Chris Ashton was speaking at a press conference and is quoted in today’s Guardian about the 2011 World Cup.
He doesn’t think matches will feature so much counter-attacking rugby:
“Teams [will be] trying to cut that out and not give you the opportunity to do it. They will just kick the ball off the pitch. I think sides are going to start cutting it out as soon as they can.
“When they know you have got a threat back there, I don’t think they will make it an option for you.”
He also wonders about the effects of the Tri-Nations games on team preparation so close to a Cup:
“The way you feel at the end of a season, you need that break. For them to carry on straight from a Tri-Nations and then into a World Cup is a tough ask.
“New Zealand and Australia are looking pretty sharp at the minute, but hopefully it will have an effect in a few weeks’ time.”
About Australia in particular:
“A lot of them are [Queensland] Reds players so they have come off a great season. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes it is a bad thing.
“Even if you don’t feel it mentally, your body is tired and you do need a break. The Boks may be going about it the right way.”
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.
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