By LeftArmSpinner -
June 26th 2009 @ 1:43am
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Reading the Wallabies’ body language
Australian rugby union coach Robbie Deans (centre) talks to players during a training session for the team in Sydney on Monday, June 1, 2009. The Wallabies will play the Barbarians on Saturday night. AAP Image/Paul Miller
I arrived for an appointment at the Football Stadium at about 8.45am as the current Wallabies squad were leaving the Waratahs Headquarters for the training field a few hundred metres down Drivers Avenue.
Robbie Deans had apparently arranged training for the Wallabies at Moore Park, commencing at 9am that morning.
With time to spare, I watched as they made the journey.
Firstly, those I missed included Tuqiri and Deans. Presumably they were part of the early bird crew who were already on their way when I arrived.
Pek Cowan had just commenced his walk on his lonesome when Stirling Mortlock, about 50 metres behind him, called to him to stop and then ran to catch up. The two then talked on their way to the ground.
Now, that is captaincy for you. Well done Stirling.
The “Julios”, the cool guys, were led by Nathan Sharp, mostly the tall timber, and at a gangly, giraffe-like gait and pace. But after a call from someone even more Cool than Bruno, uber cool Matt Giteau, “Hey, Sharpie, wait up!,” the Julios waited for their leader.
Was this just a Western Force friendship/connection or were the Julios hoping that Giteau would choose them for the final pass with the try line open on Saturday evening?
All had their full tracksuits on and boots, headgear and mouthguard stored in the “cute” backpack they were wearing.
Drew Mitchell and a few of the younger players bounded out, more like lambs exiting the stable in Springtime.
Phil Waugh came out on his own, minimally dressed, minus the boot bag, no track suit, wearing his plastic molded soled boots across the bitumen. I was shocked.
Surely all forwards would wear boots with sprigs, and why ruin them on the bitumen surface?
As he walked along, he read a piece of paper. I mused: “was this a playlist, a shopping list from the wife, a fan’s letter or an emailed contract offer from Japanese rugby club?”
After a gap where I thought I had seen my last Wallaby for the day, Timana Tahu appeared on his own. No tracksuit, no boot bag, just calf protecting Skins that looked like granny stockings.
He was also wearing his molded sole boots. Maybe all his slipping over this season could have been corrected with a decent pair of boots with sprigs!
He looked lonely, and moved as if he was a bit late, but not very late.
A few minutes after he disappeared around the corner, the door was flung open and out raced Luke Burgess. He was in a hurry, but wore his customary smile and positive body language.
Last and not least, was Al Baxter, fully dressed in the Wallabies tracksuit. He clearly had a late note from his mother because he was not in a rush at all.
Or maybe he was already at full pace for a prop!
So make of my observations what you will, and nothing, if you like. Good luck to the Wallabies on Saturday evening.
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(22)
spiro said | June 26th 2009 @ 8:08am | Report comment
Leftarmspinner that is interesting about the moulded studs because players around the world are falling over all the time, especially when it is a bit slippery. Clearly their studs aren’t holding them. In the State of Origin match I noticed the same thing. Is something happening to the boots with fashion taking precedence over usefulness?
The bonding that goes on, as described in this article, is very important. One of Robbie Dean’s strength as a coach is that he creates teams, rather than a collection of individuals. I’m impressed that so far, for instance, Lote Tuqiri has taken his demotions which must be very galling with restraint. He hasn’t spat the dummy. This is most impressive. This off-field class now needs to be augmented by some on-field class and he’s back.
sheek said | June 26th 2009 @ 8:38am | Report comment
Leftie,
Beautiful prose & observation of human hotshots, love it.
LeftArmSpinner said | June 26th 2009 @ 9:26am | Report comment
Spiro, myself and Diplomatic Immunity have the same argument with our sons at the start of each season. They prefer the molded soles, we oldies prefer the studs/sprigs/cleats. But it is a different world.
I would polish my cutdown Adidas boots with either white or lime green stripes, remove and tighten the studs each week, wash and dry the white laces and finally apply leather reconditioner to the leather uppers.
The feeling of putting those shining boots on made my feet and legs feel lighter and that much more powerful.
Then, I get the brown shoe polish out, polish the “Goalfinder” leather footy and then put the reconditioner on it too. The wonderful non slip surface created probably lasted about 5 minutes into a game. But it was always my footy that everyone wanted to play with and when kicking for touch, I always felt that much more confident.
It was only a few years later when I was buying my own footballs, that I lashed out on one of the Adidas Footballs, white with black cone on each end, and a sort of felt/slightly furry feel. The prince of footies.
I agree that Tuqiri has taken his demotion well, as in relatively in silence. But, the question is whether he can do the hard yards to get back. I am unconvinced. But I will be watching the ABC tomorrow at 3pm for the match of day, Wests Pirates V Gordon at Concord. Gordon have some speedsters.
Horan is saying that the Wallabies need Tuqiri as tall, big timber at the back come Bledisloe and 3N. Hmm, while I can see the logic, and rate Horan as a player and commentator, Turner is not small and nor is AAC. Finishers are much more important.
Like Beale, neither Tuqiri or Beale had ever suffered a demotion. I think that when it finally came, and it comes to all sportsmen, at least once, (the only exception in more recent times being Gilchrist) would make it that much harder to cop.
Sheek, No doubt there is a bit of star gazing and celebrity watching going on, but not obtrusively. I successfully fought the temptation to give Lukey Burgess a verbal hurry up by comparing his tardiness to that of his Uncle, based on my very unreliable memory.
Jameswm said | June 26th 2009 @ 9:26am | Report comment
Lote’s a good guy I reckon.
The moulded boots are a lot more comfortable by the way, but I have maybe 1 in 5 in my U10s team who wear metal studs. maybe they do it to be tough! One is a half back too!
Hendo said | June 26th 2009 @ 9:55am | Report comment
Nice one – top read – thanks!
The Phantom said | June 26th 2009 @ 10:01am | Report comment
I have always gone for the metal studs but in the country with the lack of rain over the past few seasons the grounds are just too hard and comfort has prevailed. I recently purchased of some moulded boots for the first time since the Under 5’s soccer. If I was playing on the lush surfaces the pros do there is no way I would have turned to the dark side – maybe the change in the rucking laws have also contributed a bit???
SouthernWaratah said | June 26th 2009 @ 11:37am | Report comment
LeftArmSpinner – Any truth to the rumor that you are actually Murray Bennett in disguise?
Timmypig said | June 26th 2009 @ 11:45am | Report comment
It’s been a few years …. do refs still check the condition of sprigs before the game? Plastic studs were verboten, and only metal would pass muster. Wouldn’t the same restrictions apply to plastic moulded soles?
Hoy said | June 26th 2009 @ 11:51am | Report comment
Clubs are still checked every now and again. Ground it too hard up in QLD for the screw ins. I started playing in them, then switched at Uni to moulded. Having played in them for so long now, I don’t think I could go back to screws. It is also hard to find screw ins around. Almost all boots on offer in the shops are moulded.
Campbell said | June 26th 2009 @ 1:03pm | Report comment
My thoughts on moulded boots and slipping:
The cleats tend to be orientated north/south – great for side stepping.
Guys seem to slip alot when they slow as they hit the defensive linedown – to change direction. As they plant a heel to lose speed and slip a defender on the inside they tend to slip before the front of the boot can get a purchase and assist with the step.
Just my obsevation – anyone agree?
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | June 26th 2009 @ 1:06pm | Report comment
Nice work, LeftArmSpinner – a good read. A spartan Waugh, bounding youngsters, friendless Tahu, single forward speed Alice Baxter!
On Burgess – saw him interviewed on Fox Sports last night and was impressed by his easy and apparently unpretentious nature, ready smile, preparedness to study further for his post game future, grateful acceptance of his opportunities however limited, positive outlook and the like. An impressive and mature young man. Did not say “awesome” or “amazing” once – rare maturity.
He does remind me of a latter day Nick Farr with his oversize and some aspects of his play – short kick, defence, involvement. He certainly has more long term useful ability, I think, than the other contenders – just wish he’d stick with his occassional dive pass more often and get rid of the Greganish “I think I’ll just stand here and study the texture of the ball for a while” at the breakdown.
On sprigs – I too have noticed, in Union and League, the incidence of “wheel spins”. I think it is definitely inattention to what used to be an important piece of kit. Don’t know why forwards don’t still wear high boots.
Who Needs Melon said | June 26th 2009 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
I remember watching the aussie cricketers come out to warm up quite a few years ago now when Brett Lee first made an appearance.
The way you describe the young Wallabies that “bounded out, more like lambs exiting the stable in Springtime” reminded me of watching Brett Lee similarly capering around some of the more dour, experienced members of the team. It was great to watch – his enthusiasm was infectuous and the experienced guys I think kept him grounded a little when needed.
That’s why I like the vibe of the Wallabies at the moment – a nice mix of some experienced level heads and some jumping-out-of-their-skins younger guys…
I’m hoping that when news breaks of the nocturnal activities that 4 particular aussie rugby players have been up to we find that it just some “jolly japes” (as the french say
) and nothing too serious.
Brett McKay said | June 26th 2009 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
I still remember Luke Burgess who after winning a MOTM for Melbourne in an ARC game (remember them?) addressing ABC sideline mic-holder John as “Mr Morrison”.. What a polite young fellow…
Re the modern moulded soles, Campbell, if you check out the latest models, a lot seem to have learned the mistake of uni-directional cleats, and are now going for cleats in all direction. Without wanting to sound like a sales rep, if you look at the new Asics boots in particular (which are worn by plenty across the four codes), the cleat direction is such that it looks like it would be near impossible to lose traction.
That said, the modern moulded cleats are nowhere near as long (deep) as they used to be, and that combined with lush (sometimes damp) surfaces, it’s little wonder guys end up on their arse.
Jim B said | June 26th 2009 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
Left Arm Spinner – Excellent stuff and nicely observed. In days gone by there would have been a state orientation to the walk to practice but thankfully that does not appear to be the case. There was an interesting article in the UK 2 years ago about sprig length and length of the grass. There had been a spate of injuries to people such as Rooney involving groin and upper leg muscles and this had been put down to the length of the grass and sprig design. I do wonder about knee injuries and boot design and what grass length is prescribed in the Procedures Manual.
LeftArmSpinner said | June 26th 2009 @ 8:13pm | Report comment
SouthernWaratah, Nope. Same vintage, but he was a much better bowler of left arm spinners than moi !!!
The molded soles are rubbery and dont sharpen like the old nylon ones.
Mick GC: Burgess is from good stock, great sportsmen and great people. No surprises there. Its the white line that determines which you get. And that’s the way it should be. competitive on the field, unassuming off it.
WNM, with you again. The blend is great and infectious on both groups.
Brett, one of the great moments in sport, “Mr Morrison.” It is the depth of the stud/cleat that is the problem.
Jim B, I saw none of the state orientation you mention. But I most liked Mortock’s effort.
bennalong said | June 27th 2009 @ 8:42am | Report comment
LAS
YOU ignore my question about choosing Lote over Drew Mitchell and then (you didn’t read it, eH?) you compare Lote’s size to Turner and AAC ! Sheesh……………………AAC is fullback.
On that point…………..Pity you didn’t see Lote next to Lachy and AAC on your morning visit. Drew, as you know, looks like a boy against him
I ask again………..Is there anything positive that Lote’s got that allows you to understand why Tim Horan chose to come out in his favour. ????(a rare thing)
LeftArmSpinner said | June 27th 2009 @ 11:34am | Report comment
Sorry Bennelong, I tried to reply/address all comment posted. But on review, there is no comment from you on this post. Maybe too much to drink at friday lunch or it was posted on another thread!!!
I’m stilll not sure what your question is. On another thread, Horan proposed Tuqiri on the basis of his size. This ignores the skills, particularly speed, catching and kicking that are required for the back three.
Tuqiri seems to know the problem because for several seasons, he has baulked at taking on his opposite winger in a footrace.
LeftArmSpinner said | June 27th 2009 @ 11:53am | Report comment
bennalong, it was another thread. here is the link. http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/26/deans-must-find-room-for-tuqiri-says-horan/.
Why Horan has that opinion I dont know. He was a great player and I a very good “expert” commentator on the game. maybe he is reflecting his own issues with his lack of height compared to Lote. I’m just guessing. But Mitchell can get to the try line, as can AAC, as can Hynes and as can Ioane and Turner. Lote wont back himself to finish a try with pace and determination.
frankly, take his inability to remove the weaknesses from his game that have been evident for at least 4 seasons, specifically:,
Cross field running,
not backing himself on the outside of an opponent,
not drawing and passing,
not developing kicking skills,
not becoming able to play in other positions (such as Fullback and 13)
frequent failure to recycle the ball
These are serious weaknesses that were hidden by a big salary and reputation, but compounded by timid coaches. Compare his body shape to when he first arrived in Rugby. He is completely muscle bound, over muscled, even compared to a backrower.
Finally, just like any person, particularly Roarers, I am more than capable and allowed to provide my opinion on matters rugby and yes, sometimes, I am right when the so called experts are wrong. Being a Wallaby doesn’t qualify you for anything other than to pull the jersey on and get a bait to Wallabies reunions. Would I like to have been a Wallaby? Damn right. Never got close, even in the days when non tackling fullbacks like me were acceptable!!
spiro said | June 27th 2009 @ 12:46pm | Report comment
If I’m not mistaken Tim Horan was a Wallaby selector when Lote Tuqiri was seen as the Wallabies’ answer to all their try-scoring and confrontational problems. I think Robbie Deans has made it pretty clear that he wouldn’t mind if Tuqiri is offered and takes some big money playing rugby overseas. As it is, though, he is on about $700,000 a season, without the Test match payments. Why wouldn’t Tuqiri stay on and hope that the tide will turn in his favour.
Leftarmspinner is correct, in my opinion, to point to Tuqiri’s body shape as part of his problem. Like so many players, Phil Waugh is another case, he has bulked up to the point where he has lost a lot of his agility and speed. When he came into rugby he was a terrific player in the air. Remember his great leaping try in the 2003 World Cup final? He doesn’t score tries from leaps like this anymore.
I reckon he should just give up gym work, tone down and get his weight down and his energy up.
I like the way the veteran French star Cedric Heymans, the scorer of one of Test rugby great tries last week against the All Blacks, carries a notable pot belly. No trim abs for him. My guess is that Heymans hasn’t darkened a gym in years. He might not have the build of Tuqiri but he has got far more pace, and pace and step is what makes wingers dangerous.
LeftArmSpinner said | June 30th 2009 @ 1:07pm | Report comment
Spiro, just as Palu did in the 2008 preseason. And he became a better player.
Tuqiri has problems in his mind. Last saturday, with just the diminutive Gordon 15, Dave Harvey, to beat, he failed. Didnt even get close. Its all a bit sad really.
taylor bridge said | June 30th 2009 @ 10:23pm | Report comment
Leftiem that was wekk written. Good observations
LeftArmSpinner said | July 1st 2009 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
thanks Taylor. just a bit of fun from observation and interpretation.