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Australia's James O'Connor, center, tries to break through the tackle of New Zealand All Blacks. AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama
Robbie Deans, you’re welcome. Over the last few weeks I’ve explored a few elements that I thought would play, and indeed are already playing, a key role in how the Tri-Nations tournament might be won.
In discussing space and combinations, I saw some obvious areas of improvement for the Wallabies, and some scary signs from the All Blacks.
Somewhere out there in Roarland, one of you is quite obviously involved in the Wallaby setup. One of you, under the guise of a dodgy pseudonym, has taken my themes and the resulting comments on board, and blow-me-down, they’ve morphed into the Wallaby game plan.
If it’s not you “ilikedahoodoogurusingha”, or you “LeftArmSpinner”, then it’s one of the so-called international Roarers, “Pothale” or “Othani’s Jacket”, using Ireland and Japan as respective fake home bases. OJ would even have us believe he’s a Kiwi not convinced of the credentials of the Wallaby coach. The game’s up for whoever it is.
However, this isn’t about how much credit I should receive, if any at all. OK, maybe just a little. Certainly no more than half. Eighty percent tops. If I’m honest.
This is about how the Wallabies learned the lessons from the two All Black demolition jobs of South Africa, combined that with a little bit of local knowledge from the Queensland contingent, and turned it into one of the better Australian wins we’ve seen since the last time South Africa were towelled up in Brisbane.
From the outset on Saturday night, you could see that the Wallabies plan was to run the big South African defenders ragged. From one of the first kick returns of the match, the Wallaby back three spread the ball from one side of the field to the other, and found space in which to run.
Will Genia was driving his runners wider with some excellent service from the bottom of the ruck. Whether it was the forwards working the ruck ball to the advantage line, or unleashing Quade Cooper and the backs, the ball was delivered with width. With the ball, Genia was using the space.
Cooper and Matt Giteau used space to unleash the back-line runners whenever the opportunity arose. What was also noticeable was that Cooper and Giteau were interchanging a lot at first receiver, which put further doubt in the mind of the defenders.
Two weeks ago, in response to my “space” theme, Roarer CraigB made an interesting observation which, overlooking the bit disagreeing with me, added an extra element.
CraigB wrote, “…space means nothing really to the guy with the ball, unless he has breakneck speed or big stepping and acceleration. Space needs runners at angles either as decoys or hitting that space to make it count.”
Of course, CraigB was right. Happily, the Wallabies read his comment too, because the speed of the backline runners, and ruck runners amongst the forwards too, was a major factor in the Wallabies being able to find space.
In fact, the Wallabies’ speed in space brought themselves undone on occasions, when they bombed several try-scoring opportunities. Generally, it was because the wrong option was taken, but often it was because there were too many options. To me, it’s more important that the options were there, because that shows the team is developing within itself.
Last week’s theme of “combinations” was there for all to see too. I’ve already mentioned the back three’s start, and happily, they carried that throughout the game. James O’Connor learned early on that the high ball might not be for him, and instead provided support for Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Actually, a quick side note. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been a touch critical of James O’Connor’s play within the side, and the way that appeared to be playing on his own. Further, I really wondered about the selection of O’Connor on the wing for this important game.
But O’Connor was brilliant in this game. He used his roaming commission very effectively, chiming into attack when the situation dictated, and staying out when it didn’t. He “played big” in defence, with one particular driving tackle lifting Springbok lineout giant Victor Matfield clean off his feet.
O’Connor could well be the perfect fit for the roving role played by Welsh winger Shane Williams, a role that Spiro Zavos has been suggesting for Matt Giteau for some time.
Back on the combinations, locks Dean Mumm and Nathan Sharpe were very strong in defence, and a constant presence. The front row, bolstered by the return of Benn Robinson held their own in the scrum, but more than made their mark with their tackling and ruck work.
Salesi Ma’afu had easily his best game in a Wallaby jersey, and was a regular companion to hooker Saia Faingaa, who was relentless in the cleanout. His battle with Pierre Spies just before half time was the perfect illustration of his refusal to take a backward step.
But the best combination of the night was clearly that of the backrow trio of Richard Brown, David Pocock, and captain Rocky Elsom. In attack, Brown and Pocock did the pick-and-drive work, which allowed Elsom to run wider with great effect and regularity.
The breakdown was where they shone though, and while Elsom and Brown did their own damage, it was no surprise that Pocock took the man-of-the-match honours for he was, quite simply, everywhere. Concerns that the previous, one-time dreadlocked, Australian openside flanker was irreplaceable are surely now diminishing.
It was an excellent win for the Wallabies, and an important one given the nature of the Tri-Nations draw this year. All attention will now turn to the All Blacks in Melbourne, and this is yet another must-win game.
Learning lessons from New Zealand is one thing, but beating them is quite another in their current form. Crossing the ditch this week and invading might be a real option.
I’d suggest combinations and space (and speed) will still play a major role, but execution and skills are going to have to be first rate. Let’s just hope the All Blacks don’t read me too.