Roar Rookie
Joined February 2016
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"I didn't have to play rugby that well, and I didn't have to play cricket that well, because I had this voice"
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There is no doubting the Wallabies' scoring ability, however it is in defence where they will have to look at themselves hardest in the…
"I don't regret anything, mate." That was Eddie Jones' response during the post-match media conference in Ireland, when queried on his statement made earlier…
"But he's not wearing anything!", cried a two-year-old, in the famous Hans Christien Andersen tale. Whereas the majority of the emperor's subordinates, in fear…
The All Blacks and Wallabies have struggled since the Covid era with physicality, namely at the breakdown and gain line both on attack and in defence. Last years spring Tour games appeared to reinforce my opinion. Watching the trans-tasman Super Pacific games last weekend and before, it appears skill level and decision making are the main differences between NZ and Aus teams, with both sides looking poor again in the physicality stakes. Has South Africa, probably world leaders in the physicality stakes, leaving Super Rugby led to the unforseen consequence for both NZ and Aus teams losing the physicality stakes that South African Super teams steeled them for?
Get your questions in for Issue 40 of Coach's Corner
Some really good points well backed up, especially the potential focus on the ball rather than the carrier.
I do disagree though with your overall thesis. That teams are looking to put more bodies in the defensive line due to the law changes there is no doubt. With more bodies and a hazardous ruck came compulsory linespeed, moreover in midfield, changing the shape of the tackler. Because the tackler is running at such high speed, coupled with a need to pick out potential change of targets with shifts in the attacking line, means his ability to get low can be negated. The ability to push off attacking screens also comes into play.
There is now a collective in jackyling compared to individual skill sets in days gone by. So the ability to run at speed and make low tackles, a 7 speciality, can be deemed more valuable. Because every player is thought how to get over the ball, and with more numbers in line, a low tackle with numbers at the ruck is gold counter attacking opportunity. It is an incredibly hard skill, thats why having two genuine 7s can be game changing for the Wallabies. Take into account Pocock was deemed at a time better than Macaw by Deans, and Hooper would be all-time great contender now if the Wallabies had better backrow balance.We need to think of Hooper as the new McMahon, and Pocock as the new Hooper.
The Wallabies also like to put their playmakers in the backfield, so having two 7s will arguably strengthen their front line in their chosen defensive pattern. Attacking ruck clearing has also become an issue for the Wallabies, something Pocock will surely improve.
The big question mark for me is 6, they will need a jumper and they will need physicality. Something special has to happen this Super Rugby season for the 6s in Oz.
Thanks so much for your always insightful articles.
Why Michael Cheika may have to choose between David Pocock and Michael Hooper in 2018
Thanks Nicholas for your comments.
Agreed Ireland, and the very shrewd Joe Schmidt (big fan), found more holes in England. Just didn’t have the time this week to fully explore.
Just a question, in light of your article on David Pocock, who in your opinion would be the best 7 in England currently available to England ?
England has backbone, but no backline
Thanks Not Bothered for your opinions.
I don’t feel pompousness and swagger are not bad traits when it comes to physically confrontational sports, akin to when boxers/MMA fighters always proclaiming to the best or greatest. Even the All Blacks worked on their mantra of being the best team in history.
The Home Nations look at the original tri nations teams as their barometer of progress, did not mean to belittle the many other teams, who I find have not only contributed greatly in individual skills to the top 3, but also frequently compete against the best, despite their very limited resources.
England has backbone, but no backline
I’m actually Canadian, but have lived in Singapore almost my entire life.
i think England will edge Wales, taking into account England has a stronger set piece, yet has an incomparable backrow to England, and Wales has a stronger front 3 back line unit against a smaller England front 3 that has struggled against bulk in moments this championship. Goal kicking key to final result, with Twickenham thrown in as well.
Don’t mean to disregard the other teams, but the winner of this game will win the comp, and albeit very difficult to call (I like Wales and always root for them). The only reason why above mentioned oracled ha.
England has backbone, but no backline
I’m actually a huge Wallabies fan, and think the June series will be a cracker. English will be riding high in confidence after winning the Six Nations, and Wallabies will be going through a semi-transitional phrase after the World Cup. 2 abrasive Aussie coaching greats, Poms vs Aussies, can’t get much better than that !!
Im also a big Eddie Jones fan, and can see the systems he’s trying to develop, perhaps coming to fruition only past B&I tour 2017. I do worry bout the playing personnel, and it’ll the most interesting once the English elite player squad is able to be fully re-vamped by Eddie. He had very limited room for change when he first came in, due to Union/Club contractual agreements. This year appears a stretch to far for England I’m afraid.
England has backbone, but no backline
Thanks Fred
I feel Eddie is a master at this, and his comments more directed toward the 2 debutants in 7 Josh Flier and 12 Stuart McClosky, who will be defending either side of Sexton come set piece time. If he can make them think twice about having to help Sexton, rather than having full focus on their core roles, he has already created gaps for his attack.
The Emperor's New Clothes and Eddie Jones' England
Rennie was done dirty plain and simple. RA always wanted Jones and were scared to lose him prior to the post WC coaching merry go round. Injuries shaped his game plan, poor provincial coaching meant 1 step forward 2 steps back, and lack of cohesion from both meant the new generation of Wallabies were always in for some real growing pains.
But in saying that love Jones and cant wait for a big backline and smart forwards to come to the fore under him. World rugby needs real Aussie rugby, so the All Blacks can mimic them again
ANALYSIS: Why Eddie will bring back essence of Aussie sport to Wallabies - and the four tight-five forwards he needs