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For sixty minutes last weekend the Springboks kept the All Black genie in the bottle. Just like a golf putt revealing the line, there are some key lessons that Wallabies should be taking on board from their performance.
First, the line-out. No surprises here; perhaps because of the injuries at lock for New Zealand, this weakness is once again ready to be targeted. Vickerman and Sharpe need to take a leaf out of Matfield’s book and re-discover contested line-outs.
Second, ball retention. With the opportunity at the line-out, the temptation is to overplay a kicking game that’s never come naturally to Australian back-lines. The Springboks did well when they kept it tight and drove through the phases. They came unstuck when the game loosened up. As the Brumbies and Bulls also showed against the Crusaders, McCaw is prone to leak penalties when on the back foot. Let’s hope that Andrew Johns is showing the Wallabies how to find touch and not the arms of Kiwi back three.
Finally, and most importantly, is that illusive quality of Mongrel. The All Blacks are a well oiled machine when allowed to play, offloading in tackles and recycling quickly. Offensive defence, and never taking a backwards step, is key to disrupting this pattern. Last weekend the South Africans did a good job of this until they ran out of petrol in the final quarter. Key enforcers for the Boks included Berger, Baakies Botha and Butch James.
Mongrel isn’t just being a thug. In today’s fast paced, video refereed game, open acts of violence rightly have no place. However, there’s no doubt that those players who can impose their presence are assets to their sides. Niggle-Merchants like Botha can distract several opponents at a time and a big tackle, bullocking run or counter-ruck from a Berger can change the momentum of a game. All great teams have their Loe, Johnson, Finnegan or Kefu.
Which leaves me with two questions for you:
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.