'Hang on': Forgotten Wallaby tipped for big year as Wright reveals 'biggest work-on'
As Stephen Hoiles tipped Tom Wright to re-emerge in 2024, the electric Brumbies fullback says ensuring he has more positive involvements rather than negative…
Having led the Wallabies’ dominant scrummaging performance against England, Ben Alexander says the pack is set for another big challenge against Italy this weekend.
Alexander returned from a wrist injury in the 20-14 win over England at Twickenham last weekend, where he helped restore pride in the Wallabies’ pack one week after they were dismantled by France.
The Brumbies tighthead crushed England’s Joe Marler at Twickenham with the loose head copping a warning from the referee for poor binds before he was replaced early in the second half.
While he was satisfied with his return match and the performance of the scrum, Alexander is now back to work and bracing for the Italian Test in Florence on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
“We increased our focus and put a much bigger emphasis on it (for England) and it’s going to be the same again against Italy,” Alexander said.
“You watch a lot their games, even more so than the English, they’ll just hold it in and try and drive and force those penalties.
“Every opportunity they get they really look to their scrum to give them access into the game and to get them on the front foot.”
The last time Australia played in Florence was in 2010 and the Italians gave them a scare before the Wallabies pulled away late to win 32-14.
“They look to the scrum as a big confidence booster,” he said.
“When the scrum goes well they all seem to grow a few feet and the confidence flows in other parts of their game.
“We’re focused on taking that away from their game.”
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.
As Stephen Hoiles tipped Tom Wright to re-emerge in 2024, the electric Brumbies fullback says ensuring he has more positive involvements rather than negative…
In a boost for Australian rugby, in-demand teenage sensation Max Jorgensen has turned down advances from the NRL to re-sign with the Waratahs for…
The lobbying for a board spill at Rugby Australia's Annual General Meeting next month has kicked off, with a group including a former RA…
For me at least, rugby union seems to have an unparalleled ability to induce mixed feelings. This has been brought home to me especially…
Four months after losing Mark Nawaqanitawase to the NRL, Rugby Australia has put together an extremely competitive bid to keep the Sydney Roosters’ mitts…
A move overseas could be the catalyst to reinvigorate an "emotional" Taniela Tupou, who looks weighed down by the recent events affecting the Melbourne…