Robbie Deans has cleverly maximised his attacking options for the Test against the British and Irish Lions.
The Wallabies have three ball-playing options in the centre of the field with James O’Connor, Kurtley Beale and Christian Lealiifano all being fed by the brilliant, shrewd and swift Genia.
In a classic multi-option attacking unit O’Connor and Lealiifano will ignite attacks on either side of the ruck with Beale choosing his running lines through the centre.
Every now and then O’Connor, at 10, will take the ball to the line with Beale slotting in behind to continue the attack, sending the ball wide to the backs with express intent of getting it to Izzy-the-great and the very hard-running Tomane.
The dancing feet of O’Connor and Beale will give the Lions defence much to think about as they attack the line.
As always it is the forwards that win matches, with the backs determining by how much.
This next Test will go up a notch in intensity, with the Wallabies desperate to stay in the series. The match will be played at a cracking pace.
The winner of the breakdown will win the Test.
With forwards providing front-foot ball, the King – Will Genia – will hold court and treat the Lions to his special brand of playing Rugby that only a master such as he can deliver.
His creation of the Wallabies’ first try for Folau was a sublime piece of brilliance.
In my 50-odd years of watching Australia play rugby I cannot remember a time when Australia had such depth virtually in every position.
This is the dawning of a new time for the Wallabies. The job was only half done last Saturday I sense that this won’t be the case this Saturday – and then bring on Sydney.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
RK " with JOC going through the motions to Lealiifano" Why does RD waste a great talent at wing so that that winger can play at 10 just to peddle the ball to his 12 for the play making role. One bad decision that will result in two bad selection. As good as Tomane is, I reckon JOC is better and has more experience in Rugby Test.
Billy Bob
Guest
Rickety encouraging to read your positivity about this game and its selections. I agree about the attacking options. I believe that Deans had this plan all along, though last week he found it impossible to exclude Wales' series 'hero' Barnes and WC tackling hero McCabe from the squad. But his intention was always to split the attacking flanks, an intention unexpressed due to CL's over eager first test career tackle. If CL can bounce back (in every sense) he will bring a novel threat to the attack. A small but significant advantage especially if he can get it wide to the big speed in space.(or inside to the little speed in space). The lions camp will know all this and more in principal. But no one knows yet how it will pan out. Bring it on!
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Hmmm, not surprisingly JOC plays like a winger - seldom looks to link with his support. Don't agree about Beale, he is much more of link player than JOC. My gut feel is that Beale will have a blinder on Saturday night, with JOC going through the motions to Lealiifano, now that is what I am waiting provided Lealiifano doesn't get knocked out again.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Back on topic, both OConner and Beale seem in test one way to focused on making a hero play to justify their place. JOC because he is in the wrong position and Beale for obvious reasons. A number of times JoC went in determined to force a gap that wasn't there ignoring runners (Beale once) who had found the gaps. At 41 and 46 min Beale took on defenders when Izzy was wide and at worst would have been one on one with space. Even his highlight reel 40 meter run was probably not the best option at the time. Both have struck as selfish players looking for a glory moment rather than team players.
AdamS
Roar Guru
It's the manner of it that is the issue. Link seems to be able to make the most of his undoubted skill while negating the effect of his errors. That's the skill of the coach isn't it? Deans game plans don't make the best use of his skill and neither do they contain the damage of his errors. If you can't make use of a running 10 with a 30 meter pass......? But even if he won't admit that, he still should have gone in with Toomua or Foley. Any 10 is better than no ten except in the mind of a genius who thinks he can rewrite the handbook and chooses the biggest game of his career to do so.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
Interesting times - Robbie Deans is at the crossroads, he will either win tomorrow night and bat on til Sydney or tomorrow night signals his demise. Personally I don't want Australia to lose - whether that increases his tenure is a moot point. I am still angry at those dullards at the Tahs that let Link go after he got them to the S14 final and followed up by appointing Hickey and Foley .... give me a break! Mate Cooper's game is to iffy - he played 30 odd test under Deans and did not nail 10 down for himself. For everything great thing he does, these days there is a corresponding howler. With all the options at 10 - including young Toomua, who I reckon is the pick of them - QC just does not stack up at test level.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Nah, too easy. Robbie Deans' cleverly managed character assassination of Quade Cooper. Robbie Deans cleverly managed a contract extension despite failing in his KPIs. Robbie Deans cleverly deflected the onus of the WC loss onto his playmaker. See? Could keep it up all day.
Photon
Guest
I would like to know how people can complain about the NH judicial process when the Lions lost a player for 6 weeks just before this tour started for foul play. Honestly fellas, it's only in the SH and specifically in Lions tours where players are assaulted without repercussions. From Grey in Hill, to Burger on the Irish Winger to Tana and co on o'Driscoll and finally to Horwill in AWJ. I think at best Horwill was reckless at worst it was malicious.
niwdeyaj
Guest
I'm amazed that you managed to fit "Robbie Deans" and "cleverly" in the same sentence... literary genius!
AdamS
Roar Guru
Whether he was overcompensating or not, Beale seemed very determined to not pass the ball to izzy in test one.. A very upbeat peice Ricketty. :)