Massive! This has been 12 years in the making. Unless you are of a freakish, George Smith type talent, it is a genuinely once in a lifetime opportunity for these players.
It’s a chance for rugby to regain its place in the Australian sporting landscape. It’s a chance for Australia to find its long lost running game.
It’s a chance to draw a line in the sand and finally keep the Northern Hemisphere forever quiet on Australia’s scrum. It’s genuinely a huge moment for Australian Rugby outside of the result of the series.
It’s a marker, and a way forward.
Here are 5 key match ups that will be vital to the Wallabies chances.
1. Horwill vs. O’Connell
These two are genuine leaders of men. O’Connell is a tough hard nosed lock. He is physical, aggressive and a menace in the rucks. Not so much a pilferer of rucks, but a destroyer. If any of the Wallabies find themselves in a lazy body position or a non combative mood, then he will do some damage.
‘Big Kev’ Horwill is skillful agile and deceptively fast. He also enjoys the hard stuff. He has all the attributes of a big blindside flanker but also the strength and tight play of a good lock.
‘Kevvy’ has the advantage at lineout time, and this gives him the advantage in this battle.
Advantage Wallabies.
2. Mowen vs. Croft
Athleticism vs. Grit. Tom Croft is an extremely athletic, fit number 6. He covers massive amounts of ground during a match and is just as likely to outrun a winger as he is to attack the breakdown.
Facing him is Ben Mowen.
This guy has had to work hard to make this team. He has bulked up, skilled up. Genuinely one of the most determined guys I’ve played with. A great lineout tactician and solid in defence.
Draw.
3. Genia vs. Phillips
Mike Phillips is an interesting character. Unbelievable in some games yet unseen in others. He plays very much as a 4th backrower with his size and strength and ability to carry the ball.
This works in two ways as he is always attracting defenders it can open a lot of space for people around him.
However, against a side with the defensive quality of the wallabies, he won’t dominate the contact and the wallabies will feel comfortable sending just one tackler to him.
Without these running options he can become flustered. Will Genia really is the focal point of the Wallabies attack.
Quick ball provided by the forwards and he can set the backline alight or find the holes himself.
Advantage Wallabies.
4. Back 3 vs. Back 3
It’s hard to single out any player here as a back 3 works as a unit. The Lions back 3 won’t be having any familiarity problems as they form the Welsh back 3 as well.
Halfpenny hit holes hard for someone of his small frame. George North is a very classy finisher and Alex Cuthbert is solid across the board.
Good under the high ball and good defender. The Gatland method of attacking rugby isn’t foreign to these 3 and Halfpenny’s goal kicking is incredible. The Wallabies are a lesser known entity. Barnes and Folau are playing out of position and Ioane has been injured and not playing at all lately.
Barnes probably doesn’t have the same punch in attack as Leigh Halfpenny, but his ability to step into first or second receiver will be of a big benefit as he has great vision.
While Cuthbert is solid, Ioane is incredible. He has been the Wallabies best performing back for the last three years. Folau is an unknown in this environment, and that is a good thing. He has passed every test so far in his rugby career. Developing faster than anyone could have hoped he could be the element that puts the Wallabies over.
At this stage we just don’t know.
Advantage Lions.
5. The Red Army vs. The Gold Army
Anywhere else but Brisbane and this is a hands down advantage to the Lions. Other cities the Wallabies supporters might buy a scarf but in Brisbane it’s different.
In Brisbane, Australian fans would paint their cars, houses or even themselves gold if they believed it would help the team. They are a rabid bunch, exactly what the Wallabies need for the first test of a series.
The Lions supporters will be in full voice and spirit but in Brisbane it’s…
Advantage Wallabies.
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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