Test prop James Slipper insists the Wallabies’ scrum has improved since it was dismantled by the All Blacks last year, and might just be ready to put their Kiwi tormenters “under pressure”.
The Wallabies won just 60 per cent of their own feeds against New Zealand throughout last year’s Bledisloe Cup campaign.
However, that was the first time either side had competed under the new scrum laws – which minimises the force of collision and requires the halfback to feed the ball straighter.
With one year of rugby under their belts since the “crouch-bind-set” command came into play, Slipper insists the Wallabies pack will be a much improved outfit for the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney on August 16.
“In that first game, both teams were kind of feeling out the new laws,” he said.
“It was pretty scrappy. Both teams were guilty of feeding it in crooked.
“But over the last year, especially our spring tour and against France, we’ve really scrummed at a level we’re happy with.”
He added that he didn’t believe there was any major technique difference between the two sides, just that the New Zealand front rowers – especially Test centurions Tony Woodcock (now injured) and Keven Mealamu – had a lot more experience ahead of last year’s series.
“You can’t really replace experience,” the 52-Test veteran said.
“For us, we were coming through and were young, learning the hard way.
“But I feel like we’re starting to play at a level where we can put them under pressure.”
Yet there’s no denying the Wallabies scrum is about to have its depth tested.
Their two leading hookers Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau are out injured – with third-choice rake Nathan Charles expected to start – while reserve prop Scott Sio has also been ruled out with an ankle injury.
“Both Moore and Polota-Nau have been huge contributors to this Wallabies team. They’re going to be sorely missed,” Slipper said.
“But in saying that, when you lose one or two players, it gives opportunities to young players.
“Nathan scrums well. And his work around the field is exceptional.”
The Bledisloe is almost here!
Tickets are on sale to what is shaping as a absolute blockbuster at ANZ Stadium (get yours here). After a cracking Super Rugby final, this promises to be epic.There’s also plenty happening in the lead-up to the game, with the Bledisloe Cup Festival a chance for true rugby supporters to get together.
And if you’re looking to introduce yourself to a few of the players, the Bledisloe Bay is your best bet on Thursday 14th August. Check it out!
Ben.S
Roar Guru
In the first Test the England scrum shunted them, but the All Black scrum really improved as the series went on. It's probably fair to point out that Marler-Webber-Wilson are England's 2nd string (Webber 3rd string) front rowers. A more concerning point issue would be the way England dominated them with a rolling maul. If England can do that (and we're not great at it) then the Boks will brutalise the Blacks there.
Ben.S
Roar Guru
Yeah, the 2008 comment isn't actually trough though.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Yes, the ABs certainly improved by the home series.
Wallabies No. 1
Guest
Agree. Giving an assessment of your strengths/ AB weaknesses is hardly disrespectful. All teams have game plans targeting what they believe to be AB weaknesses. Whether they can follow up on the talk is always the issue. Hasn't happened much lately. My 2 cents is that the AB scrum at home against the English had improved considerably over the scrum that got pushed around by the English at Twickenham.
Louie
Guest
Sounds like lottery result when you put it that way. The back rowers Horwell and Simmons particularly won't push, the flankers mere cat after 3 seconds and the whole thing disintegrates. We need pushes at 4/5 and the back rowers need to trust the backs to stop their opposites, Palu will make a massive difference.
Louie
Guest
Can the Wallabies front row pls shut up? We hear year after year how they have improved only to get owned by almost every team the face. The front row is the soft underbelly. Has ever been so...shut up and perform.
PiratesRugby
Guest
I don't think the NZ S15 sides scrummaged particularly well this year. Over the last couple of years the AB scrum hasn't really been dominant. I think it's fair to say that there is an opportunity for the WBs (and every other team). When you're the best team around, everyone else is looking for a chance to knock you off. That's not disrespectful.
AJ
Guest
I don't know the circumstances surrounding this comment, probably a designated media release/interview. Have they learnt nothing in the past 12 years. Nothing fires NZ up more than....see, they don't respect you. A rider to this type of media should be "show the opposition complete respect". Sure, be confident, but do it behind closed doors.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Sam - I've seen weakness enter scrums when he has replaced smaller players. With his size and strength he should be an absolute beast at scrum time but it certainly isn't there yet.
BetterRedThanDead
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Admire the optimism, however history might take some umbrage.
Mike
Guest
It doesn't matter what Hansen or the All Blacks read, not when it comes to scrummaging. What the referees read is what matters. Referees perception is maybe 50% of the scrum battle. If a scrum goes down, the ref often doesn't know why. The temptation is to penalise the pack that he has already decided is the weaker one.
PGNEWC
Guest
Would have tough time against the Boks and the Pumas as well dontcha think?
Riccardo
Guest
Gidday Sam. Woody and Franks were outstanding in that third Test. Not only did they show up Marler and Wilson but their work rate was incredible. An inspired performance from both of them.
Riccardo
Guest
I'm pretty sure I read he was injured mate. Replaced in the squad by Weeks...
jameswm
Roar Guru
I think shoulders are too high. Needs to get them under the bottom of the prop's butt cheek and keep them there.
jameswm
Roar Guru
No Sio? Do you mean because he'll be on the bench, or is he injured?
Sam Taulelei
Guest
I agree with Slipper that the Wallabies scrum has improved from last year. But so has the All Blacks scrum from last year. The All Blacks scrum started the RC last year with a hiss and a roar against the Wallabies but then their consistency started to drop and they were struggling to set a stable platform on their own feed, the nadir being pushed off their own ball by Japan. Against England this year they were solid and steady on their own feed and were able to disrupt the England scrum, despite what many in the media were reporting. What are Roarers views on Skelton as a scrummager? He obviously contributes a lot of size and weight to the scrum but I dont see this translated ina dominant performance at scrumtime.
Dan
Guest
+1 Cycolp !!
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
Assuming that this is not journalistic license (and I suspect it is), I'd like some of what Mr Slipper is smoking. :-) But seriously I don't believe he said all that (especially the headline), why on earth would you want to motivate a very dangerous opponent just before an important test. And trust me, Hansen reads the Roar religiously.
Mike
Guest
It is quite possible. Wallabies scrum had sand kicked in their face by England in 2005 and after. Yet in 2008 they smashed England repeatedly. The aus scrum in 08 had the much maligned Al Baxter at tighthead, facing Sheridan and Vickery, yet they still prevailed. It's a pack thing, more so than individual players. Fundamental: this year the backrowers especially no 8 have to keep their heads down and shoulders behind the locks butts until the ball is under the locks feet.