has over the Aussies and Stevens and Hartley all played extensively in the 2nd half which was when the Aussie scrum got on top. You’ll just have to face it, the old scrum chariot swung wobbly tonight !!
Benjamin said | November 16th 2008 @ 8:06am | Report comment
Davo, I did say before the game either on this thread or another that Australia had improved and that the England pack selected was one of the weakest I can recollect, so it’s not like I’m saying it for the first time. It’s frustration as much as anything that Johnson selected that tight five because it was not a test pack. I have never claimed Sheridan was great and for years have preferred Woodcock, Roncero, Lo Cicero and Ayerza to him - and have opnely stated that on ‘The Roar’. Let’s not forget the physical size of the 2005 and Marseille pack. Corry, Shaw, Moody, Easter, Regan etc. It just does not compare to the 8 men selected today.
Lanky said | November 16th 2008 @ 8:11am | Report comment
Frank - Aus won away in Durban about 2 “away” tests ago. We also beat England at Twickenham a couple of years ago. The away record is improving!
Benjamin said | November 16th 2008 @ 8:12am | Report comment
Anyway Davo, let’s not cloud the matter. Australia had their day, they did what was required of them and finally it looks like a pack is developing that can take on the mantle of the 1991 pack. It was an aggressive and accurate performance from a much-maligned group of men and good luck to them. Like Michael Lynagh said today, the pack is another string to the Australian bow and if they can get the backs to replicate that then they will be a vastly improved team.