An old axiom quotes that “it is not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog that counts”.
In times gone past the Wallabies had celebrated hard men that left no quarter in the battle.
Who will forget Wallabies like Steve Finnane, Tony Shaw, Sam Scott-Young – to name but a few. These hard men set the tone for the match and imposed themselves in such a way that ensured the Wallabies received front-foot-ball, maximising the opportunities for the backs.
Much comment has been made about the expected brutal contest between the Wallabies and the Lions. The tacit implication is that the most brutal team will win.
So how will this translate to the current crop of Wallabies? Especially since the game has now been sanitised with the banning of rucking and referees now enforcing yellow or red cards for punches thrown while having the aid of the TMO to further analyse “rough” play. How dirty can play get?
No doubt the likes of James Horwill, Rob Simmons and Kane Douglas will fire up to impose themselves on the game.
It will be interesting to see if noted hard man Hugh McMeniman, who is coming back from injury, makes the cut. No doubt Robbie Deans is sweating on the abrasive Scott Higginbotham to be fit – even if chances are slim.
As always it will come down to Wallaby front row – Saia Fainga’a plays a similar brutal game as Tatafu Polota-Nau and should be the starting No 2. Robinson and Slipper both need to fire up to meet the challenge coming their way. Tough and aggressive Paddy Ryan should be on the bench ready to launch himself into fire.
It’s about invoking the spirit of the Australian diggers – meeting them head on and not giving an inch.
amband
Guest
we don't have any hard men
Mike
Guest
TPN not throwing straight - sure. But there is nothing wrong with Moore's throwing.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
And Healy has been cited for biting ...... the first 20 mins of the first test will be a cracker ....
joeb
Roar Rookie
"It’s about invoking the spirit of the Australian diggers – meeting them head on and not giving an inch." Old grievances die hard, it seemeth, but i like it. "Saia Fainga’a plays a similar brutal game as Tatafu Polota-Nau and should be the starting No 2." Pity about TPN being injured, but Fainga'a ahead of Moore...? Big call. "It will be interesting to see if noted hard man Hugh McMeniman, who is coming back from injury, makes the cut." I'm not convinced the axiom, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," suits MMM to a tee, but RD could do worse than have him on the bench. He seems too injury prone. Bad luck for Higgers as well. Foley force-feeds lambs to the Lions http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/foley-forcefeeds-lambs-to-the-lions-20130605-2nq4n.html
Ben.S
Roar Guru
I pray that Fainga'a starts. I reckon he still has nightmares from his meeting with Steve Thompson in 2010...
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Life just got tougher for the Wallabies - Higginbotham has been ruled out of playing against the Lions - his shoulder injury is worse than first thought.
Daz
Guest
RN that saying you quoted brings back memories. I used to know some of the Brothers boys in Brisbane when Tony Shaw was playing for them. One of their other favourite sayings was "it is far holier to give than to receive". Also "one in all in". In those days it was always an epic battle between Brothers led by Shaw and Uni led by Loane. But times have changed. I don't think I've ever seen Thorn throw a punch. But he always gave the impression that if you were stupid enough to throw one at him you'd get it back with interest ten times.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Take a look at http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/any-talk-of-99--is-just-a-beatup-say-lions-20130605-2nota.html
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Yes - you get that impression. Its like the phoney war in 1914 - no fighting just marching drills and drinking. Then 1915 came along and the real fighting began. I think we would be foolish to think otherwise and I think Coach Deans will be smart enough to see he will actually need to pick at least 8 blokes who can look after themselves, but also get on the offensive with the mongrel - the BL's will not expect us to take the biff to them. I suggest it might be a good tactic. Now does anyone know where David Carter, David Codey and Tony Shaw are exactly?
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
JBJ - mate he is in the squad - not my choice - but he is there. He has more mongrel in him than Moore. What you need in the first 20 min of the first test
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Yeah NT let's hope that Macca gets through the Tah match and finds himself in the squad. IMHO the Lions will play a cat and mouse game. They will go through the lead up matches playing "gentleman" rugby and then all hell will break loose in the first test - as Wayne Smith suggested they will call 99 and make sure that there are at least 6 players throwing punches at the same time ....
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
I had a dream last night that at some stage of series Paul O'Connell and Hugh McMenimen will be standing toe-to-toe both at the entree phase of a 'True Beserk'....then the alarm clock went off. Bugger - that is one stoush I would pay top dollar to see.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Are bad throws counted as t/overs in stats?
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
You lost me at Saia Faiingaa.
mania
Guest
adamS - thats funny. any straight throws by any sanzar hooker has to be a mistake.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
No Start Moore because he is a better grafter at the ruck and better in the scrum. Start Simmons because he is better in the lineout and better grafter at the ruck. Saia plays like an extra flanker so he will make a better impact at the ruck when the Lions are a bit slower later on in the game. The scrum wont be as challenging in the back end of the game too. Douglas makes a far better impact off the bench in short bursts than Simmons who isn't an impact player. Mowen starts at 6 and Dennis is nowhere near the 23. He can carry the drinks and polish the boots for all I care. A blind side flanker who get's run over by Jesse Mogg has no place in a Test Match.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Saia to be there for the opening salvos - then replaced by Moore. So Simmons gets his place because he is a competent line our caller? Again I would have Douglas and Horwill for the opening salvos with Simmons coming on later
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Then why are you considering TPN a loss for the Wallabies then? The Tahs lineout has put down a lot of perfectly good throws this year, and thats because Dennis isn't a competent caller, and there is no primary lineout lock. Douglas is a secondary jumper, and Timani can't jump full stop. You're trying to have it both ways.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Remembering the old days when Brute was counter-balanced by Thug in the softening-up process means panadol time for some of us. Players have to be very smart these days as teams like these will pride themselves on their ability to rattle the opposition. To be able to walk away in such a manner that inflames them should be Sharpe's most difficult problem. Smile a lot and laugh as they try it out like they were spoilt brats would be very effective (and not too hard to get into character). We know its coming. Arrogance is a breakfast cereal over there, baby food. So be prepared, don't get too fired up yourself pre-match, and stay cool. That is Saia's biggest weakness, he does lose his temper and gets carded, and they know that. Rugby is a game that favours the cold-blooded, the ruthless, the get it done first, celebrate later type, i.e. Leaders.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Mate - can't blame Dennis for TPN's and to a lesser extent Ulugia wayward throwing!