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Wallabies forwards coach Andrew Blades says front row versatility will help the Australian scrum adjust to short turnarounds in next week’s opening Tests against Scotland and Wales.
Blades says changes made to replacement rules since his playing days have nullified the importance of having specialists in the tighthead and loosehead positions, and flexibility can help take the Australian scrum forward.
In last year’s World Cup, Wallabies props Sekope Kepu and Ben Alexander played on the opposite sides of the scrum to where they play at provincial level – and Blades says the concept of switching certain players around up front to best suit the side is likely to continue.
“We’re really lucky we have a number of guys who adapt well to both sides,” Blades said.
“We’ve got Keps (Kepu) who is adept at playing both sides, Benny Alexander (who moves to tight head for the Brumbies clash with Melbourne) adept at playing both sides … and Slips (James Slipper) can also play both sides as well.
“It’s helpful because of the nature of the season. If you get lots of one-sided props in a total squad you find it difficult to adapt.
“We could potentially go into a Test with one specialist and two guys who can play both sides and we get great coverage.”
With just days between the weekend’s Super Rugby matches, the Tuesday Test against Scotland and Saturday week’s match against Wales – Blades says the coaching staff have looked at a variety of methods to best prepare the pack.
The bottom line is they’re keeping things simple.
Experienced players are likely to be relied upon in the Scotland game to help with adjusting to calls at the set-piece, and video tutorials have been used to bring players not participating in training up to speed.
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.