Wow, what a start to the June Test Match window – 15 minutes of New Zealand brilliance, followed by Australian defence to behold, followed by a South Africa comeback for the ages. How good is international rugby!
Across the discussion panel it was only Nobes’ ongoing frustration with the state of coaching around Los Pumas that let southern hemisphere rugby down. Even our adoptive Super Rugby cousins from Japan kicked off their campaign with a solid win over Italy.
But winning last weekend means nothing if our respective sides don’t learn from the mistakes they still made. If their opponents make the huge gains required while our sides stay still, they’ll actually have gone backwards. In the case of Argentina, learning from their mistakes will be the difference between more anguish this weekend and squaring the series.
There is, as is always the case around Test rugby, much to discuss.
This weekend’s internationals
New Zealand vs France, Wellington
Australia vs Ireland, Melbourne
South Africa vs England, Bloemfontein
Argentina vs Wales, Santa Fe
Others
Japan vs Italy, Kobe
Canada vs Russia, Ottawa
USA vs Scotland, Houston
The question: What obvious tweaks or improvements will my national side need after the first test?
Digger
While the end result was pleasing last weekend, composure, execution and discipline let the All Blacks down at times, particularly in the first 30 minutes.
I suppose it is a bit harsh given it was the first hit-out of the season, and it improved during the match, but I feel New Zealand have an uncanny knack of putting themselves under pressure.
Last week we saw an intercept pass, a penalty conceded from backchat eight points down already, not to mention pushed passes in midfield. Arrgh, no more, please!
I really want to see the All Blacks start the match composed and ready to do the hard yards first, particularly in their own territory.
Control, execution and no more silly penalties. particularly after last week, as it isn’t inconceivable that the team will be under extra scrutiny this weekend.
(Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Geoff
It seems trite to suggest any obvious tweaks for a side that scores 44 unanswered points in the second half of a Test match, but one thing the All Blacks will strive for this week is to maintain or even increase their level of physicality while at the same time steering well clear of any sanctionable offences.
It’s a fine line to walk. On one hand there is a line of critics who point to repeated incidents of foul play involving All Blacks (eight yellow cards and one red card last season) as souring their legacy; on the other, more critics claiming that referees are intimidated by and are soft on the All Blacks as a result.
The All Blacks are not a dirty team and their reputation matters to them, so they will aim their sights a wee bit lower but look to hit a wee bit harder.
The Wallabies are in the unusual position where their kicking game is now both a strength (high contestable kicks) and a weakness (defensive exit and for field position). While it’s great to see positive intent via running plays and short cross kicks, it’s a risky game to concede field position and not expect to be punished on the scoreboard.
Thus the tweak I’m looking for this week is for the Wallabies – through Kurtley Beale and, later, Reece Hodge – to be more definitive about punching the ball across halfway, more often than what occurred in Brisbane.
(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Brett
Last week’s gritty win in Brisbane needs to be the Wallabies benchmark, not just for the remaining Tests against Ireland but for the rest of 2018.
It was a high mark for hard work and achievement of a common goal not seen since the second Bledisloe Test last season. Like in Dunedin that night last August, the key to the Wallabies’ defensive intelligence was its simplicity: few moving parts, players in position early, line speed that choked both the breakdown and the Irish midfield and intensity in the collisions. Sometimes a tad too much intensity, as Adam Coleman was found to have applied several decades before Israel Folau crossed in the corner at the other end of the field.
I don’t want any of that to change – if anything, I just want the timing to be even more on the money, as it will need to be with the expected improvements coming from the Irish.
The tactical kicking – all kicking from hand, actually – needs to be on point too, especially if it’s wet in Melbourne as anticipated. If Kurtley Beale isn’t in the position for the kick, then Bernard Foley needs to be at his very best. I can handle him giving up distance for accuracy, but what he served up last week was seldom distant nor accurate.
The most frustrating thing about this is there are so many kicking options available for the Wallabies – but are they all making sure they present as genuine options?
This is a really exciting time for Wallabies fans but really anxious times too. Come Saturday night we’ll be 80 minutes away from something wonderful. Or something oh so frustratingly familiar.
(Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Harry
After Faf du Plessis sold Maro Itoje the Brooklyn Bridge and the Trumpian country of ‘Nambia’ to score a classic halfback try, I texted Roarers ‘Rugby Tragic’ and ‘DaniE’ that the match at Ellis Park could turn into one of those instant classics or would be a real rout.
The 320-cap Boks, without any starting combination that had ever played together at any level, picked themselves off the canvas after Deadeye Owen Farrell laughed to his reserve corps as he jogged and scored the third try unopposed.
I should just say: “Nothing! Do that again! Make Eddie lose his mind”.
But Rassie Erasmus and defence guru Jacques Nienaber will definitely work on the shape of the outside centre-wing channel. Lukhanyo Am can be the long-term answer to that question plaguing South Africa since Jaque Fourie’s premature departure. But Am has to be the short-term answer, now! He cannot gun up in a pressure defensive system if he is not going to smother the ball.
Also, the starting props may need to be flipped. No prop in any team has outperformed honest Steven Kitshoff over the last two seasons. And Wilco Louw is carrying some kind of injury.
(Peter Heeger/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Nobes
Last week I made a point that Daniel Hourcade was going to be under a lot of pressure with a bad result. Well, it was not only a bad result against the Wales B team but an awful performance by Los Pumas.
Mario Ledesma handed a Ferrari to Mr Hourcade and he crashed it. We did not get to see any of the good things that the Jaguares have been doing in Super Rugby, and in exchange we saw most of the bad things that Los Pumas have been doing since 2016. If 18 consecutive defeats against Tier 1 Nations does not ring the bell, I have no idea what will.
My answer to the question will only take a very few words: I would like to see a change in the coaching staff, period.
The press has been really shy on this topic, but the social networks so discredited by Argentine Rugby Union have spoken heavily on this matter. With no strings attached to anybody, I can speak freely thanks to The Roar and this panel. And I will.
It was notorious that the same players skippered by a different captain and under the instructions of Mr Hourcade did not feel comfortable on the field. The body language and attitude of most players was not the same that we have seen in the Jaguares under Mario Ledesma. Also, the strategy was not quite right against a team that defended very well and slowed every ball in every possible way.
The Jaguares set piece that had been improving so much went back many steps under the Pumas. Penalties are back, the defence was poor and the movements were so predictability obvious.
There are so many things I would like to see different, not just improved, that I think it is time to go South Africa’s way and go ahead and change the commanders. Not much to lose at this point.
What tweaks are you making to your national side this weekend? Are you just trimming around the edges, or are cutting things up and starting again?
Let us know below and enjoy your weekend of international rugby.
Santiago Lanusse
Roar Rookie
Nobrain, Your predictions were not wrong !! In fact today begins a new chapter with Pumas and we will see that and how, it will be written.
Harry Jones
Expert
Can't wait for Test 2. Faf is a blindside thief. He steals down slim alleys, and is oddly strong in the tackle--gets hand up and through. Willie is a ghost. He finds channels with stop-start hesitation moves, and finds creases in modern defences. I think England will concentrate on ruck fringe defence more, but really, to slow down the traditional Power-Pace Bok plan, they HAVE to slow down Bok ball. Lose collisions against Thor or a big Saffa lock or a Bok 12 and suddenly it's confusion with Willie and Faf looking for blindsides and Pollard handling the open field. Robshaw tried to protect Ford and Farrell from Saffa bigs, but that'll be Shields' job this week. There were a lot of 2-second rucks in the SA comeback, and quick created blindsides. Super interesting chess match.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I fully agree with Harry on the starting front row of the Boks , although for sure when Marx is back he will more than likely be the starting nr2 . Kitshoff should start every game . Why is he being seen by coaches as just an impact player . Makes no sense . The Boks should be given time . In the game the combinations of 9 and 10 , 11 and 12 , 12 and 13 , 12 and 14 have never played together but South African fans still expect the Boks to win every outing . This is not realistic considering the fact that they have barely managed a 50% win ration over the last few years against all sides. But what has happened to England ? A year ago they were at the top of the pile . They were on the verge of a world record number of consecutive wins . Rugby supporters wordlwide were pushing , hoping for an unscheduled match up against The All Blacks. Fast forward one year and they look devoid of confidence , ideas and attitude none more personified than by Itoje who looks like he doesn't want to be there . Is Eddie Jones overrated I wonder . By myself included . Is his reputation built in no small part by the Boks in WC2007 unwarranted . My sister could have coached that team to a title and she only follows lawn bowls. Jake White , Eddie Jones and Alistair Coetzee were the coaches . None have impressed terribly since.
Dat Mavis
Roar Pro
Lol, you’re a sad little person!
Martin Santurtun
Guest
I have to agree with Nobes!! For some strange or not so strange reason nobody is talking about the need to effect changes on the coaching staff of the Pumas!! It is unbelievable how the Jaguares team can play so bad when they dress the natinal shirt! I know how proud the Argies are when playing for the Pumas, so they are telling something with their attitude! I hope that the UAR reads the unspoken message!!
MItchO
Guest
Good on Hooper for putting the extra effort in to help a mate coz that is all time the Hooper could be using for himself. and there is no way Hooper can be the machine he is without spending most of his spare time training himself, stretching etc. Be nice if Rob Simmons, Blake Enever, Hanigan, Wells and not the least a couple of props read the article and get to training a bit earlier so they can get rid of the ladder and so, heaven forbid the guys, could develop a bit of a combination. If I was Hanigan and a lifter like Robertson I'd want a piece of that action too. I have said before and maintain that what the Wallabies and NSW needed was simply for someone to drive around to Will Skelton's house every morning and take him for a run. Didn't have to be a player. Just a relatively fit rugby fan. Hooper is obviously maturing as he gets older - still a very young man by most our standards - and maybe Skelton wasn't showing the desire. Latu shows some desire and Hooper rewards that by helping out.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Just came across this very interesting article headlined, All Blacks begin World Cup game of cat and mouse (see https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12070817), which has piqued my interest as to what Hansen and the ABs have in mind. Interesting tests ahead for all rugby aficionados...
Akari
Roar Rookie
All good points Jacko, Ralph and ThugbyFan and thanks for filling in the gaps that I'd need to refocus on. And totally agree, woodart.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
What a load of rubbish. Had the money that existed now been around in their time, Dwyer and McQueen would both have considered coaching England. The difference is that Eddie is younger and still an active coach in the era of bigger money. McQueen is a decade older and has his own business interests here. Dwyer two decades older. Don't go holding these guys up on a pedestal because they were in a different time and different circumstances. Daryl Gibson is an ex Crusaders player and coach but I don't here the Cantabs having a sook that he coaches against them. Probably because they're self aware enough to realise they don't want him. You're just dirty because you dislike Eddie here, and want him to fail and be a pariah, not have any success elsewhere.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks Brett... ALB should be playing for the Blues... *S*
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
...'who to leave out'
bigbaz
Roar Guru
It was something to behold Moa , you sure EJ didn't get to that Kiwi pack
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Oui Oui, Chook, the young Frogs did play well, especially in the forwards, heaven forbid. Yep, & congrats to them.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
Ledesma is from Curupayti, originally a (close to) Porteño. The influence of the city. Maybe this is why he accepts psychologists. ?
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Jaguares have that kind of help, DH has said that he does not believe in that.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
Don't forget that the Irish will try to kick behind Folau and not in front of him. Or not kick at all. Kicking low and behind when it rains may make it difficult for the defense. I am sure the Irish will have a different tactic this time around. But I don't know which option they will take more. Run and keep or kick low. Maybe a combination. I also think that Koroibete will get to practice catching too.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
The Hourcade/Pumas/Jaguares issue is one of those intractable, incomprehensible, conundrums that only Agentines can navigate. But the Spaniards did an Argie one at the Soccer World Cup by firing their coach 2 days before the tournament starts. So there is hope that eventually, someone (you know who) will notice the ship is clearly below the flotation mark and get rid of DH. He had to do it with Tati Phelan, too late too, and eventually will be done here. I am amazed that a society (Buenos Aires in particular) that has the highest number of psychologists per population (after NYC) won't find one for the team. But DH is from Tucuman. Maybe he has a different view.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
freddieffer, ALB will be a senior soon, at 23 he has 23 caps already, by the end of 2019, he could have chalked up mid 40's in caps by the time he is 24 ... amazing
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Ralph, I'm pretty sure Goodhue will be good enough .... just that ALB is 'proven' ... 23 caps now under his belt and he only turned 23 a couple of months back.. He also covers both 12 and 13 so thaats a major plus. Goodhue is same age as ALB (a couple of months younger) at 23. Looks a lot more solid than ALB, though reported to be only 2 kilos heaver at 98 Kgs. To think of Laumape, Jordi Barrett, Aso, Proctor, Thomson, SBW, Crotty, ALB, Goodhue, R Ioane (perhaps from 2019) and a few more that will emerge, all trying to get into the 2 midfield places. It is almost obscene the depth in the midfield ... all trying to get into the squad... how does that work given there are only two starting positions plus the bench?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks Thugby ... I think if SBW plays at 12, Crotty will be at 13, ALB to the bench as cover. Hansen appears to favour that choice. ALB and Goodhue are young guys, they will be part of the evolution of the midfield post RWC 2019, but they are only 2 of a pretty jammed up midfield. Like the South Africans have plenty of depth in their 2nd row, NZ's cup runneth over at the moment in the back three and midfield .... its more of the "who to leave ou Your Wallabies are on the rise, the top 23 will be very competitive with any country in the world. Many don't want to see that, but it is something I truly believe. I'll be attending all three Bleds this year hopefully including the third in Japan (that will be confirmed over the next week or two). I'm expecting a real tough series (RC too!). A lot of Kiwis I think have underrated the Wallabies, who won the last encounter between the Trans-Tasman rivals. The second match last year in Dunedin could have gone either way ... Geez man, we could have (almost) lost the Bledisloe Cup last year! Sorry not sure I caught up with the post re French Ref for the 3rd Irish test, which thread/article was that posted on? ...