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It was a great game of rugby against the Barbarians, and here are my six positives I took from the game.
1. Tevita Kuridrani continuing his run of form:
It is fantastic to see a young player form his own identity as an international force and cement himself in a starting position.
While his first season in green and gold was promising, Tevita Kuridrani never fully persuaded Wallabies fans that he deserved the 13 jumper over Ashley-Cooper.
This has all changed this year, proven by his third placing in the John Eales Medal for 2014.
His game against the Barbarians on Sunday morning showed he is improving every week – hard to believe after his efforts in South Africa. T
he greatest part of Kuridrani’s game is his ability to make positive metres regardless of where he catches the ball. If he gets it flatfooted with a rushing defensive line – he jigs, finds a soft shoulder and makes two metres.
He gets the ball on the front foot – and he is off to the races. This is on top of his underrated defensive game. His tackling style is fierce and effective – although he can occasionally be out of position defensively, an aspect highlighted by Nick Cummins try.
Kuridrani’s man of the match award was thoroughly deserved, and his try was a beauty. He is the key to the Wallabies making positive metres out wide, often sucking in multiple defenders, allowing the Wallabies to exploit space on the following phases.
2. Ben McCalman playing like a Number 8 should
Ben McCalman is a high work rate forward who is picked for his consistency and reliability. While those are outstanding attributes – an international eight needs to have a more damaging impact with ball in hand, as shown by other premier Number 8’s like Kieran Read and Duane Vermeulen.
It was pleasing to see McCalman running in open space against the Barbarians and making metres after contact – which is imperative for a six or eight to do regularly. As usual he was safe in defence, and cleaned up a lot of loose ball – but his ball running was great to see.
3. Sam Carter revelling in a new role
Sam Carter is one of Australia’s most underrated players, and has been since he began plying his trade for the Brumbies in 2011. Since he debuted in France earlier this year it is clear he gets through an enormous amount of work for a player his size – topping the tackle count in several Tests this year.
His running game has been lacking however, especially his habit of going high into contact resulting in a slower play-the-ball or a turnover.
Cheika might have gotten into his ear about using his size more in attack then previous Tests, and Sunday morning saw the big lumbering forward making positive metres on many runs – the majority of them being support runs off the ball carrier.
His try highlighted this as he ran a beautiful delayed run underneath the defensive line. Yes he did try to push the offload and that caused some lost ball – but that is easily fixed. Once he learns when to offload and when to go to ground, he could become a damaging all-round second rower in the likes of Eben Etzebeth or Brodie Retallick.
4. Nic White coming on and making an impact
Will Genia was solid in his first game back, but I was most impressed by the nature of Nic White’s play when he was on the field. The tempo of the game increased dramatically and he got the ball out of the ruck with speed and decisiveness.
I particularly like how he passes with his feet set from the ruck and doesn’t waste time taking one or two steps before passing. His try assist to Rob Horne was a classic example of how that method is effective. Nick Phipps is still my starting nine and Genia is probably my backup – but it was good to see White impress in the gold after a dubious performance against New Zealand in Brisbane.
5. Rob Horne being Rob Horne
I love the way Rob Horne plays for Australia on the wing. All the attention was on the way Henry Speight would play in the Wallabies jersey (relatively quiet, but solid when called upon) but it was Horne that proved the better of the two wingers.
His ability to make metres after contact is great to watch and he is constantly coming infield, staying away from the sideline and being visibly energetic around the park. His bustling run that set up Foley’s try was his highlight of the game.
6. Of course: Sean McMahon
This man will get plenty of positive media for his performance and deservedly so, probably resulting in a Test debut next week due to Scott Higginbotham’s injury.
His impact off the bench was undeniable, and he played the way we have been yearning for Higginbotham to play for a long time. He sprinted at the line, broke tackles, knocked back the ball carrier in the defence and was extremely damaging cleaning out in the breakdown.
His try was largely due to a tired opposition, with a gaping hole that won’t be there in a Test match but all credit to him. His cleanout at the end of the game that turned the ball over and ended the Barbarians comeback drive was great to see.
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.