The Wallabies must retain their risky run-and-stun tactics to end their dire Bledisloe Cup losing streak and reinvigorate Australian rugby, according to Ewen McKenzie.
Former Test prop McKenzie, who masterminded the Queensland Reds revival this year through a vibrant attacking game, warned a return to more conservative, field-position tactics against New Zealand would be a retrograde step.
How both teams tactically plan for Saturday night’s clash at Etihad Stadium is the $64 question after they separately thumped South Africa with ball-in-hand, expansive rugby.
With the big Springbok pack out of the picture, the Wallabies and All Blacks could be happier to kick for lineouts and less enthusiastic about attempting to tire out more mobile rivals forwards.
With rugby’s market share dropping following five seasons of dull, “negative” rugby, McKenzie desperately hoped both sides backed their positive styles to boost support at a crucial time.
But he feared NZ’s selection of a more conservative halfback in Jimmy Cowan over the creative Piri Weepu and the Wallabies loss of dangerous playmaker Quade Cooper may spell a return to a slower game punctuated by kicking.
“Tactically that may be a pointer, but if you are true to your fan base not playing something similar would be going backwards,” he said.
“People would be disappointed if they don’t see the same full-on, run-the-ball style.
“It’s a big game with a lot riding on it but it’s a good opportunity on a Bledisloe Cup stage.
“Hopefully the two styles create a positive game and not two positives making a negative.”
Wallabies winger James O’Connor, expected to face a bomb barrage from Dan Carter, expects more than the mere 27 total kicks made in the 30-13 win over the Springboks but hinted on Thursday the Wallabies would remain true to their attacking game.
The appointment of South African referee Craig Joubert will encourage such tactics as the home side attempts to end a seven-match Bledisloe losing streak.
Joubert, who has cleared the slippery Etihad Stadium surface fit for play, marked himself as one of the strictest whistleblowers on the defending team at the tackle area in the Super 14.
McKenzie, who was happy to have Joubert in charge of four Reds games, said the referee would allow for quick ball recycling at the breakdown for the attacking team to dictate play.
“He’ll be good for the game,” he said. “If the two teams will play like they did in the first three (Tri-Nations) outings there will be plenty of colour and movement.
“You don’t want to give the All Blacks too much use of the ball that’s for sure.
“There’s not much in these games, it’s just a piece of luck or a referee’s decision and Australia have not been able to capitalise on that.”
Wallabies lock Dean Mumm admitted the Wallabies handling would have to be near perfect to ensure NZ, looking for their 12th Test win in a row, didn’t punish them on counter-attack.
His opposite number, dual international Brad Thorn, is savouring the thought of a fast and open clash between two form teams.
“I think if you have watched the five All Blacks Tests and the Wallabies last performance your mouth would be watering as a rugby person,” he said.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
side point i looked up tonight (because the crowd was so full of kiwis, at home for the wallabies) theres 4-5 million people who are new zealand citizens. there are 400-500 thousand new zealanders in australia, 10% of new zealand is in australia
estee rine
Guest
Agree with IronAwe. Played alongside many a Kiwi a million years ago in London & cringed when some OZ slob would say that "NZ be better off being the OZ 6th State!" That's was disgusting & earned many a punch-up. Let's keep the rivalry about rugby & hope we can win back the Bledisloe, but admit not many teams make the game so entertaining as they constantly do. Jools-USA
bennalong
Guest
I agree with zhenry The small minded knockers of Robbie Deans are simply that............(small minded!) The task of rejuvenating the Wallabies after "the Fall" , when some of our great players were being crucified after losses was immense and most of you haven't stopped to consider what it takes, the forces opposing you, the key decisions that make or break players, and how you build a team spirit amidst the triumphs and the failures Look at Stirling Mortlock and Matt Giteau to see how fortunes change. George Gregan is frequently used disparagingly in criticising Burgess despite being held in high esteem in Blacks territory. The play now attributed to the Reds comes directly from South Island New Zealand, and no team better exemplifies running Rugby than the Crusaders If the IRB takes the new breakdown interpretations into the World Cup, we will be in the best position to take advantage of it BECAUSE of R. Deans, regardless of our success or failure tonight And despite the bizarre exclusion of Quade Cooper I believe it's the rising intensity and self belief in the forewards that holds the possibilty of a Wallabies triumph tonight. We CAN match the Blacks up front and to do so would shake their self belief and tear up their game plan. GO THE WALLABIES
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
IA, Agree totally, anyway the true spirt is on the field between the players who love smashing each other then and walk off the field too ready for a BBQ and beer with each other. That says more than some rabid frothy-mouthed spleen venting. Game plan will be run always, run straight and support, support, support.
IronAwe
Guest
Do you honestly believe that last point about New Zealand? Seriously? You actually believe that this is how the average Australian views New Zealand? I am a born and bread Aussie, and I love New Zealand. I love the rivalry we have, and I love the history we have together, and I regularly visit your country. I watch videos of New Zealand doing the Haka on youtube and I get tears in my eyes. I can't believe you think this about Australians. Please tell me it is not because of how excited we get when we beat you in Rugby because if we didn't think that beating New Zealand was such a massive feat then we wouldn't get so worked up about it. It is due to the respect we have for your team and nation that we get so worked up about the rugby between us. I certainly have not seen any evidence of Australia's "compulsive need to humiliate and belittle New Zealand." And certainly prior to your statement here, I felt that New Zealanders and Australians had quite the kinship.
zhenry
Guest
I am quoting Giteau. You only have one more franchise 'the Reds.' The Force were ruled out early on with injuries. Deans was heavily involved with Tahs and Brumbies and the Tahs running game was pretty much Crusaders. Why you would you use Genia and Cooper earlier? Well that is the way you see it through your particular AU eyes. You could say that Deans unearthed and fostered their talents, Cooper certainly has publically stated that and the younger Cooper and Genia were very raw early on. Here are some comments I posted on another article, you might refer to the last point below re the latest vitriol re Deans, there are some good people on this site but there is also a very narrow minded clique who support the 4th choice AU winter sport: * - The Wallabies are building from the ground up ground up. * - Inconsistency is a factor for an inexperienced team. * - Approx 15 injured players can seriously effect team performance (this fact should not have to be stated). * - The Wallabies lie 3rd on the IRB championship table and that’s very good when your building a team from the ground up ground up. * - Not beating the AB's? That’s reprehensible because every Australian knows that NZ'ers are not worth any recognition, there is a compulsive need to humiliate and belittle NZ; and they should not be in the same room as Us.
Red Rooster
Guest
Not sure 2 years at 13th spot is a foundation. Please explain how the provinces have been resurrected? The Reds are the only team to really significantly improve their ladder position in the last two seasons, in factthe relative position overall might be worse. You will tell me about Genia/Cooper as an example, who have been around for 3 seasons (since Eddie) and even last year Deans did not play Cooper at 10. This only happened this season at the Reds. I think all Link is saying run it dont kick it - if the ground surface is going to inhibit that then they should move the match somewhere else
zhenry
Guest
According to Daniel Braid, McKenzie is benefiting from the foundation laid by Moroney (not sure of the spelling), and the above comment: 'stuck with Deans' shows a level of AU mentality. Any side from the ground up will be inconsistent (the Wallabies before that, were anyway) Deans has also done a massive job resurrecting the franchises, it might be a bit harsh but in my opinion its pearls before swine. Getting back to McKenzie, how does he think a fast open game can be played on a slippery surface; there will no doubt be some open play but the surface will put a big dent in the amount of it.
Hanzo
Guest
Why would JOC be expecting to face "a barrage of Dan Carter bombs"? The ABs have proven that ball in hand is the way to go and I wouldn't expect them to change things.
darwin stubby
Guest
"Deans is obviously off to coach the AB’s once the cup is over." ... I wouldn't be so sure of that - they didn't want with his Crusaders record - as he's hardly proving a massive success in the international game - if the AB's win next year I'd expect promotion from within the ranks - Oz maybe stuck with him a bit longer especially a O'Neill won't want to proven wrong
Seiran
Guest
I fail to believe this guy has not already been lined up for the Wallabies top job after the next WC. Deans is obviously off to coach the AB's once the cup is over. I only hope the ARU top dogs wake up and take him on before he gets snapped up by someone else. You only need to look at the brilliant work he has done with the Reds to see how great he could make the Wallabies.