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An Adam Ashley-Cooper hat-trick aside, it was the Wallabies' defence that pulled them through yet again. While Argentina came in to this game as…
As professionalism has spread its influence across the world, we have seen the rugby battles change from the free-flowing cavalry charges of the past.…
Wales gifted South Africa three first half penalties that ultimately cost them the game. What's more, two of these penalties came within a minute…
I'll start with this – I would rest David Pocock and Israel Folau for the Wallabies' upcoming quarter-final against Scotland. No, I am not…
There would be slim few who would deny the huge influence Australia's tight five had on the result at Twickenham. The pressure was on…
There are three main areas for Australia and England where this Test match will be won or lost. Two are a test of skill,…
Finally Australian fans have something to cheer about, and Fijian fans whilst upset with their second loss will cheer the return to a more…
If you had told me Fiji would win 90 per cent of their lineout ball and all of their own scrums against England, I…
It is easy to write romantically about Fijian rugby; these mysterious yet smiling gods of the running game. They are richly endowed with talent,…
While debate may rage about the Wallabies starting halfback, it is interesting to note that on three occasions our replacement No.9 has gone a…
While Wales' win in Dublin on the weekend may have George Smith feeling a bit nervous about his pool predictions, after watching the replay…
With only two hookers announced in the Wallabies World Cup squad, there has been plenty of discussion about whether we will be capable of…
Having a dominant scrum in terrible field positions is like negative gearing. It's nice to know you are getting something back for your effort…
Agree, in my opinion without the defensive pressure Australia produced against England and Argentina with line speed and aggression, they will be in for a long night – therefore it is a prerequisite for them to be in the game and worked for them in Sydney!
Defence is the word for the four-try Wallabies
I agree re Wallabies defence, though Ireland had a great defence prior to their game as well.
I do think the Wallabies will win as despite one of the better attacking games, Argentina have a district weakness in defending the edges of the field and Australia are very strong in attacking this area. Will be close and entertaining though in my opinion.
Old school attacks beating modern defences at the Rugby World Cup
Agree re channel to 10. Australia’s structure seems to have the forwards automatically going to this position – therefore they are never an option elsewhere and can potentially get in the way. I believe that the NZ and Argy way would be that they automatically move to the 10, and then 10 then communicates whether he wants them in front or part of the attack. This way he is always in control and fast ball is the default. I believe this is the difference…They create structure anticipating they are going to make the gain line, we create structure TO make the gain line. Subtle but big difference.
Old school attacks beating modern defences at the Rugby World Cup
“To watch the ponderous decision making of an Irish or Welsh attacker during pool games almost made me cry. They blew so many chances to seize the initiative. The NH teams are so slow to decide that it doesn’t matter if they get it right – the chance has gone already.” – this comment is so absolutely true, and the exact reason I am a fan of Gamesense philosophy. There is a time element to pressure, and quick decision making is the first thing to put defences on the back foot.
Old school attacks beating modern defences at the Rugby World Cup
I definitely agree with your observation of Argentina emulating NZ – which I think has a lot to do with Graham Henry’s involvement with them. He was employed as a consultant post 2011 World Cup and I suspect that relationship continues in an informal (though I am sure well paid) manner.
Old school attacks beating modern defences at the Rugby World Cup
That is 100% true. I have worked with some NZ provincial coaches before, and the resources and access they get to Super rugby and AB’s coaches was far above anything I experienced in the Australian system. This is a big reason why NZ are so efficient at creating great players year in year out.
Old school attacks beating modern defences at the Rugby World Cup
Definitely a possibility as well – chose to go with the what’s rather than the what it’s.
First half penalties finish Wales
Hi Harold, I distinguished these specific penalties because in my opinion, they were unforced errors on behalf of the Welsh that resulted in tangible results i.e 9 points.. The message is that Wales errors at key moments (after they scored points) lost them the game. At no point do I disrespect the Boks or blame the referee – Barnes did a good job.
As mentioned, your entitled to your opinion as well so why don’t you post? No problem with passion at this stage of the tournament as long as it’s contributing to the discussion?
First half penalties finish Wales
I think he’s alright at that when he gets the chance, but don’t want to give him a big head.
His is now 3 tries out of his 7 tests which wouldn’t hurt at the selection table.
Wallabies tight five key against the Welsh
It’s obviously a very tight call and Cheika must see something there week in week out in both players.
The one area I think Dean has a slight advantage is his accuracy and impact at the breakdown, though he will have to match Rob’s maturity and accuracy with Lineout calling.
Wallabies tight five key against the Welsh
I agree – they have picked a team for our wide/wide game and will turn over ball if that is all we can though at them. With Warburton at 6 they will end up with loose’s on either end of the defensive line…again, why ‘Up the guts’ could be a good option.
Wallabies tight five key against the Welsh
Like your thinking – I could definitely be convinced of this but we need to let the back think they do something to help.
Wallabies tight five key against the Welsh
There are a few comments about Foley/Quade being flat (Yes I know the image has Quade in it – comment was performances in general). The depth of alignment needed will not come from these players, it will come from the players outside them.
The Wallabies' do or die battles against England
Agree totally and a very good post.
One of the current criticism of the English coaching is that they are not empowering their players to make these decisions on field and this is affecting their creativity and self belief.
The opposite could be said of the Wallabies – two philosophies warring…may good prevail!
The Wallabies' do or die battles against England
Agree – great questions
My thoughts
1. Keps – more tries as others have said, and Marler was up against an inexperienced 4 test, 1st year of premiership welsh tight-head.
2. Don’t discount a 6 – 2 split with Carter, Mumm, McMahon – I doubt Chieka will go for McCalman, McMahon as well as Pooper, I think he will be concerns about overall size considering the loss of Skelton
3. Foley has deserved this spot in my personal opinion and will get the job done if the people outside him create suitable depth.
4. I think Gits will be looked to in these occasions
5. I think Mitchell will get the nod. I think AAC and Horne are both great defensive options, but against a rushing English defence I think Mitchell will offer an inside option off his wing and goes looking for work. England’s wide threats won’t worry the Wallabies as much as out ability to break down their defence.
Just my thoughts.
The Wallabies' do or die battles against England
It’s a good observation – I think the referred are so focused on the ruck that they are missing a lot of offside play, with the touches eaglets eyed looking for any hint of foul play.
There’s no point having fast rucks if everyone is offside, and fans wan to see the ball in play with Advantage…only 12min of ball in play in the NZ v Namibia 2nd half.
The Wallabies' do or die battles against England
I do think the line out will be an important battle, but I think they will be fairly evenly matched, I don’t think England’s line out is one of the best in the competition, and against Fiji our line out looked very good until the three losses in a row. More variations, 4, 5, 6, & 7 mans, mauls and spin out plays mixed with off the top deliveries. With Hooper as a genuine option I think oppositions also have to defence more and therefore will get up less. Mauls also evenly matched.
With more time together and more settle selections I think we will see the errors reduced as well.
The Wallabies' do or die battles against England
Hi John,
Some teams count the attackers from the inside out, marking each player until there is an overlap – the logic here is that the team has t be good enough to get around you. Good teams will try to run around this defence
Alternatively, some teams count from the outside in, ensuring you will never run around them, but putting more pressure on the inside defenders to cover any holes.Good team will try to run through this defence or kick behind it.
More alert is a great way of looking at it – I am sure they all have the ability, it just an awareness thing.
Two halves make a whole, but the breakdown will make it work
I think the decisions can be a case of both – though depending on the game it can be a bit harder to get a message to the right people than is commonly thought, so ideally you would like you play makers calling it.
Two halves make a whole, but the breakdown will make it work
Not wanting to tell Cheika how to suck eggs – but forwards having their chins and therefore eyes up and not down would go a long way to solving this – you can’t see what you’re not looking for!
Two halves make a whole, but the breakdown will make it work
I agree.
I personally think Aaron Smith is a fantastic Halfback and a combination of the strengths mentioned above, though I think the All Blacks will miss him dearly if he is off or injured…not sure of their depth behind that.
Two halves make a whole, but the breakdown will make it work
That you need to be able to win the ball where it gives you options to attack, and conversely, you need to be able to prevent the opposition from doing the same thing. A straight win v loss analysis isn’t enough to work out if your lineout is effective or not.
Why just winning lineout ball isn't enough
I’d personally use more short lineouts when Skelton was on the field because I think he attracts so much defence as a running option and with the 12’s we have we have we can set up attack on both sides of the field off a centre field crash OR use Skelton as a decoy and go out the back. We did this with big Sisa Koyamaibole at Fiji and it took the pressure off our lineouts and didn’t hurt our attack too much.
Alternatively as someone mentioned on here the other day, use Pocock and Hooper as jumpers, best set-up would be a 7 man spread, quick calls and tall lifters…Pocock lifting Skelton v Skelton lifting Pocock = the same height and I can tell you who I would prefer to be lifting – under 10’s footy do it all the time.
Why just winning lineout ball isn't enough
Firstly, I think it is important point out that at this level and with this much pressure each line out is probably going to lose or have 1 – 2 of the throws disrupted. The real point is not whether it is one or two, it which one or two and in what areas, and your in trouble if it’s more (e.g. South Africa had 5 taken on the weekend).
I think the AB’s will force us to throw to the front like they did in Auckland and are capable of stealing it if we try to win it at the back. Movement won’t work as they will just wait in their zones and go up anyway. In Auckland we had Cliffy and Skelton in the lineout and hadn’t developed Hooper as a jumping option at that stage.
Therefore I think we should win the ball at the front when available and play down and pop ball Pocock who send Genia over teh 15m and picks up Tevita Kurindrani or Blind Winger to get over the advantage line outside of McCaw. Pocock can chase to teh breakdown along with Fardy at the back to cover the threat. Alternatively jump Kane at 2 on Short lineouts and leave Hooper to resource the breakdown or carry.
In 2007 England thought they could throw around Matfield and a strong South African line out and lost 10 line outs and the World Cup. Australia would be foolish to try the same.
Defence is the word for the four-try Wallabies