We’ve actually got something GOOD to talk about in this week’s edition of Coach’s Corner! The Wallabies’ epic win over the Springboks on Sunday night was one of their finest in recent history: and if you’re anything like us, you’re chomping at the bit to see what our experts have to say about the effort.
In case you’re new to the Corner: every Friday, The Roar’s resident rugby expert, Nick Bishop, is on deck to answer all your rugby-related questions.
Miss the latest issue of Coach’s Corner? Catch up right here!
Whether it’s Quade Cooper proving he’s still a world-class number ten on his gold jersey, Andrew Kellaway continuing his rise into stardom or Nic White kicking world rugby’s first 50/22, the highlights were boundless for the Wallabies on the weekend.
Can we dare to dream of a series win? Does Cooper’s stunning return put James O’Connor’s job in jeopardy? And were there any unsung heroes that deserve more credit?
Elsewhere, the All Blacks continued on their merry way with a 39-0 thumping of a still-impressive Argentina. If you haven’t seen the footage of THAT Beauden Barrett pass, find a way to do so. Is The Rugby Championship all but sewn up already?
Get your questions in bright and early on these three topics, or indeed anything else from the world of rugby that has left you searching for an answer. Then come back later in the week to get your response from the Coach!
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yes I had heard that Slipper might cover TH, that makes sense. I hope Pone develops at scrum time because he has the other physical tools to be a solid player.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Suspect we'll see Tupou start and Slipper shift to bench TH. AAA on paternity, Fa'amausili injured. They've got Holmes and Robertson in the squad so Tom would be the next option but I think they'd prefer to play him at LH rather than toss him back in on the right.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
I thought he over extended on a couple occasions but on another couple Frans looked to be going straight down and we got penned which confused me a bit. His improvement at scrummaging is fantastic though for such a young prop. Side note, with AAA gone, who do you see as TH other than Tupou playing big minutes.
piru
Roar Rookie
You know, we've all (rightly) been lauding Cooper for his game management, goal kicking and nerves of steel, but not a lot has been said about that last Wallaby scrum that splintered the Boks to give White the chance at the ball and draw the penalty. This was a moment Wallabies teams would, in recent times, have gone to pieces, conceded a penalty, gone backwards whatever - but they hung in there, muscled up and physically smashed the mythological Springbok pack. Not really a question I suppose, take it as a comment
biltong
Guest
No worries mate, whenever it suits you.
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Nick id say JOC from the bench as he is returning from a long lay off to the field..also the last time JOC played 13 must have been 3 or 4years ago...JOC is slower now as well for the 15 position...DR needs to rotate the work load between JOC and QC so no need to start them both regularly..
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Nick..it just seems to me that the skill set of Tate mcD is more suited to play against a team like France..all blacks..Scotland while a nick white type of player is more suited to play against boklings and the other NH giants like England..etc...as it was no surprise why Tate struggle
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
True, but they are still very healthily in credit :stoked:
Phil
Roar Rookie
Le Roux’s wasn’t a happy trade off - he got 10 in the bin!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Big Frans prob got the rub of the green from the ref!
Bodger
Roar Rookie
I think they also transferred the ball back when in the air as well on more than one occasion.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Malherbe was over extending I thought and couldn't stay up. Getting a initial shove and then collapsing because of poor technique shouldn't be rewarded.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
That's interesting as I thought the Wallabies were better in the first half and played a lot in their own half under pressure from the Boks in the second half. Having a 9 that will run certainly puts a bit of hesitation into a rush defence around the rucks. Tate's first game against the Boks. White was good in the second half, really worked the ref well but has to be doubts whether him starting would net the same results against the Boks rush defence.
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
Yes, I realised as I was out taking the COVID infested air that I had not been even handed - over extending hardly be isolated to Bell. Many thanks, looking forward to it.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Look forward to it. Thanks Nick.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I won't be able to include the breakdown this Friday, poss next week instead :stoked:
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
It will have to wait at least one more week by the looks BB!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I think he did very well SW, and we'll look at some scrums on Friday!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Full discussion on Friday Jez :happy: The young man did very well!
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
Rather late to the party and you might feel it isn't your area, but I am interested in looking at Slipper and Bell as looseheads. I felt at times that Bell got caught out over extending (which really puts him down low, where the tight head likes to go) and also his outside leg looked, at times like it was not well positioned to help him drive and get support. I really want people to love the scrum and to see it as more than an annoying way of restarting.