I haven’t written about the Wallabies set up often this year, despite it being a World Cup year. I’ve tried to enjoy the games as they come, without devaluing them by looking straight past them.
Since at least the Springboks and probably the Pumas are treating this Rugby Championship as a warm-up tournament I’ll do the same.
Here are six points about the Wallabies’ nail-biter against the Springboks that also point the way forward for our men in gold.
1. Brain and brawn, not brain and brain
There was a time, not long ago, when the way to go in rugby was to have a playmaking fly-half and pair him with another ball playing man at inside centre. This style was at its most useful for teams like Australia when bulkier teams such as England and South Africa were pushing them around and the ploy was to shift the ball to the flanks, away from the size and power.
That is not the way to play rugby anymore. I think it is because all players have become collectively bigger – especially at Test level – within the last five years and even big players demonstrate dexterity with the ball.
For this reason, the Wallabies’ 2015 debut with Quade Cooper and Matt Giteau at 10 and 12 was enlightening because it showed that small-small didn’t work as well anymore. Yes, the Wallabies looked good moving the ball wide, but if anything they were going wide too soon.
The introduction of Matt Toomua completely changes the efficiency of the Wallabies’ attack. He was able to move the ball around the park with either Cooper or Giteau, but his ability to straighten the attack with his considerable bulk for a playmaker was extremely important.
My preferred playmaking combination now would be Toomua and Giteau, with Cooper as the third wheel. As Giteau is injured use Toomua and Cooper until his return.
2. I hope the saying never becomes, ‘live by the blade, die by the blade’
The Wallabies survived a pragmatic and patient Springboks team by the skin of their teeth. The bend of a few blades of grass sent the Boks packing.
I hope that wasn’t our luck for the year, because it was indeed lucky. If the groundsman dropped the mower a couple more rungs before his final trim we might have been staring at replays of Tevita Kuridrani being held up and a 20-17 final score.
If that was all the luck we’ll get this year, it was a poor time to use it, being the year we’re supposed to Bring Back Bill and all. In a World Cup year when things are close – often decided by mere millimetres – I hope sports karma doesn’t mean the Wallabies will lose by the blade as well.
There was a lot off enterprise, verve and self-belief in the Wallabies’ play on Saturday night. That is the base from which to grow. But – like a well clipped rugby pitch – we have a lot of growing to do.
3. The ruck, please
The Wallabies’ insistence on ignoring the ruck while in possession against the Springboks was costly. They turned over possession this way at least three times in the first 15 minutes.
Going forward they need to pay more attention to securing their own ball before fanning out across the park. And many times support players lazily jogged past tackled players, apparently wondering ‘if only they’d passed’, instead of throwing Schalk Burger or Bismark du Plessis off the ruck.
The Wallabies dominated many raw stats: 157 runs to 97. 508 metres run to 355 metres. But getting halfway up the field and giving the ball away at the ruck won’t get you far. Only far enough for a miracle finish.
Sort it, because better teams – including the Springboks later – will punish those turnovers.
4. The power and the pace
One-hundred-and-seventy years or so of rugby have honed the 15 roles on the field at any one time, so I’m not usually one to tamper significantly with that balance. But I think we’re at a point where having either David Pocock or Michael Hooper on the bench is too much of a waste to just whiff waff about traditional positions, shapes and skills.
In Pocock you have the power, the nous and the vice-like grip over the ruck. Hooper’s tenacity, ridiculous motor and ability to make the big play, combined with Pocock’s repeated excellence, knack for getting to the ball first and nose for the play are too good to have either one riding the pine.
How many players does Australia have that would press for selection in the All Blacks or Springboks? None are walk-ins but both Hooper and Pocock would give Steve Hansen and Heyneke Meyer a reason to ponder.
Given our limited resources accommodating both is the way forward. Scott Fardy, Hooper and Pocock should be the starting back row, with the biggest second row we can make. Wycliff Palu is bulk off the bench. Probably best for his ageing body anyway.
5. Earn or learn
About 25 minutes into that Test I was thinking to myself: the Wallabies are playing all the rugby. They’re mixing wrap arounds with forwards dumping it out to the backs. They are attacking the Springbok backs by stationing forwards on the end of backline moves. But they’re not getting anywhere.
And it’s true. The Wallabies looked fantastic. 61 per cent possession, 126 rucks, 229 passes, 26 defenders beaten, seven offloads and a stack of run metres were all good numbers to back up the eye test.
But they were consistently going too wide, too soon. The Springboks weren’t flashy, but they were pragmatic; waiting for mistakes, tardy ruck protection or sloppy play.
Despite the flash we couldn’t get away from them.
Late in the game the Wallabies, with Toomua’s help, started driving up the middle before going wide. The result was 14 points in seven minutes to finish the game, a reward for a final 25 minutes where their power, skill and more astute direction earned them real dominance, not just aesthetic style points.
6. The de-valued Rugby Championship
Having said all this: the Springboks would not have lost that game had they left their starting side on the field longer. Simple as that.
Victor Matfield had to leave the game early. But apart from that all but one Springbok sub was used before the final 10 minutes. When Jannie du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira and Bismark du Plessis came off almost immediately after half-time it was clearly a pre-determined timeline they were following, regardless of the game state.
But they weren’t alone.
The Wallabies had a forced sub in Will Genia at half-time. But they still hooked Scott Higginbotham and Sekope Kepu on 45 minutes. Then Will Skelton at 50 minutes and Rob Horne at 57. The Wallaby bench was cleared after 65 minutes.
In the earlier Rugby Championship match both sides behaved in the same way. Argentina had made four subs by 55 minutes and the All Blacks five by 59 minutes. Argentina’s captain Augustin Creevy was hooked at the 62 minute mark, after scoring two tries and giving Argentina the faintest sniff of hope. Their bench was empty after 68 minutes.
If we allowed the coaches a bigger bench they would have used them all. We’re watching high quality friendlies from here on until Friday September 18.
Mike
Guest
I have a very unpleasant memory of Etzebeth being out on the wing too...
Julien W
Guest
Whilst Hooper is an extremely busy player his effectiveness at the breakdown is almost nil. I think it is a bit rich to say to Hooper do what every you want and leave 6 and 8 to cover the 7 position. If you want him in the team pick him at 12 or 13 (that's where he plays most of the game). Looking at posts on various websites (including an interview of various NZ coaches the general comment was - "we don't see what you see in Hoooper?"). We did poorly in the last world cup because Pocock got injured - every team will be hoping that Cheika leaves Pocock on the bench as Hooper as simply not feared (never seen him dominate a ruck!)
Harry Jones
Expert
Meyer is trying to find his third stringers. The Brisbane test helped him look at Heinke, Mohoje, Kriel, and Coetzee-Burger as a combo.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes it was quite surreal. Meyer found his starting lineup was good enough, his bench not. Cheika found his bench was up to it, his starting lineup not. One selected the run on side poorly, one played the run on side poorly from a tactical point of view- so we got the finish we did. jeez...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes no doubting his ability and this is just more fuel to the fire that I've referred to above. I've seen career after career at 10 get squashed as soon as they've seen any sign of promise. Steyn is one who has generally had some tough times. Anyway, I'll put it out there now that Pollard will have a very poor outing this weekend. Either that, or the Boks will win... :-)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Fair call, I think we all find ways to suggest our own team is going to win regardless of the opposition. I tend to come from the angle of the potential opposition weaknesses where the vast majority look mostly at the strengths of their own side, and tend to ignore how they might or might not be able to do those things against the particular opposition. That's why I rarely apply SXV form to test form as a rule. Certainly Skelton's performance is a good example of that. The main reason I point out Pollard specifically is really because he did us like a dinner last year (but I conveniently left that out!). Its not that well known but 10's particularly rarely have 'excellent' matches against the AB's (I know not many do but 10's are a special case) as they are put under huge pressure on the inside channel, as we know how important they become with too much space and time. So same park, same player, mark my word, Pollard will be targeted and the only way he will have a 'good' game, is if the Boks win. Otherwise it will be a misery, as that will be top 3 goal- get Pollard and that's half the job done. AB's will want to keep the Boks tackling, making errors, forcing the inside backs to relinquish the outside space for ours backs to occupy it. This is going to be hectic thats for sure...
Suzy Poison
Guest
Also Taylorman Pollard is far from the finished article. But he lifts against the old enemy. My "always" line refers to Pollock 4 games against the All Blacks. Two at under 20 level, where he was in the winning team twice (and in New Zealand) And the first game when he was selected as a 20yr old to face the All Blacks in New Zealand (no sterner test) for his debut. He had a great game, even though the Boks lost, a close game. Then he scored 19 points and two tries in the (somewhat lucky ) Bok win at Ellis Park last year. Although it was Lambie who kicked the winning penalty.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Adam, Yes Meyer found out if his bench was Not up to it. But there is enough depth in South Africa. For instance Meyer has swopped his whole bench for the All Blacks game. Specifically his props. The issue is, Meyer subbed his whole front row at 58 min mark. A fairly drastic action. He could have staggered that substitution, one by one and later around the 70min mark
Suzy Poison
Guest
Moaman, No one denies the All Blacks are a level above. I just have a feeling the Boks are going to be up for this game. Also saw enough last week, that this Bok team has real potential.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Taylorman, anytime you back the opposition against the AllBlacks, you are taking a big risk.And you can end up with egg on your face. Probably I am talking with my heart and not my head. But I just have a bit of gut feeling here. Ilogical, but I really like Heinrich Brusoow in the starting team. He troubles the All Blacks. 4 wins from 4 games. But like Pocock, that was a while ago. Yet to see if he is still the same player. Pollard made plenty of mistakes, but it's good the Boks are sticking with him, and he takes on the line. I like the young 10,12,13 combo for the Boks. They coped quite well with the more experienced Wallabies. Wallabies were pretty bad though. All Blacks will be a sterner test. Forgive my unfounded confidence
Adam Longhurst
Roar Rookie
Great read Elisha. To Harry and all the other regular Roar bloggers, can you please clarify something for me. All the readings of this week have the SA coach making a big error in subbing at the time he did. I understand the frustration of the boks fans because they went on to lose the game. But, it was only by a whisker. Isn't the point that if the Boks cleared their bench and the bench wasn't up to it, then there is a problem with depth in the Boks team? Wallabies also subbed and what a difference it made to the momentum.
moaman
Guest
Couple of minor corrections Suzy. "irish ref" is welsh. No 'N' in Sopoaga ;-) outh Africa: Willie le Roux, JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana, Handre Pollard, Ruan Pienaar; Schalk Burger (captain), Francois Louw, Heinrich Brussow, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Flip van der Merwe, Warren Whiteley, Cobus Reinach, Pat Lambie, Cornal Hendricks. I'll go out on a limb (again) and after backing the 'Boks last week will switch to the ABs for this 1.
Taylorman
Guest
'Always'? Pollard went up a notch once Suzy, few do it a second time like that. After last week pollard looked out of sorts, kicked terribly and can expect trouble this week. ABs know the way to spoil any side is to knock the 10 and 12 combo. But generally, I think the ABs are pointing higher than oz and SA this year in terms of speed, fitness, certainly depth, and combinations. After that last twenty minutes last week, don't think SA will handle the pace.
Bakkies
Guest
Gill would be a better balance for Pocock as he can contest and be a lineout option. That would allow a ball carrying 8 be selected. Skelton and Hooper off the bench to run at fatigued defenders to close out games. All three will be in the squad and still balance the pack. Ball carrying options off the bench is a better choice than a third or fourth choice that can't quiet make the starting side. Horwill is such a player despite his performance on Sat morning. I would look at 1. Slipper 2. Moore 3. Holmes 4. Arnold 5. Simmons/Horwill 6. Gill 7. Pocock 8. Vaea/McCalman 16. Sio 17. TPN 18. Kepu 19. Skelton 20. Hooper 4 carriers off the bench to unleash when it gets loose
Dones
Guest
All of your comments are wrong
Suzy Poison
Guest
Great balanced article Elisha. First of all considering Cheika has been doing two jobs, he has done alright against a very strong Bok team, and a coach who has had 4 years to prepare rather than 2 weeks. I like Cheika. I think he has handled the three Amigos his way. Glad to see Kurtley and the Brand hoofed and Quade who has grown up a bit, given another chance. Cheika has his Captain and that's that. Moore's decision will always go down in history as a "Fortune favours the brave moment!" By contrast the Bokke so brave at giving the pill some air in the first 60, reverted to type and retreated into the larger mentality of kicking away every scrap of possession. Circle the wagons, it's circa 1900's and we fear change. Now I predicted a Wallaby victory, and I was proven correct. For me, despite the fact this Irish ref was really good at managing the game, there are always going to be a few home town decisions. It's just the nature of our sport. Plus the Pocock on the bench factor. So I was not surprised at the result. What surprised me was how poor the Wallabies were at the breakdown for the first 60. So now I am going to stick my neck out and make two wild predictions for this weekend. I think the favourites will both lose. Yes I think Argentina will beat the Wallabies and the All Blacks will lose to the Boks. I am going with both home town teams. Why. First the Wallabies. You blokes have some real issues with the starting scrum, the breakdown and the playmakers. All three were poor for most of the Brusbane test. Only pure grit dug you out of a massive hole. For me Cheika's Wallabies team is playing exactly like his Tahs team, in that they haven't found the balance of when to run and when to kick. Cooper and Giteau spent most of the match looping and crabbing and generally going backwards. Toomua might improve thus, so will Phibbs. But the Argies have a easy blueprint to beat the Wallabies. Attack the scrum, flood the breakdowns. In many ways the win just papered over the cracks. Argies by 3. Not to the Boks v All Blacks. Someone said the Boks learned more from that lost game. Well Meyer has changed 8 from his 23. Two injury enforced changes. But guess what two bench props are gone and so is Oupa and Mvovo. But the big news is directly into the starting lineup comes Heinrich Brussow. This is the strongest Bok team I have seen in ages. They playing at home, and the AllBlacks are resting Dan and Richie. Plus the darkness is thinking of starting Lima Soapanga at 10. For me Pollard always goes up a notch against the darkness. Boks by 2
PiratesRugby
Guest
Pocock is Smith 2.0.
Loosey
Guest
Isreal Folau is a walk-in, Pocock is a walk-in. Michael Hooper and Higginbotham need to hurry up and move to the NRL, they are closet leagies, as is Cheika I think at times. Australian rugby union needs to start embracing the rucks, scums and mauls again or just change codes.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
The All Blacks wanted to win the Tri-Nations in 2011, but they put all their eggs in one basket by sending a B team to South Africa with the belief that they could still win the title in Brisbane. I'm not sure it was preparation in so much as it was a calculated risk Having said that, the 2011 TN title was third on the list of trophies the All Blacks wanted they year, and considering they don't get much respect for having won the Cup, I doubt doing the treble would have mattered much historically. Somebody has to win this year's title. I don't see it as a poisoned chalice. There's no harm in winning it. We just can't pretend it means very much.
Digby
Roar Guru
Quite right however he appears to be meeting the expectations required of him. I have no doubt he would be good enough to adapt to a different style if told and relatively quickly.