They should have been playing Wales instead of the Springboks this weekend, though in someways, I think we actually have an easier game.
The Welsh were unlucky against the Springboks and have since shown how good they are.
But, for all the issues around the team, the biggest problem that the Wallabies face this weekend is not the forward play of the Springboks or the prodigous boot of Steyne, but the fact that Bryce Lawrence is in charge.
Mr Lawrence seems to have a big problem with the Wallabies scrum. He blew 5 penalties against it in the Ireland game and 3 in the Russian game.
I am not saying that the pack didn’t deserver to be penalised against Ireland, but the Irish were smart and realised that as soon as the scrum went down, even if it was their fault, the Wallabies would get penalised. On at least 3 occasions, particularly a couple on the Wallabies line, the Irish props are clearly going to ground first, yet Kepu was penalised.
The Springboks will remember the game in Kings Park and would be more than aware of the tactics the Irish used. They will be licking their lips at the appointment of Lawrence. I fully expect a number of scrums to go down.
Steyne will be practising from 60m to take advantage of it.
And, of course, rain is predicted.
Admittedly, we did beat the Springboks at home under Mr Lawrence, but they were coming off a long break in play and it was a dry pitch.
I was semi-confident knowing that we were playing the Springboks this weekend. I actually think we could have beatien them, but I predict that Mr Lawrence will blow us off the park, M Steyne will then line up and take the points. Then the Wallabies will lose their heads and it will be game over.
I have the ice in the freezer and the Laphroaig at the ready to drown my sorrows after what will be another 1/4 final exit for the Wallabies.
Funk
Guest
Just pointing out the a lot (not all) of the kiwis on this and other sites seem to think that it is only Australians that complain about the refs! The glaziers in nz must make a fortune!
mace22
Guest
It should be a good game. I think lawrence will hit the breakdowns with force. He has the game to nullify genia's and coopers impact on the game. His goal kicking is superb 0 out of 0 so 100%. His line out skills are secound to none being able to jump four metres off the ground. He has the mental edge coming into this game having never lost to australia or any one else. So lawrence to win by twenty points.
ChrisT
Roar Pro
“Teams like Ireland and England, esp when playing Australia, see a scrum as a chance to milk a penalty, and not to launch an attack.” And there’s a big part of your problem jameswm. You’re watching the wrong game mate. If the scrum is a simple restart then why not jog along to some rugby league. You obviously have no conception as to how pushing in the scrum sets a platform to ‘launch an attack’ in the first place – or how a weaker scrum will infringe under the assault. You obviously have no conception of why using scrum dominance to force a penalty is and always has been a legitimate offensive or defensive tactic in rugby union. You obviously have no conception that losing a binding can be a result of simple pressure or better opposition technique. I could go on but in short, as with Australian rugby generally of late, you have no conception of the scrum. It’s pretty weak to label teams that are better at it ‘cynical’. It’s a bit like throwing your toys out because someone’s better at something. Seriously. Rugby league. It’s calling you.
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
That is true but facts don't lie. have a read of this: http://www.zimbio.com/Rugby/articles/ArADasPDTCZ/FACT+Bryce+pings+Wallabies+twice+much the Wallabies get pinged under Lawrence more than other sides.
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
Very good, I can't see any other result at the moment. I am a big McCabe fan, but Barnes has been awesome at 12, yet it looks like he is not only out of the starting side but the bench as well. I just shake my head in disbelief...
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
Exactly my point :-) they only smile in those type of circumstances!
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
Couldn't agree more. I will have a look at GJ during the ITM. I think all refs should be in charge of games at the ITM level and lower such as club rugby. It would give them grounding and probably a greater understanding of how players and fans want the game played.
Loftus
Guest
Yes,and Samoa should've beaten Wales,Argentina should've beaten England and Australia should've beaten Ireland.Oh yeah,and South Africa should've won the 1987 World Cup.
AC
Guest
I disagree about the lineouts -- that's one area we will do well. The ruck -- 50/50 -- depending on if the forwards want to do the job they're paid for. The scrum -- won't matter -- we're already guilty ;)
jeremy
Guest
and he was booed off the pitch by the entire stadium when he got his little officiating trophy, even though the reds won the match. Hold up, aren't there Roarers up in arms about Quade Cooper being booed in matches in New Zealand? quote 'booing and baying by New Zealand crowds' unquote Guess you know where the New Zealand crowds picked it up, then.
jeremy
Guest
Astroturfing the forums huh PeterK? I see this identical post in other threads. You need to own the reality, it will be the Wallabies who win or lose this match, not the referee.
Moaman
Guest
South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp. Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Willem Alberts, 19 Francois Louw 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon No Beast,No Botha. And 4/3 Bench split.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Pretty sure Samoa were going to smash Wales as well...
Colin N
Guest
"Could have, should have…. Wales were lucky to get the Boks cold." I've been waiting for that excuse ever since you said South Africa would hammer Wales without looking at the relative merits of the two squads (in particular, Wales').
Jonah Takalua
Guest
Bryce Lawrence is biased against fast, flowing rugby and any style of play that is considered even remotely entertaining. He is also either consciously or unconsciously biased against the Aussies. Just take a look a the 3 wallabies tests he refereed this year. The total penalty count stands at 34-19 against the Aussies. Australia would have more chance winning the QF with a South African ref like Joubert or god forbid, a northern hemisphere ref than they would with Lawrence. He is going to blow the Aussies off the park and that is all there will be to this QF. At least the NH refs are consistent, even if their refereeing style puts you and the players to sleep. Anyone else go to the super 15 final? Lawrence was missing things all over the park all night and he was booed off the pitch by the entire stadium when he got his little officiating trophy, even though the reds won the match. The IRB seriously needs to reconsider Lawrence's credentials as an international ref.
Ivan
Guest
Wobblies will be outmuscled, the scrum should hold up - but they are going to be bumped back at every ruck. they wont have answers to the maul, and wont do well in the lineouts. that should limit the attacking ball for o connor and cooper - which will hand hte boks the game.
Ivan
Guest
lol, i second that. Wobblies are petrified that the Bok pack is coming full steam, with the Enforcer back. Boks will show the Wobblies what would have happened in teh 3N had they gone in with a fully fit team, and not been holding back for WC. /end - as in end of the road for the Wobblies.
Paul from Melbourne
Guest
the Wallaby scrum should be fine when all eight are pushing. In the irish game, both flankers weren't pushing but trying to watch the opposition. with Pocock back, they should feel a little more secure. It seems that Pocock can do two things at the same time quite well.
Ivan
Guest
The Wallabies cant scrum, period. Pointless blaming the ref - any other ref would have penalised the obvious weakness against Ireland too.
Ivan
Guest
Could have, should have.... Wales were lucky to get the Boks cold. Aus will feel the might of the Springboks - and thats what makes fans like you so worried.