By Andrew Logan
November 24th 2009 @ 6:40am
Related coverage
Cardiff to aim up against misfiring Wallabies
Australia's Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom, cenetr, along with his teammates take a short break during the team's practice session at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, a day before the Bledisloe Cup rugby match against New Zealand's All Blacks. AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama
The underperforming Wallabies go up against Cardiff tomorrow morning and their tour doesn’t get any easier. Not only have the Wallabies never beaten Cardiff on tour (even the greats of 1984 had a hiccup against the boyos from the valleys), but they are up against a team which has an uncomfortable level of experience.
To add to the Wallaby woes, the Cardiff backs coach is Bill Millard, the former Australia Sevens and Melbourne Rebels coach in the ARC. With his Sevens background Millard has always been a fan of running rugby, but in Wales it appears he has taken his running game to the next level.
Paul Ackford, former England international and now rugby writer, recently said of Millard’s Cardiff team after they slammed Gloucester, “Most teams would have been happy enough just with the work of their forwards on Saturday. Not Cardiff. Their backs were almost as good. They were inventive, gutsy, pacey and threatened on almost each occasion they had the ball which was often.”
Speaking from Cardiff last night, Millard was not surprised that the Wallabies struggled against Scotland. “It’s no surprise to us here, because Glasgow and Edinburgh are two of the best teams in Europe. They’re getting better and better each year”.
The Wallabies chances against Cardiff?
“This will be pretty much a second string side for us, but there is still some good quality out there. We have Gareth Thomas who has played 100 Tests for Wales and 3 for the Lions, (former All Black) Xavier Rush who is the best ball carrier in Europe, and plenty of hard valley boys who have already made it clear that they want to prove themselves against a Test standard side”.
“If we get it right, particularly against some of the young players in the Wallaby lineup, they might get a bit of a shock early on. These guys are old school, aggressive players, and they know that if we stand back and watch the Wallabies play, they’ll put 50 points on us. So we just have to try to get up off the line and unsettle them. That’s all we can do. If we try to get cute with them and throw it around, they’ll beat us”.
The Cardiff preparation has perhaps left a little to be desired and the Welsh boys could be forgiven for being a little irritated with the Wallaby camp for impinging on their only decent break between now and next May.
“To be honest” says Millard “the boys didn’t know about this game until about 4 weeks ago. They’ve played 39 games straight, and this was our one chance to have a rest and now we’ve got to play this game in the middle of what was going to be a 14 day break. We’ve been training for 20 weeks. We play so much rugby over here – we’re playing Boxing Day, we’re playing New Years Day, there’s no chance for the players to have a rest.”
“So we’ll have a little Captains Run tomorrow and, as I’ve said, they’re mostly experienced guys, they don’t get too worked up. They individually get up for the game and away they go.”
It would be tempting to think that the loss to Scotland would have the Cardiff boys slavering over the chance to take on a Wallaby team who is obviously at a low ebb, but Millard says that’s not the case. “No, it’s not like that at all. They’re pretty respectful of the Wallabies. They rate them. As I’ve said before, Glasgow and Edinburgh are two of the best teams in Europe, so we know how you can get blindsided up in Scotland.”
“We’ve watched the Gloucester game because obviously that’s who we’re playing, rather than the Test lineup, you know, guys like Kurtley and so on.”
“Sam Norton-Knight who is playing with us now, he’s spoken a bit about Matt Toomua and a few of the guys he knows, but the Cardiff guys are generally pretty good blokes and they’ve got a lot of respect for the Wallabies. They’re looking forward to it and they know that regardless of whether the Wallabies won or lost against Scotland, the only way we can beat them is to get up off the line in defence and play a physical game”.
History must play a part for Cardiff, given that they are undefeated against the Wallabies on end-of-season tours. So has there been a bit of talk around the Cardiff camp about maintaining the unbeaten run? “Yeah a little bit” says Millard “but it was different days back then wasn’t it? You know, I was speaking to (former Wales and Lions star) Bob Norster about it when they were beaten in 1984 and all the Welsh superstars were playing for Cardiff.”
“If our 10 or 11 internationals were available to play for us it would be awesome. You know, like the real old school midweek games. We’d have guys like Gethyn Jenkins (Wales and Lions loosehead prop) who’s often spoken about as one of the best looseheads in the world, Martyn Williams (Wales vc and flanker) who’s just a freak, Tom Shanklin and Jamie Roberts who are the Wales and Lions centres and had such a great tour of South Africa, Tom James (Wales wing), Leigh Halfpenny (Wales wing). They’re probably the main ones.”
“That said, we’ve got enough to threaten the Wallabies without doubt. This outfit is a dogged team of defenders. Pretty simple and direct attack, hard at it, with a good level of experience. Guys like Xavier Rush – we talk about “tupping” as in hitups – well he’s the best tupper I’ve ever seen” Millard laughs.
“Just leads with his chest! There’s also Sam Norton-Knight, Ben Blair the former Canterbury and All Blacks fullback. Gareth Thomas who’s a Wales legend at 13. Paul Tito (former Hurricanes and All Blacks second rower) is coming back from injury so he’ll be off the bench. And some very good solid Welsh blokes who’ve been around a fair bit, so we’ll be right”.
On the home front, the announcement of the 5th Super side in Australia has meant that all the Australian coaches offshore have been put under the microscope for a role with the new boys down south. Is Millard keen to go back to Melbourne, given that he already did the job once during the ARC?
“Melbourne’s interesting, mate. There’s a lot of publicity about all the coaches they’re chasing and the players they want, and all the Aussies over here hear a lot about what is happening there. The thing about Melbourne is that it is a rare opportunity to create a culture from scratch. It’s not very often in sport you get to create a new culture.”
“During the ARC, Rod Macqueen and myself and the others involved, we said let’s only get people who want to come here, and it’s a no dickhead policy. And we weren’t the best team on paper, but it was a very powerful environment, with leaders like David Croft and workers like Shawn Mackay”.
“Now if you look around world rugby at the moment, Newport Gwent Dragons are doing very well at the moment, better than a lot of teams, but on paper they’ve got no-one of note really. But they’ve got that same culture, that same approach. There were a couple of teams in the NPC this year, that had no-one on paper, but did extremely well because they had the no dickhead policy and a really solid culture.”
“Now, I’d like to think that it’s worked once well in Melbourne, why don’t they just repeat it? Yes, you need some good talent, and you need to get a couple of rock stars to bring in the crowds, but make sure those rock stars are there for the right reasons. I think if they get a mismatch of talented guys who are there for the wrong reasons, they’re going to miss out on the magic that can happen when you have a strong culture and a group of guys who want to work for each other”.
Would Millard take the job if it came up?
“I’ve got a massive soft spot for Melbourne, but my coaching has developed enormously since I’ve been over here and Cardiff have been very good to me. We play so much rugby, and there are so many good players and coaches, it’s just a great environment to learn and develop”.
“I’d like to think I could do the job but it’s really matter for the people involved to talk to the coaches they think can do it, and I haven’t had any calls, so I haven’t really been thinking about it at all. We’ve got some big games coming up in the various leagues we’re involved with and I’ve got plenty to worry about there.”
“My immediate job is to work with the Cardiff coaching and playing staff and see if we can pull off an upset against the Wallabies tomorrow night. That’s what’s driving me right now”.
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stuff happens said | November 24th 2009 @ 8:28am | Report comment
Andrew, good article again. I’ve just seen the Wallaby team and Kurtley Beale is on the wing!
I’m going for a coffee!
Parisien said | November 24th 2009 @ 9:40am | Report comment
Kurtley Beale on one side, Sam Norton- Knight on the other! should be interesting…
Colin N said | November 24th 2009 @ 9:50am | Report comment
The Cardiff backs have generally stuttered. On the very few occasions they get it together (like the Gloucester game), they are stunning, but that has been few and far between, despite the talent they possess. So, I would be very cautious in praising Millward.
Andrew Logan said | November 24th 2009 @ 10:05am | Report comment
That would be “Millard” with no “w”.
I think most people would agree that backlines as a rule can only put it together completely every few games, especially in Europe where conditions don’t always suit running rugby, as well as the vastly differing styles of opposition and the sheer number of games which demands squad rotations. To hope that any backline would devastate an opposition every match is an unrealistic expectation.
Cardiff’s coaching staff have plenty to be proud of. Their slashing win in the EDF Energy Cup against Gloucester, their narrow penalty-shootout loss in the Heineken Cup semi after drawing with Leicester 26-26 including a 14 point comeback, and the excellent form of their Lions centres on the South Africa tour.
Colin N said | November 24th 2009 @ 10:24am | Report comment
“To hope that any backline would devastate an opposition every match is an unrealistic expectation.”
No, but you hope that they would do it for more than two times a year. I see Cardiff regularly on TV and their backs are absolutely woeful at times. They even lost to Connact and have really struggled in the Magners League once again. In the EDF, they lost to London Irish who were missing a lot of players (although the same could be said for Cardiff) and lost to a very very poor Sale side in the Heineken Cup.
“their narrow penalty-shootout loss in the Heineken Cup semi after drawing with Leicester 26-26 including a 14 point comeback”
In a match that Leicester dominated, until two players were sin-binned, one of those being very harsh indeed.
“and the excellent form of their Lions centres on the South Africa tour.”
You say ‘centres’ as though it is plural. Shanklin was originally selected, but never toured because he was injured.
Kevin,Meath said | November 24th 2009 @ 11:02am | Report comment
Shanklin has been one of the form centres in the UK for the last 4-5 seasons, Roberts was converted to a centre last year as an experiment– not a bad result player of the series for the Lions. In the semi Cardiff had to run it last couple of minutes because Liecester ( a v good team) had strangled Cardiff so they threw caution to the wind and ,Roberts to the fore’ score 2 tries in 2 mins. Shanklin injurey his shoulder b 4 gooing but would have beeh a test candidate. it will be veryinteresting to watch Aussie 2nd XV against Cardiff 2nd XV
Colin N said | November 24th 2009 @ 11:05am | Report comment
I rate Shanklin, but his partnership with Roberts for Wales has been very disappointing this Autumn.
I feel when Casey laulala joins, he will replace Shanklin.
Knives Out said | November 24th 2009 @ 9:32pm | Report comment
I’m with Colin. Having watched the Cardiff Blues reasonably regularly I have never seen such consistently horrible back play. I’m guessing that you’re not a regular ML fan, Andrew. The Blues are poor. Their runs in the two cups coincided with a terrible effort in the ML. Frankly, Millard is the answer to nothing, and neither is Dai Young.
Jim Boyce said | November 25th 2009 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
Andrew – Why are Cardiff lingering second bottom in their Heineken section after 7 games?( See their website)
Putting Beale on the wing is an insult to him, why not hooker. Playing him Full Back at the Waratahs was always stupid but this takes the cake.
Darwin hammer said | November 24th 2009 @ 9:59am | Report comment
Even in this day and age you can over egg your CV – Paul Tito an AB ?? …
Andrew Logan said | November 24th 2009 @ 10:07am | Report comment
You are correct Darwin – my error.
Tito represented NZ at U19 level in 1997, U21 from 1998-1999 and the NZ Maori in 2000-2001 and 2003. He played for Waikato Chiefs in 1999 and he represents Taranaki in the Air New Zealand Cup. He played for the Hurricanes in the Super 14.
No national cap as yet.
Ben said | November 24th 2009 @ 5:06pm | Report comment
Paul Tito a Maori – with red hair ?
Shahsan said | November 24th 2009 @ 5:36pm | Report comment
Yes, why not?
The Other Reds Fan. said | November 24th 2009 @ 5:56pm | Report comment
Because Maoris don’t have red hair.
Ben said | November 24th 2009 @ 6:02pm | Report comment
Maoris have dark hair.
Shahsan said | November 24th 2009 @ 6:55pm | Report comment
Yes, but genetics aside — ie recessive genes etc — we do not know his entire family history. His grandmother or mother could well be an Irishwoman with flaming red hair.
Francois Trinh Duc looks like no Vietnamese I know.
What is a maori anyway? Racially they belong to the Polynesianm group. What sets them apart is culture. But all this isa discussion for another place and time.
Bottom line is that race is a useless concept.
tarpo said | November 24th 2009 @ 9:48pm | Report comment
He was actually captain of the Maori, shows what an outdated concept it is. You only need a tiny % of maori to qualify.
Blue Sue said | November 24th 2009 @ 5:53pm | Report comment
Absolutely Ben
We used to go on holidays with a fair skinned, red haired guy, and were absolutely gobsmacked one year when his brother turned up.
Typical Maori with darker skin, hair, physical features and all.
Apparently it is a genetic throwback and can happen. Obviously quite often.
Certainly was the topic of much discussion in the camping ground at drinks time.
Ben said | November 24th 2009 @ 6:05pm | Report comment
I am sure it can – especially when short of a quality second rower.
Sorry I should not bring the Maori selection into it – I always thought Tito was a dirty player and not worthy of an All Black jersey on the basis of both skill and behaviour.
Kevin,Meath said | November 24th 2009 @ 10:44am | Report comment
Tito, AB or not, has been a great signing for Cardiff. He has played to a very high standard and is a very popular with the crowd. when the crowd start chanting ‘Tito, Tito, Tito’ i think you have arrived at a club. Cardiff are not playing as well as they did last year when they destroyed Gloucester on a couple of occasions (their EDF win was great to watch —- yes i’m v biased).
its still a strong team it will miss their Welsh internationals ( how could you not miss Williams, Roberts and Jenkins — I would add Tom James to be good and 1/2p to break shane williams record of welsh tries). Looking forward to game.
fox said | November 24th 2009 @ 11:18am | Report comment
I’d prefer the loss to Scotland than one to this bunch of journeymen.
MM Fike said | November 24th 2009 @ 12:00pm | Report comment
The 1984 Wallabies not only lost 26-12 to Cardiff they lost to Ulster 15-13, lost to llanelli 19-16 and lost to South of Scotland 9-6.
Sadly I believe tonight will be loss number seven to Cardiff.
Jameswm said | November 24th 2009 @ 2:08pm | Report comment
If we need options at 10, why is Kurtley playing on the wing?
I know the answer – it’s because we were short a winger and had two 5/8s, so the quicker of the two (and make no mistake, KB is very quick) got shunted to the wing. It used to happen to me – I was a fullback, but if another fullback was in the team, even if he wasn’t as good, I’d get pushed to the wing because I was faster.
Hopefully at half time they sub Toomua off, put KB to 10 and give Morahan a run on the wing. Toomua is OK, but he didn’t do a lot for the Beasties. Halangahu leaves him for dead, but he hasn’t come through the academy system and at 25 must be considered over the hill. How else can one explain the selectors’ preference for Toomua?
whodares said | November 24th 2009 @ 3:29pm | Report comment
I think Halangahu must have slept with somebodies wife.
Why else would be be continually over looked?
He was the form no. 10 in the S14 trials last year but couldn’t get a start until the season was almost over for the Waratahs and he was up against a guy that can’t kick, can’t pass and can’t tackle.
Sydney Uni keep winning year after year with him at the helm but they won’t give him a run even in the A team?
Jameswm said | November 24th 2009 @ 3:33pm | Report comment
He leaves everyone for dead at club level, including Kurtley and Toomua. He’s ony 25. His defence is massive – if he plays 10-12 with Barnes next year, don’t expect anyone to get through.
He is a good tactical kicker and can guide a team round the field. He has a big step, esp off the left foot, and can beat a man. And he can throw a pass well – maybe the only place where KB gets him. The tahs did so well later in the year because Hangers guided them round the park at 10 and Kurtley had the flashes of brilliance at 12.
Kurtley can play 15 with Turner and Anesi on the wings – and Mitchell on the bench!
ob said | November 24th 2009 @ 3:53pm | Report comment
I definitely agree about Daniel Halangahu. He is the most underrated 10 in Australia. Although he may not have the razzle dazzle of Giteau or Beale, anyone who has followed Uni over the past five years knows that there is no one better in terms of controlling tempo and field position, organising and directing a team, and generally taking the right options at the right time. Add to this his central role in a team that has made winning close games an art form, and you’ve got to think he has something to add to a national side lacking midfield smarts and the habit of winning.
If Giteau were to play at inside centre with Ione or Mortlock at 13, Halangahu would be just the kind of player who could relaease them. He’d underplay his hand, make good choices, and relieve these instinct player of the burden of strategy.
Oh, and did I mention he can kick goals?
Campbell Watts said | November 24th 2009 @ 4:20pm | Report comment
Cardiff by 1 – a last minute win to rub further salt into the wallaby wounds!
And their kicker converting from the sideline in overtime for the win – to show Gits how it’s REALLY done!!!
tarpo said | November 24th 2009 @ 9:53pm | Report comment
Hangers would be a better option than Gits at 10in the 1st team, but that is probably not doing Hangers justice give how bad Gits has been.
mattamkII said | November 24th 2009 @ 11:59pm | Report comment
Bill Millard isnt doing too bad for a bloke from club rugby in Adelaide.
Knives Out said | November 25th 2009 @ 1:22am | Report comment
The majority of coaches come from club rugby.
Harry said | November 25th 2009 @ 7:43am | Report comment
Well 31-3 to Australia looks like a good result. What was the game like?
pothale said | November 25th 2009 @ 8:10am | Report comment
Good in first half. Ok in second. Aus got two in the last couple of minutes to display their dominance despite losing two guys to the sin bin for stupid fouls.
Game ran out of spark, but at least Australia got to run the ball. Cooper did well at 10, and O’Connor is a good livewire. Beatley touched down two and I reckon he’ll push for a starting place against Wales.
toomua’s jaw did not look good – fair play to him he sat on the bench after he came off – must have been screamingly painful.
Brett McKay said | November 25th 2009 @ 8:00am | Report comment
Any word on how bad Matt Toomua’s broken jaw is?
Harry said | November 25th 2009 @ 8:20am | Report comment
Sounds like – Toomua excepted – a good confidence boost for the young backs, they do ahve an enourmous amount of ability. Shame about Toomua and hope he is OK for next year … he looks a real prospect and a complete, game-controlling and level-headed 5/8th.
stuff happens said | November 25th 2009 @ 9:09am | Report comment
I listened to some of this game and Australia seemed far better than Cardiff Blues right across the park.
Should give them a bit of spark before the Welsh game after a very difficult couple of weeks( largely of their own making as we know).
Colin N said | November 25th 2009 @ 9:09am | Report comment
Andrew, I hate to say I told you so, but………
mattamkII said | November 25th 2009 @ 2:58pm | Report comment
KO – I know this but from Adelaide is amazing. Only a very small rugby comp there and is an AFL town.
Knives Out said | November 25th 2009 @ 10:05pm | Report comment
I’ll keep that in mind. You learn something new every day.
mattamkII said | November 25th 2009 @ 11:31pm | Report comment
yep, its so small that when i played there people would ask “you play rugby? in Adelaide? where are the Clubs? I didn’t know we had any”… There are only 10 or so and not even a semi-pro in sight.
So for a bloke to come from there, break through the Sydney private school set and make it as a pro coach is a very good effort….Bit like a Yank becoming the Head Coach of the West Meath Gaelic Football Team.
Bay35Pablo said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:10pm | Report comment
How do we get Millard back to Aus as a backs coach. Sounds like he’s get a better idea than some at this end ….