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.
Yikes
Guest
Brett, let's answer your question on Deans v Jones v Connolly and compare apples with apples. Eddie Jones was 9 from 20 against 3N teams (and 5 from 9 against the All Blacks). John Connolly was 4 from 10. So one might suggest Jones' record would be unchanged in relation to Deans' and perhaps even increase if his teams played 2 extra tests v the All Blacks each year. (Plus - you might find back in the day that extra “Mandela plate” games against SA covered the games now added to the Tri-Nations.)
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Lets just hope that the same highly motivated Wallaby team turns up this Saturday night.
zhenry
Guest
Hair dyes are definitely chemically toxic, but more relevant for Wallaby health is Deans being there. Australians might be playing out their national demonds though.
zhenry
Guest
Take some more pills mate.
MPS
Guest
Yes, I do believe there has been an improvement in James -"I never run onto the pitch unless my face is thoroughly moisturised"- O'connor's game since the loss of the highlights. Valid observation. Australia needs a wallaby hard-nut to show the way with a mullet, sandpaper-like 1 day growth, chops and a Merv Hughes mo. It would be a bonus if he could play rugby as well.
bennalong
Guest
COCKEY BUGGER!!
thesportsguy
Roar Rookie
ive managed to steal Matt Giteus gameplan for saturday. It reads " receive the ball, kick- or run 3-5m dummy to first receiver, then do a flick pass back inside" repeat 10-12 times.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Yeah, I'm looking forward to it too. I've been looking forward to the games in this 3N more than any recent tournaments, if my memory serves me well. JoN will be pleased - the 3N is penetrating the cynical NH market. Car and lady are fine, thank you Brett. In hindsight it's almost amusing. I can't drive, so I can't criticise anway. Her motor is a Smart car, and she moved a BMW, an older one, one of those low slung tanks with a funny gear system. Crunch! I suppose you had to be there... or not maybe. Absolutely ridiculous, like something out of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Brett McKay
Guest
well Mr Ben, I do hope your partner is OK, car and garage damage aside.. Your thought process is quite valid, and I'd even imagine that Barnes defending Ma'a Nonu was also a major factor in handing him the no.12, though the number they wear hardly dictates where thet stand any more. Should be a cracking game, either way, and I'm really looking forward to it. Giggity...
Ben S
Roar Guru
Geez, you could dalways try, Ben, Mr MK... or failing that you could always call me whatever you want... yeah baby! (Ahem) Sorry about that. Too much 'Family Guy' perhaps. This is my thought process, Brett: Matt Giteau has (until the Fiji test) been the numero uno choice at 10 > Berrick Barnes struggled at 10 for a poor Waratahs side this season > Matt Giteau is very, very experienced and that experience at 10 may be key versus Dan Carter and co. > Berrick Barnes has played his recent Super rugby (with lots of training) along the same backline as Rob Horne > Matt Giteau has played Test rugby outside Will Genia, and Berrick Barnes hasn't > Robbie Deans has show reluctance (unless prompted by incontrovertible empirical evidence) to move certain players about > this is a big, big game > Giteau plays 10. You know, I wouldn't normally be up this late to post on the Roar but my partner just drove a friend's car into the garage door, as in literally nearly through it. I kid you not, just like this beauty: http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/misti_06/IMG_1408_152.jpg I hope that perks up your day, Brett. I certainly feel great at eight past midnight.
Brett McKay
Guest
Mr S (I can hardly abreviate to BS, can I!?!), I think Giteau at 10 was a touch surprising considering he'd played very well at 12 last week, and as been pretty strong overall since switching back to 12 for the Brumbies during the S14. I think plenty of us expected Barnes to slot straight in at 10, and to keep servicing Giteau with his long pass, as well as minimising the impact of the change on the rest of the backline. And then of course you only need to go back to the start of the Spring Tour last year (your Autumn) and Deans big plan was to play Barnes at 10 and Giteau at 12, which of course never saw the light of day when Barnes never played a Test due to injury. And anyway, WHEN Cooper's suspension gets quashed this morning (because of the conspiracy and all) it'll all revert to last week's lineup anyway ;-)
Brett McKay
Expert
you're quite right about Sat night YR, but in truth I think there's always been signs that a display like that wasn't too far away. It's just going to take that plus some to beat NZ this Sat, but there's no reason why the Wallabies can't win.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Hmmm... back to the article. The Wallabies do need execution, skills, combinations, space... but first and foremost they need to put in a concerted 80 minute effort up front. Australia had a comparatively easy ride last week, so in that sense I agree with katzilla. This could either be a victory (1st Test v England), or a unexpected loss (2nd Test v England) and then a "Gee, they were tougher than we thought." On paper it seems hard to envisage Ma'afu, Mumm and Brown outplaying their opposition. Giteau's selection at 10 wasn't to be unepxected. Barnes played in a poor Waratahs team and Giteau has been Deans's 1st choice 10. The selection of a kicking 12 over a running 12 (Faingaa) suggests that the Wallabies might revert back to conservative type and that Deans doesn't fully trust the backs to string together a coherent 80 minute performance, that or he doesn't trust the forwards, or he is simply a conservative coach. Should be a humdinger. NZ seem pretty pumped up for this. I do wonder how much the turf will affect the game?
Jason
Guest
Dean's first game against the All Blacks was a win...
Ben S
Roar Guru
Fair enough, sixo, I'm just not sure that pod rugby is rugby to play specifically against NZ. They have counter-rucked well in the opening two 3N games.
Ben S
Roar Guru
'How short your memory is. RWC 2007, the Boks kicked 48 times! The style of game that the conversation is about is one where you don’t kick back to your opposition, or to the sideline. You certianly can’t play that with Butch James at 10!' Butch James has quite a good, long kick on him, Andrew. On another note, I was surprised to see how he was bagged by SH players, when he has been such a good GP player. As soon as he came on against Australia the SA backline looked better organised and more penetrative. He's a clever 10.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Cheers Ben, I'll give it a read.
TommyM
Guest
Yeah....right. I've watched the game twice. JOC dropped ONE high ball. He also made some brilliant attacking breaks and tackeld liked a madman all game including huge tackles on two of the biggest men on the field- Matfield and Steenkamp. Back to your scones Mrs Turner.
chrisa
Guest
Now I am really worried, not just about our prospects for Saturday but the longer term health of the Wallabies culture. I had previously thought that dyed hair may have been the prime cause of many of the boys problems, Giteau, O'Connor, Barnes being the main offenders but I just saw Robbie Deans the epitome of Australasian manhood on the news and it seems that he has been drinking at the fountain of eternal youth and the grey tips have disappeared to be replaced by a lush thick monochrome thatch. Maybe it is my new TV but I suspect not. Someone please tell me it isn't true. Incidentally O'Connor's resurgence seems to be coincidental with the loss of his blonde highlights.
Photon
Guest
Don't see anything wrong with that article other than that, the Boks look jaded so the Wallabies might win one test here, but it will be difficult with both tests being on the highveld. The Wallabies beat the Boks in Brisbane, well guess what the last two tests against the Boks in Brisbane finished 21-6 and 49-0 to the Wallabies, not even the Super 14 teams can win there. The Wallabies have just done what they do every year against the Boks, in Brisbane anyway. I doubt the officials will be as generous to Pocock andhis buddies this week, and with Cooper out as well, I just don't see the source of this Wallaby optimism, anyway enjoy the match, I know I will