Wallabies beat Springboks, but it’s unconvincing
Columnist By David Lord, 14 Aug 2011 David Lord is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- David Pocock, James OConnor, Rocky Elsom, rugby, Rugby Union, Springboks, Tri Nations, wallabies
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It took Kings Park in Durban for champion Wallabies flanker David Pocock to turn in a royal command performance. The Wallabies beat the Boks 14-9 last night in an 80-minute arm-wrestle that did nothing for the clash to be a spectacle, nor for either side’s World Cup prospects.
In pecking order, it’s still the All Blacks and daylight.
But let’s not knock the “w” for the Wallabies – it was desperately needed.
Aside from Pocock, who was everywhere in defence and attack, and to a lesser extent skipper Rocky Elsom, who had his best game of the season, the Wallabies coughed up far too much ball, and gave away senseless penalties.
They had 57 percent of the territory in the first half, but butchered the chances they created, bombing five potential tries through poor handling, and impatience.
The Boks led 6-0 at the break, James O’Connor missing his only shot.
He landed his first early in the second half, and four minutes later came the only try of the game, set up by lock Nathan Shape, with a jinking run from O’Connor for Pat McCabe to touch down unopposed, wide-out. O’Connor missed again for an 8-6 lead.
Another penalty to the Boks was converted by Butch James for a 9-8 lead, but two more penalties to O’Connor gave the Wallabies back a telling 14-9 advantage with eight minutes left on the clock.
Desperate defence held the Boks at bay, for a win the Wallabies will relish.
In all honesty, they will never play worse and come away with the result.
And they will rarely beat a penalty count against them by the appalling referee, Kiwi Bryce Lawrence.
At long last Elsom stood up and was counted, demanding a response from Lawrence. The answers weren’t forthcoming but Lawrence was on report – thanks to the skipper.
In other pluses, Radike Samo replaced Scott Higginbotham, playing his first Test in 2,456 days. His last was in 2004 – and what a difference the 35-year-old Samo made. Higginbotham was out of his league.
And outside centre Anthony Faingaa must replace the out-of-form Adam Ashley-Cooper – Faingaa was on fire.
But it was Pocock and Elsom who showed the way – with locks Nathan Sharpe, and James Horwill, when he wasn’t being penalised, adding to the win.
A week off, and it’s Suncorp for a final clash with the All Blacks before the World Cup.
Improvement required by the Wallabies to take out the men in black and possibly win the Tri-Nations? At least 75 percent.
But for the moment, let’s just bask in the “w”.
Relive the action via our Live scores and blog of the match.
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- David Pocock, James OConnor, Rocky Elsom, rugby, Rugby Union, Springboks, Tri Nations, wallabies
August 14th 2011 @ 3:31am
warrenexpatinnz said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:31am | Report comment
Off to bed but believe that was a good win by the Wallabies, not skill wise but the mental side. Also pleasing to see them own a second half again.
ABs should beat the Boks next week, just as long as they don’t get a referee like Lawrence otherwise they will struggle like the Wallabies. I can handle 50-50 calls but what the Wallabies got pinged for the Boks got away with and this wasn’t stuff deep down in the ruck but blatant offside, killing the ball, fouls off the ball.The Wallabies were lucky with McCabes lifting tackle, may be cited? but the same can be said for two instances were Botha entered a ruck with a swinging arm, that guy must go before he actually seriously hurts a player.
Boks will improve, Wallabies will improve so all in all a good hard test pre RWC.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:52am
Kuruki said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:52am | Report comment
There was plenty of times the Wallabies got away with infringing as well, the victim mentality is getting old. Your players just need to learn how to deal with infringing players themselves instead of waiting for the reff to do everything. They lack mongrel.
Was a messy game all round i dont think either coach would be too happy with that performance, and i think especially for the Wallabies it was a step backward from last week in terms of execution.
The Bok’s were ripe for the picking but execution let the Wallabies down, just to many handling errors.
South Africa will be shooting themselves in the foot, if John Smit is going to play every minute of every game. Bismark made a big difference when he came on, but moving Smit to prop let the Wallabies dominate the scrum, and take a vital 3 points.
I think for the Wallabies Higginbotham is a much better prospect off the bench. He struggled to have anywhere near the same impact from a starting role. Samo looked very comfortable at 8 and i would start him.
Plenty to work on for both sides, South Africa will be much better for the hit out, Aussie for the confidence boost.
I think Deans needs to reign in a few of the flick passes here and there. Test rugby is not a playground and those plays get punished in test rugby if they dont hit the mark.
August 14th 2011 @ 4:10am
mickh said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:10am | Report comment
“The Bok’s were ripe for the picking but execution let the Wallabies down, just to many handling errors.”
Funny I thought we won last night!
August 14th 2011 @ 8:38am
Kuruki said | August 14th 2011 @ 8:38am | Report comment
You won by the skin of you a$$ against a team you should have put to the sword. It’s going to be a very sad World cup campaign if you are happy with that performance.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:28am
warrenexpatinnz said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:28am | Report comment
It was a win by a Wallaby side in South Africa, to be down at halftime, losing the 50-50 calls and the obvious ‘for’ ones as well showed a bit of mental grit.
Elsom was improved, again as was Sharpe. Ants Faianga needs to start at Suncorp, as does Samo then bring on Higginbotham after 50min.
Higginbotham had nervy hands and second guessed himself on occasions but his smacking defence, Samo’s and Elsom as well with Sharpe getting into it was pleasing.
Moore seems to be loving the grit and has lifted his game constantly.
Pocock is still trying to find his timing and it must return shortly.
Elsom’s direct shot at Bryce was superb, timed it well and stemmed the tide with Bryce seeing more than just gold jumpers!
Leaving Cooper out of the play for considerable parts was a smart move and possibly even a tactical ploy, introducing Genia and Beale as the secondary playmakers with Barnes inclusion being the trial required to introduce different running angles?
AAC needs time to consider if his hand injury is affecting his game and whether he should make way for Ants but I guess he is aware that if he is not playing the chances of him getting back into the starting line up is reduced.
Wasn’t the best game, skill and timing an issue with two tries butchered because the next pass wasn’t given and in the case of Alexander almost dying with the ball out in front of his posts and only needed to pass it wide as soon as he got the ball and a full field on attack was the go. During that play I was amazed Hoggard wasn’t penalised for delibrately knocking the ball down as Bryce was standing within kissing distance yet called it a knock on!
If either the Wallabies or the Boks had played the ABs last night they would have been done and done well however both sides have marked improvements on that performance due.
If the ABs are wise they will play the keepers for the RWC carefully next weekend as Botha and Rousso were intent on off the ball hurt with the swinging arms of Botha heading into a ruck a blight on the game.
To the BOK supporters, Elsom gets unfair criticism but what has Smit done for PDV to remain in the side? He destabilizers the scrum and is slow around the park. Does he look like a captain and that is enough to keep him in the job?
August 14th 2011 @ 11:26am
AdamS said | August 14th 2011 @ 11:26am | Report comment
“To the BOK supporters, Elsom gets unfair criticism but what has Smit done for PDV to remain in the side?”
He has digital copies in a safe place…..
August 14th 2011 @ 11:51am
Nashi said | August 14th 2011 @ 11:51am | Report comment
Pretty fair call from what I saw Warren. I’ll have to watch it again just to see whether the complains about Lawrence were justified. With my one eyed glasses on it certainly looked messy in the breakdown and a few times my ire was directed at the ref rather than the team.
Not a convincing victory but I had confidence after about 10 minutes because the Wobblies were much stronger in contact than last week and stood up to the obvious enthusiasm of the Boks.
The tight five looked as though they were really up for it this game, even Sharpie got stuck in to the hard stuff on occassion. Horwill is one player we cannot do without and if combined with Vicks would give the pack some real starch. Throw in TPN (though Moore played a great game) and that pack has a decidedly mean look about it.
I thought Rocky was good, not brilliant but that inside ball from Genia really was sweet. Support players, where were you? Some of the pack must learn to see these moves coming and be set to move through on Elsoms shoulder so he can pass to someone close. Elsom is not known for his handling or off-loads is he?
Where was Pocock? Was it because of the breakdown penalties in the last two games that he seemed to disappear?
Whether it was because Smit moved to prop or just that Samo has more experience there is no doubt in my mind that Samo needs to start at 8 even if he dropped the pill a bit. His tidy up work was a blessing and gave Genia more room to operate. Against the ABs loose trio this could prove decisive.
Genia was solid rather than great, obviously outplayed du Preez who looked strangely out of sorts. More will be expected from the Bok half back next game.
Again Quade had an ordinary game, his lack of cohesion with his centres remains a concern.
McCabe crashes the ball up well and his defense is exemplary but his game is somewhat one dimensional. I would still think Barnes would come back in at 12 once fit. While you give up a bit of penetration with Barnes at 12 it places more doubt in the minds of the defence, allowing Cooper more space. For mine this is the key to Australia’s game plan, however they achieve it they must find a way to give Genia and Cooper more room.
AAC needs to go and find his mojo, sorry but the time has come. AF looked competent at OC and his rush up tackle in the 2nd half was beautifully timed and exectuted.
The back 3 were very quiet this game, though the move put on by JOC that led to the try was a lovely piece of drawing the man and passing wide.
I always thought this game would be tight and probably messy, it must be remembered that the Aussies had an horendous travel schedule (like NZ get more often it must be said) and the Boks have just been released from the Intensive Care Ward and were only just back on solids. Oh yes, the rain and the ref did not exactly help the situation either.
August 14th 2011 @ 8:40am
sheek said | August 14th 2011 @ 8:40am | Report comment
Well, there must have been 98% of (Aussie) Roarers, including me, who demanded Higginbotham start this game.
Either he had an off day at the office, or we’re collectively not as smart as we like to think we are.
For me, I’m invoking Mark Twain’s sage warning – “When you find your opinion to be among the majority, it’s time to reconsider your position”…..
August 14th 2011 @ 9:03am
Kuruki said | August 14th 2011 @ 9:03am | Report comment
His form leading into the match warranted a start. But just like Piri Weepu i think Higginbotham has proven he would be a better weapon off the bench as an impact player. Some guys are made for that role and i think thats where Deans will stick with him.
August 14th 2011 @ 9:15am
soapit said | August 14th 2011 @ 9:15am | Report comment
he didnt do any worse than mcalman the week before.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:35am
Cattledog said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:35am | Report comment
I think you may be right, Kuruki, but in his defence, how often did he start at No 8 for the Reds? Dean’s selections remain confusing.
August 14th 2011 @ 9:56pm
Rugby Diehard said | August 14th 2011 @ 9:56pm | Report comment
Yep, I’m not usually on the bash-robbie bandwagon but that was a bizarre call to put Higginbotham at 8.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:24am
Cattledog said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:24am | Report comment
Sheek, how often did he start at No 8 for the Reds? Loose head, tight head…there’s a bit of a pattern here? Do you invoke the same warning for Ant Faainga?
Some players are sometimes best used as impact players. Perhaps Higgers and Samo are in that mix. I think Faainga deserves a start against the ABs
August 14th 2011 @ 3:04pm
sheek said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
Cattledog,
I didn’t see the game, just relying on the comments of others. I did see Faingaa’s screaming tackle on the highlights though.
Yes, it’s true, some players are better off the bench, others starting. But we shouldn’t judge Higginbotham on one starting game, or anyone else for that matter.
August 14th 2011 @ 9:45am
TembaVJ said | August 14th 2011 @ 9:45am | Report comment
The genius of PDV, change the entire front row with one go, on top of that remove the rock Bakkies from behind Smit too. What did he expect was going to happen?
Du Preez is miles of his best he has a couple of games to find form again. In all honestly I would have toured him, he is short of game time.
Defence was heaps better by the boks and another perfect example of how PDV has accomplished nothing with the boks, they only look good when its 95% Jakes team. Aplon is just to small for international rugby. Habanna sad to say is also past it, he spend more times clearing out rucks. Hougard looks much better suited to wing.
Its not all doom and gloom for the boks though, with Burger returning it will create 3 extra defenders on the field. Du Preeze has to much class to stay out of form.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:36am
kaha said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:36am | Report comment
Well nothing for the all blacks to be concerned about from both teams. Springboks looked a match or two from thier best. Wallabies about the same as last week. Should have really whopped them. Lucky I think they had the first shot at them, Because if they played them next week they would have lost. Some the individual players stood up but as a team still need a lot of work. As a test very slow a lot of mistakes, bad calls for both sides. I think this is the pace of game that pocock likes speed the game up and he goes missing. The springboks just don’t have speed in defence to shut down the wallaby back, but still did a reasonable job. Bring on next week.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:58am
Scotty said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:58am | Report comment
Kidology 101 eh?
August 14th 2011 @ 4:09am
kaha said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:09am | Report comment
I’ve had a little think, and I know whats happening. You aussies are luring us kiwi’s into a false sense of security. Well it won’t work I’m onto you’se. You did it 2003 and 1991 but not this time ,fool us once maybe twice ok but three times not on your nelly.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:25am
zhenry said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:25am | Report comment
I hope you dont represent the majority of NZers, imagining what the AUs might be doing is rubbish, rather focus on what the ABs are doing and how they will worry everyone else. Can understand why you do it though kaha; the NZ media lead with AU media PR constantly, one of the rugby programs on fox spent most of the time discussing whether WBs respect ABs or not. The dumbing down of the NZ public continues at a pace.
Thought the Boks played well in first half but missed plenty of scoring opportunities. People on here have mentioned the inappropriate player changes to Boks in 2nd half, because they looked tired and were not as effective. Why did Boks not replace the injured player which was partly responsible for the WBs try?
Thought the WBs played OK (not worst game to win as per DL) got some good continuity in second half and started to play well. Too many mistakes on both sides and the rain obviously changed things.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:31am
Chuck said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:31am | Report comment
I have seen people pull you up on the Media spin that you try to genirate in this forum henry and I must say I agree with them 100% give up on trying to create rubbish.
Just because you say it over and over and over does not make it true.
The only one being dumbed down here is yourself
August 14th 2011 @ 7:48pm
zhenry said | August 14th 2011 @ 7:48pm | Report comment
‘People pull me up’? You mean disagree, and like you they can be abusive (not always). I can understand the raw nerve for owners and journalists (esp. NZ). By the way you are not my editor; don’t presume to order me what or how to write: This is not a Fairfax or Murdoch blog. People on here will make up their own minds about ‘dumbing down’ and what is ‘truth’ in the media. Don’t think constant repetition of abuse will stop my basic right to express my opinion. Any body familiar with this blog would know that I give reasons (on occasions at great length) for my media opinions. This is quite a conservative AU based blog and my main issue is how the AU owed NZ media influence NZ rugby; I get occasional recognition for that cause.
August 14th 2011 @ 8:11pm
Naki said | August 14th 2011 @ 8:11pm | Report comment
I am one of the people who very much do disagree with you Zhenry I’m am in hysterics here trying to control myself that you ate trying to claim the above poster as being abusive. That is just outrageous to say the least and holds little weight
August 14th 2011 @ 8:42pm
zhenry said | August 14th 2011 @ 8:42pm | Report comment
Be careful not to choke or Naker yourself with laughter.
August 14th 2011 @ 11:48pm
IronAwe said | August 14th 2011 @ 11:48pm | Report comment
Have to throw my lot in with Chuck and Naki, Zhenry. It’s getting tiresome, just leave it out. There’s no need.
August 15th 2011 @ 12:09pm
zhenry said | August 15th 2011 @ 12:09pm | Report comment
OK you think its tiresome, but who are these people who presume they can direct bloggers on here, what and how to write. Repeat; this is not a Fairfax or Murdoch blog. If you don’t like it don’t read it. Or present cogent arguments against it.
August 15th 2011 @ 10:24am
kaha said | August 15th 2011 @ 10:24am | Report comment
zhenry dude it was a joke
August 14th 2011 @ 3:28pm
kiwidi said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:28pm | Report comment
i agree with kaha ,all this talk about replacing deans and go back to NZ,i don’t see much talk about that today (maybe its because wobbliest won),yes by next week south Africa would have improved ,and wobbliest wouldn’t win .quade cooper still fairy , doesn’t do much at all,people still saying put all reds in but how many countries did they play,not the world.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:40am
Johnno said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:40am | Report comment
Lets not bask in the win or any win until we win the RWC this year then we can bask in wins, harden up. We should not a s wallaby fans or the wallaby team be totally satisfied with that win. LOT of WORK TO Do, and still some silly flaky errors form Quade cooper especially in 1st half.
Remember as well, South Africa had not played for a long time there squad, and theyI thought got the better of us in the 1st half but not by much there is nothing in it between these 2 teams. Match fitness impacted on them in the 2nd half. And also taking frans steyn off, Aplon had a shocker and not taking john Smit off for another prop hurt them. South africa would be much stronger if they start with Bismark in the RWC and bring Smit off then bench. ANd South Africa gave us some lives by not taking relatively easy shots at goal early on. And Henrich Brussow went off early as he is not very match fit yet.
I think HIGGENBOTHAM IS BETTER THAN Mcelman, bus is not the answer as a starting no 8 in a RWC final for example. Samo or Elsom as my no 8 and possibly mcelman, but Samo has to be in 22, and hopefully Palu will return . IF Palu makes the RWC and is fully fit and firing we can match anybody and it would be a awesome bonus to have TPN back. Slipper will also be the vital 3rd PROP OPTION. SHARPE Ahead of Simmons for sure, but i think maybe Bakkies and Victor matifeld are past it. They are missing Andries BeKKER a lot. I think England, France, and NZ are the dangerous tight 5ives in this RWC.
Henrich Brussow is not yet at full fitness, and burger and Juan smith are still out.
The Wallabies have to lift there game, but if we can stay relatively injury free form now on and get some of those key players back we can beat any team if we frie on the day. but depth is the key for Australia, and NZ have a lot of it and we Australia do not.
Berrick barnes i would still like to see as a 5/8 option in 2 weeks, give him a chance for a full 40 minutes in Brisbane.
And give lUKE bURGESS SOME GAME TIME AS WELL IN 2 WEEKS, coz if Genia gets and injury we want him to have some match fitness. If we get to full strength we can shale the ALL BLACKS up.
We are coming along better but for all sorts of reasons we should not look to much into this match, I think Brisbane or the actual world cup pool rounds will be a better indication of where the Wallabies are at.
Because in BRISBANE NZ and Australia will rotate with there squads a bit i think, in lead up to RWC. After BRISBANE TEST RWC WILL START IN 2 WEEKS AFTER.
August 14th 2011 @ 9:12am
Chuck said | August 14th 2011 @ 9:12am | Report comment
Your right in one point unlikely that the All Blacks will field a full strength team in Brisbane.
August 14th 2011 @ 5:18pm
Lorry said | August 14th 2011 @ 5:18pm | Report comment
chuck,
there’s no such thing as a non-full strength NZ rugby union team.
There are the ABs, then the maori side and the ‘junior blacks’. That’s it.
August 14th 2011 @ 5:52pm
Chuck said | August 14th 2011 @ 5:52pm | Report comment
Your taking the mickey aren’t you Lorry?
No such thing as a non full strength NZ team………
I don’t know what your watching but the 8 players left behind in NZ certainly make a huge difference to the ABs
The team that is running out at Port Elizabeth is not and will not be the top team New Zealand can put on the field. Whilst our second string team and yes the NZ Maori team are still strong they are NOT and I repeat they are NOT our strongest team!
August 14th 2011 @ 8:14pm
Gooo Free said | August 14th 2011 @ 8:14pm | Report comment
History books will say this is a ALL Black 2011 touring side to South Africa nothing about what strength they are as players they are the men who were picked to represent their country and that’s Huge then the players left behind and if you think that this side doesn’t pack any mussel then take it at your own peril these guys are playing for their country first and a place in 30 man world
cup team and that’s the luxury Graham Henry has by resting 8 players until we no who our no one team is you can speculate as much as you want this team that’s under Kevin captaincy will not use excuses if they loose that they were not at full strength because they lost that’s for blokes like you to use and when Maori were not selected to tour south Africa did we complain because that wasn’t our strongest side no they were all blacks thats what the history books say.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:43pm
Peter Gregory said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:43pm | Report comment
Would you mind saying that again in English please?
August 15th 2011 @ 6:11am
Bayboy said | August 15th 2011 @ 6:11am | Report comment
I don’t see anyone making excuses for the possible loss here.
It simply is not the best team that the ABs can muster short and simple.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:40am
Mark said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:40am | Report comment
Unconvincing is definitely the word. It was some of the worst ball handling skills I’ve seen. A.Fiangaa was brilliant, as to was Samo. Elsom was better, for my opinion, is still missing something. Higginbotham didn’t have the game we were expecting, but still is my prefered choice. Reds combos look great.
Boks looked ordinary, if they rock up against the AB’s with that display, All Blacks by 40!!! Granted it’s their first outing really.
First half was very frustrating, I feel baby steps is the only way it’s going to happen for the Wallabies. I wanted to scream on several occasions. Adam-Ashley Cooper is not in form, don’t know if Deans should persist with him. Fiangaa looks the money!!
All in all, thank god for that one!!!!! I’m still disappointed.
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August 14th 2011 @ 6:45am
dave said | August 14th 2011 @ 6:45am | Report comment
I think the boks will be much improved, the first game back is often a rusty one, e.g. Wallabies vs Samoa, NZ vs Fiji.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:47am
David Lord said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:47am | Report comment
Who suggested we are totally satisfied Johnno? But a “w” sure beats the hell out of an “L”, and for most of that game last night, the “L” was on the cards. So we bask for the moment, because the alternative was never an option.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:58am
Johnno said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:58am | Report comment
We love a win David, but mate it still came across as a hollow win not a totaly complete package win, and same would of been for South Africa if they won. They are working towards the RWC with there pre RWC tactics like us, but yes the alternative of a loss would of been very annoying, and un pleasant flight home for Robbie Deans and some nervous Wobblies with the impending announcement of the RWC squad if they lost. So lets enjoy the win and the team will have a a lot of smiles on the flight home, and not skip any heart beats or nervous sweats a they face an angry media at Sydnehy airport.
Robbie Deans, Rocky Elsom are the 2 most relieved men in Australia right at this present moment. A big sigh of relief, they sleep well tonight and enjoy the flight home.
August 14th 2011 @ 3:50am
Mark said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:50am | Report comment
David Lord,
Well said!!
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August 14th 2011 @ 4:29am
don said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:29am | Report comment
Fans are so capricious. It makes me laugh how last week Higgenbottom was being lauded as the answer to the Wallaby’s loose forward problems and everyone wanted to dump Rocky Now, after a single mediocre performance, from Higgenbottom, and a strong performance from Rocky, people want to toss Higgenbottom aside and they want to keep Rocky.
BTW any test victory in South Africa is a good victory, people forget how hard it is to win there.
Cheers Don
August 14th 2011 @ 6:54am
p.Tah said | August 14th 2011 @ 6:54am | Report comment
Well said Don.
For the record I still want us to keep Rocky always have. I haven’t had anything to back that up lately but this mornings performance was encouraging.
A win in SA for us is very rare. We’ve now done it twice in 2 years. I think this win and they way they won (toughing it out) is significant.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:13am
Deez said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Yes – I think that point (2 back-to-back wins away in SA) should be noted. Wins are wins, which are what’s recorded in the books.
As for player performance, Higgers had an average night, looked a little nervous and coughed up some ball, but didn’t altogether have a bad game. Samo came on and played his usual, solid game – hits rucks hard, scrums well and carries the ball up and offloads. I personally think this is what the Wallabies need more than the ball skills of Higgers,
And I like your point about Faingaa – he is a solid performer when given the chance. I think he offers just as much right now (if not more) than AAC. Should be given more game time.
August 14th 2011 @ 1:15pm
RedsNut said | August 14th 2011 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
**And I like your point about Faingaa – he is a solid performer when given the chance. I think he offers just as much right now (if not more) than AAC. Should be given more game time.**
I agree wholeheartedly Deez. AAC is more of a liability than an asset.
How about the time he had Ioane outside him, and chose to go inside to try to be a “hero”. He has to go.
For me the centres should be Barnes and Fainga.
Johnno said “Match fitness impacted on them in the 2nd half”, well that serves them right for sending a second team on tour.
Higgers has got to be in there, along with Samo.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:50pm
Peter Gregory said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:50pm | Report comment
I think lot of us want to keep Rocky, but are not at all sure that he has what it takes to be captain and leader of men that Captaincy demands. Living overseas, I spent a lot of time watching Rocky win the hearts and minds of Leinster fans and totally agreed with them. I’m not at all sure that his (generally) sullen, taciturn, monosyllabic performances with his team and with referees are what Australia needs. He can stay in the team for mine, but definitely NOT as captain. I have the feeling that would almost be a relief for him as well.
Give me James Horwill any day.
August 14th 2011 @ 2:40pm
Dexter William said | August 14th 2011 @ 2:40pm | Report comment
Higginbottom is still a better choice than McCalman.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:53pm
Peter Gregory said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:53pm | Report comment
Absolutely agree Don. Same goes for the on-and-off “Get rid of Robbie” crowd as well.
August 14th 2011 @ 4:05am
Johnno said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:05am | Report comment
Was South Africa like we were versus Samoa at the start of season. SO was SOuth Africa’s effort tonight even less of a reflective of how they will go in the RWC just likes Samoas win. Maybe this loss will secretly improve Sout Africa be a blessing in disguise, like last weeks loss fo rus was i think and the Samoa loss to. Who knows but i think some of the springboks forwards are ageing. Bismark should deifnatly start ahead of smite. There 22 squad had not played most of them in at least 6 weeks, like us vers Samoa very rusty.
I think England are the biggest threat to NZ, i like there tight 5, and France are an unknown, and Irleand a blotter, same with argues. But NZ ALL BLACKS seem miles ahead of the rest of the world at present, and it will take a huge effort for any team to knock them on there home turf off for the RWC title .
August 14th 2011 @ 4:15am
David Lord said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:15am | Report comment
Johnno, France and Ireland are about to do battle live on Fox Sports 1.
August 14th 2011 @ 4:26am
Johnno said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:26am | Report comment
Im going to stay up for it Dave, try and see the match out. Very interesting to see what both have to offer. Wales beat England at Cardiff today . So the wobblies , like all teams are a work in progress. But i still don’t think the ALL Blakcs have peaked yet either. They have not p played there world cup yet by any means i don’t think, and they have rested key players for the south African leg. And also the ALL Blacks are not perfect they still have to sought out there front row and tight five out. I don’ think they no what to do with Ali Williams start or bench, and SBW as well. And they will hope Tony Woodcock is fit, but the Franks brothers are solid. not convinced if they have to rely on Wyatt Crockett. And Carl Hayman luckily for everyone is not an option, for them.
August 14th 2011 @ 5:46am
niwdEyaJ said | August 14th 2011 @ 5:46am | Report comment
Same england that got whipped by Wales?
August 14th 2011 @ 4:21am
Cattledog said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:21am | Report comment
You counted five potential tries, David…about the same number I counted. Let’s thank our lucky stars they did botch them. Could you imagine the heads…
As a major critic of Elsom, I think he played well but would get even more mongrel if he didn’t have the captainsy. Higgers was played out of posn and Samo looked strong for his cameo. Would like to see Higgers and Samo as impact players.
Ant Faainga MUST be in the 30! Centres need work, AAC was poor.
Spies was sensational. Can’t help but think this (rather old) Bok outfit may get better with time. Will know more next week! Glad there in a pool away from us. The ABs may be a little worried…
Overall, a pretty good performance away from home. Lawrence was dreadful, but they won despite his performance. That’s not to say they didn’t contribute with some poor basic skills. However, even with those errors, the potential was there…at last. Now to follow on in Brisbane. Hopefully not wishful thinking…
August 14th 2011 @ 3:42pm
kiwidi said | August 14th 2011 @ 3:42pm | Report comment
it doesnt matter if we ose inbrisbane we have nothing to lose still have cups
August 14th 2011 @ 4:43pm
flying hori said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:43pm | Report comment
We will not lose kiwidi, this is where henry will stamp his mark 2 weeks out from the RWC and play his guns, this is where he psyches out the wallabies for good.
August 14th 2011 @ 4:32am
Scotty said | August 14th 2011 @ 4:32am | Report comment
Cattle I am pleased with the win while recognising there is 75% improvement to come. Will we see it at Brisbane? Who the hell knows. Will we even see it during the RWC? Again no idea, but I would like to think we have a shot at a third title. Remember the All Blacks are playing 100% without inhibition at the moment, as they do between RWC. When it gets to the knockout stages, thats when the pressure of all those years will come on big time. I predict it won’t afect the way they play, if psychologically they can handle it. If not…..we are in with a big shot at them and so are England, Ireland, France and SA.
The time of kidology and and shadow boxing is nearly over…its time to put up or shut up. If the ABs win I will be the first to acclaim them.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:00am
Jerry said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:00am | Report comment
Wow, so that must mean the Wallabies are actually about 50 % better than the All Blacks (seeing as 25% of their best is roughly half of the All Blacks 100%).
Unfortunately for the Wallabies, both those numbers are essentially pulled out of thin air and completely meaningless. The Wallabies played as well as they were allowed to play last week and if you reckon there’s no improvement possible in the AB’s, that’s just wishful thinking.
August 14th 2011 @ 10:22am
Raugeee said | August 14th 2011 @ 10:22am | Report comment
Scotty, the ABs will not choke this year. Apart from far and away being the best team, the tournament is at home, they are playing all knock out games at Eden Park and to leave no stone unturned they’ve handpicked their referees. The final will be officiated by Rolland or Joubert. These two have absolutley no idea on how to ref the ABs … um…er…”playing” style.
The odds for the ABs to take the World Cup are about $1.50….luxury odds. The only upset that could occur is if McCaw, Carter and a couple of others get injured during the final.
August 14th 2011 @ 5:17am
gusbrisbane said | August 14th 2011 @ 5:17am | Report comment
The Boks were just too unused to test match rugby after a long layoff and tired noticeably in the 2nd half.
Nevertheless, I thought it was a very good Wallaby victory. The sort of victory demanded when the going gets knockout in the World Cup.
Always remember Australia got absolutely dusted in a low scoring game against the Boks in South Africa in 1999.
(And were defeated twice by New Zealand in the Tri-Nations in 2003).
It has already been mentioned, but Higginbotham’s selection at 8 is like Eales playing at 8 in the 1991 RWC. Sure, both players on the face of it have the potential to be number 8s but, when the match-turning scrum occurs and the Wallabies backpedal by just half a metre, we need a specialist number 8 in place.
Ewen McKenzive never picked Higgers at 8. That’s good enough for me.
I think the more Reds in the team the better, to an extent. Anthony for number 12, or 13, who can tell these days with the variations on where backline players operate in defence, and R. Samo definetly for number 8.
Elsom is a very good player. Higgers may just be that more effective off the bench.
I disagree with David Lord. I think this was a very very good win for the Wallabies leading into a significant match against the All Blacks in Brisbane.