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The Wallabies have some worries leading into the quarter final stages of RWC2011. They can’t play in the wet, their scrum is ordinary, not enough commitment, the list goes on.
They should have been playing Wales instead of the Springboks this weekend, though in someways, I think we actually have an easier game.
The Welsh were unlucky against the Springboks and have since shown how good they are.
But, for all the issues around the team, the biggest problem that the Wallabies face this weekend is not the forward play of the Springboks or the prodigous boot of Steyne, but the fact that Bryce Lawrence is in charge.
Mr Lawrence seems to have a big problem with the Wallabies scrum. He blew 5 penalties against it in the Ireland game and 3 in the Russian game.
I am not saying that the pack didn’t deserver to be penalised against Ireland, but the Irish were smart and realised that as soon as the scrum went down, even if it was their fault, the Wallabies would get penalised. On at least 3 occasions, particularly a couple on the Wallabies line, the Irish props are clearly going to ground first, yet Kepu was penalised.
The Springboks will remember the game in Kings Park and would be more than aware of the tactics the Irish used. They will be licking their lips at the appointment of Lawrence. I fully expect a number of scrums to go down.
Steyne will be practising from 60m to take advantage of it.
And, of course, rain is predicted.
Admittedly, we did beat the Springboks at home under Mr Lawrence, but they were coming off a long break in play and it was a dry pitch.
I was semi-confident knowing that we were playing the Springboks this weekend. I actually think we could have beatien them, but I predict that Mr Lawrence will blow us off the park, M Steyne will then line up and take the points. Then the Wallabies will lose their heads and it will be game over.
I have the ice in the freezer and the Laphroaig at the ready to drown my sorrows after what will be another 1/4 final exit for the Wallabies.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.