Blindside flanker Scott Fardy says the Wallabies will be working hard to improve their lineout for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup decider at Eden Park.
The selection of two openside specialists David Pocock and Michael Hooper was tipped to leave the Wallabies vulnerable at the set-piece.
Australia’s scrum was outstanding but the lineout was off in the Wallabies’ 27-19 victory in Sydney on Saturday night, which secured the Rugby Championship and set up a Bledisloe decider for the first time since 2008.
The Wallabies won 70 per cent of their ball at ANZ Stadium, compared to the All Blacks who were perfect and came up with three turnovers in the lineout.
“There was a couple of lost balls which was a bit disappointing, but we’ll go back and look at that,” Fardy said.
“We’ve got to make sure we get that right over the next week and come up with some new options and change some things up and we’re looking forward to doing that.”
Brumbies star Fardy was in awe of new No.8 Pocock and Hooper.
“They were everywhere, they are both amazing players and it’s an honour to play alongside them. The stuff they do is just incredible and I thought it worked really well last night.”
While the scrum was brilliant, Fardy said it was a work in progress and they would need to lift again at Eden Park, a venue the Wallabies haven’t won at in 15 Tests since 1986.
“That’s a week-to-week proportion the scrums, you never know what you’re going to get next week, but I thought we’ve been pretty consistent over the Rugby Championship,” Fardy said.
“I’m on the flank, so I’m not going to take any responsibility for that. The boys did a good job, we delivered all our ball well which is a key focus and put them under a bit of pressure at scrum time.
“We’ve got to make sure it’s consistent and it’s going to be tough at Eden Park as well.”
Victory in Auckland would see the Wallabies break a 13-year Bledisloe Cup drought.
Crash Ball2
Guest
Not sure about MOTM, but certainly not far off. Did all the non-sexy, head-in-the-dark-places, blue-collar grunt work that gets little accolade, seldom makes highlight reels and allows others to shine. Forgotten hero of an exceptional loose forward performance on Saturday, and possibly, the most important one for the balance of the pack; and the win. Unfortunately, the obvious tabloid inspired start-middle-end abbreviation of Hooper-Fardy-Pocock is possibly one step too far for the delicate sensibilities of young rugby followers.
Lroy
Guest
we had 3 recognised jumpers, Fardy, Mum and the QDL guy... no reason our lineout shouldnt have been better.. Maye we just have to say well done to the All Blacks for working us out..yes?? for mine Fardy was man of the match.... dont know who else agrees, but he was brutal, brilliant... most underrated player in world rugby.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
In your opinion. I say Hooper has to lift his game in tight, you say - playing to coach's instructions. You say Simmons needs to lift his game - I say he's playing how the coach wants him to and getting picked every time he's available.
PeterK
Roar Guru
exactly, they blame TPN for this. He also threw one right over the jumpers and the AB's got it, nothing to do with calling or whatever. Sure the calling is inexperienced but will improve. Worth persevering with. Scrum fine without Simmons, actually best it has been. With more experience in the line out calling then Simmons has to lift his game a lot to deserve getting in the team.
Hello
Roar Rookie
In the first half I thought moore did not through great it always seemed to be a bit low (not inaccurate) - Improved in the 2nd half
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Did you listen to John Eales comments after the game? He put it down to inexperienced calling - i.e. not making the correct calls. G&GR made a point that the Wallabies ball was challenged when they didn't use a sophisticated enough call - i.e. simply moved the pod and lifted the jumper, rather than a full on shuffle and fake ground manoeuvre. I would agree with both assessments. I don't think Moore threw poorly at all.
Hello
Roar Rookie
Yes he did peter, but I was more worried that they were always contesting in the right area, we never seemed to beat them on the ground. It may be just me reading to much into it.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Moore threw poorly
Hello
Roar Rookie
I have to say the lineout had me worried all game. They always seemed to be contesting in the right areas and we did not seem to have any read on theirs. I wonder if it was a matter of the caller not being up to standard or them knowing our calls