Australia coach Robbie Deans is demanding better decision-making from his playmakers in this weekend’s Test against Wales after being able to name an unchanged line-up.
With the Wallabies unaffected by injury or suspension, Deans has rewarded the 22 who got the job done against the All Blacks in Hong Kong last weekend.
But the coach is looking for another step forward as they seek back-to-back victories for the first time since July.
“Obviously it was a fillip getting the result (against the All Blacks) last week,” Deans said.
“Critically, we need the team to recognise what it took to put ourselves in that position and not take that for granted.
“What we’re looking for out of the game itself will be the added elements that we hadn’t previously been doing consistently, particularly with some of our decisions around when to play and when to look for field position in the last 20 minutes of the game.
“Last weekend showed a significant improvement in our decision-making, which is something that we’d focused on, but we need to ensure that it doesn’t taper.”
The biggest change for the clash with the Dragons will be in the goalkicking department with 20-year-old winger James O’Connor, who coolly slotted a winning conversion in Hong Kong, taking the duties from out-of-form Matt Giteau.
“Continuity (in selections) is good, but it’s only good if you make it work,” Deans said.
Meanwhile, injury-hit Wales have named a young side and dropped their most-capped forward of all time, Martyn Williams, to the bench.
Mindful of the threat posed by Wallabies pilferer David Pocock, Williams has been replaced by Sam Warburton.
“There was debate in the back row, and we decided we wanted to have another look at Sam, who hasn’t played for us since South Africa in the summer,” Wales coach Warren Gatland said.
Hooker Mattew (Mattew) Rees will captain Wales for the first time with Ryan Jones out with a torn calf muscle.
AUSTRALIA: Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (capt), Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper, Dean Mumm, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Lachie Turner.
WALES: James Hook, Will Harries, Tom Shanklin, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Alun-Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees (capt), Gethin Jenkins. Res: Huw Bennett, Paul James, Deiniol Jones, Martyn Williams, Richie Rees, Dan Biggar, Chris Czekaj.
Red Rooster
Guest
“Obviously it was a fillip getting the result (against the All Blacks) last week,” Deans said. “Critically, we need the team to recognise what it took to put ourselves in that position and not take that for granted. “What we’re looking for out of the game itself will be the added elements that we hadn’t previously been doing consistently, particularly with some of our decisions around when to play and when to look for field position in the last 20 minutes of the game. “Last weekend showed a significant improvement in our decision-making, which is something that we’d focused on, but we need to ensure that it doesn’t taper.” If you can survive the mumbo jumbo it would be interesting to pose the question as to whether the players should be asking Deans to improve his decision making around tactics, selection and use of the bench - just keeping it real or has one, after the bell, win wiped out the criticism of the last 18 months on this site
the woodster
Guest
haha cattledog good to see the diehard aussie union supporters still got a bit of bite to them.
Hawko
Guest
This comment concerning Beale is a bit strange. His tackling this year has improved immeasurably and one on one he is very good. No fullback will make 100% of their tackles when a winger is flat out in the clear - Jane was made to look foolish last week when AAC stepped him but I don't call for him to be dropped as a result. If you get 1 in 3 of those you are doing well. When acting closer in and in the last line of defence is when you demand a good result. The tackles on McAwe and Mealamu in the last two games show how good a tackler KB now is..
Ben S
Roar Guru
I don't think Wales have the strength in depth to mount a credible defence, Kyo. The Wallabies have played a match together and experienced a great win. I'm English, btw, not one of those Australian rugby 'optimists'.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Australia does have quite an experienced team, woodster, averaging around 40 odd caps a man.
Cattledog
Guest
I think you'll see those changes come in the mid week games Dunc. Whilst us Roarers would like to see some other players used, we need to respect those with the intimate knowledge of each player and hope there decisions pay dividends.
Cattledog
Guest
A fairly bold prediction Woodster. However, since you offer no substance as to why (experience really doesn't wash), then it's just your opinion, which your entitled to. You may well be right, in which case you can walk round beating your chest. Similarly, you may be wrong, in which case you'll look like a goose with little to no credibility.
the woodster
Guest
the woodster says.. either a narrow loss or a narrow win for aus. you cant get better than those odds, Aus to lose atleast 2 of their euro games. Frankly they dont have enough experience. but they will try and it will be good viewing
goldenbull
Guest
beales defence has improved so much i think hes one of the stronger in the side now. nothing wrong with occonor, genia or AAC. mitchel is fine and when cooper finally concentrates on tackling the player instead of trying to strip the player he will be fine also
goldenbull
Guest
i agree with you 100% especialy brown, chism and mumm. why not Van, Higginbottom and simmons, they all happen to be reds players and I am a reds fan but still they have to be better replacements then those guys!
dunc
Guest
I think Deans has erred in not making some changes to the team. Its time to experiment. Henry has made four changes, sure some injury induced. but he knows he needs to try out players in the run up to RWC 2011...
bennalong
Guest
Is That You,Prime Miinister?
Peter K
Guest
I said the ONLY tackles he makes are front on. He misses side on especially fast wingers which f/b's should get most of the time in cover.
TommyM
Guest
Very true. He and Mitchell have both improved their defense out of sight since last year (even just since the S144 actually)
Kyo Kusanagi
Guest
I dont think so ben. Last few matches between wales and the wannabies has been going either way. Northern hemisphere conditions is way different then brisbane.... or hong kong
Parisien
Guest
Beale held up the AB hooker over the tryline, saving a try.
Ben S
Roar Guru
I have a feeling that Australia will absolutely bushwhack Wales. Wales and Scotland probably have the weakest depth in the top tier of rugby, and we saw what Australia did when Wales were missing a few players this time last season.
Jock
Guest
I watched Chisholm last Sat and not sure if its because he's not the first to the ruck but he rarely commits - usually opting instead to seagull. Defence is also questionable and aggression non-existent considering his bulk. I'd be disappointed if I was Van Humphries who adds mongrel in addition to lineout prowess even if he's not a long termer. Even the "board member's son" (Mumm) would be an improvement allbeit minimal. Otherwise happy with Deans selections and I hope the backline continues to outscore the opposition.
Ralph
Guest
If Wales can't work out how to legally compete for opposition ball they'll get absolutely killed by the speed of the game. Even then the wallabies are starting to learn some patience. Although it might be interesting to see how the Wallabies handle the mental side if they get out to a big lead in the first half. It is likely to be a big score.
Ads
Guest
yeah fair enough, but next week it will be "we need to keep the same team cos it's England and we dont want to experiment with them" etc. Hopefully like last year, the midweek games will be a real chance to move up a team. I just hope we don't deny any of the guys that do come on (like higgers etc) the chance for some extra experience before a world cup for the sake of continuity on the bench. I would prefer to keep the starting 15 the same and fiddle with the bench to get a bit of both.