- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Opinion
In less than two weeks, the Wallabies will be getting ready to line up against the Springboks in Pretoria. This will be a great test for the Eddie Jones coached team given the Wallabies have never won there.
They went close in 2001 and 2005, but so far have never got the chocolates.
We know what to expect from the Springboks. A lot of heavy forward work, kicking in behind the Wallabies defence, and wait for the cracks to appear.
The Wallabies need to build on what they did in Adelaide last year, but just do it better. It is interesting that the Springboks outdid the Wallabies in most stats in that game except the one that counts. The scoreboard.
Let’s remember the game last year, where:
• the Wallabies ran for 280 metres vs the Bok’s 431 metres.
• the Wallabies made 4 clean breaks vs 7 for the Boks.
• the Wallabies made 4 offloads vs 11 for the Boks.
• the Wallabies missed 24 tackles vs 14 for the Boks.
• the Wallabies lost 6 lineouts vs 2 lost for the Boks.
• the Wallabies gave away 16 penalties vs 9 for the Boks.
All is not lost though, the Wallabies only conceded 10 turnovers to the Bok’s 16, and the Wallabies kicked 2/2 penalty goals while the Boks only kicked 1/3.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
So what are the areas the Wallabies need to nail to even get close to that all elusive win in Pretoria?
The first area that needs to be addressed is the lineout.
A 53% success rate is way too low. While the hooker often gets the blame for the lineout, it is often more complex than that. But let’s start there anyway.
We need a hooker that can throw straight and accurately. Unfortunately, this rules out Jordan Uelese and leaves us with Matt Faessler and Dave Porecki. Either of these should be able to do the job well enough.
Dave Porecki of the Wallabies (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Assuming Will Skelton starts, we at least need a good jumper at 5 and 6. I would have Richie Arnold calling the lineout with Jed Holloway his support crew at no.6. Is this enough though?
Securing the ball on our own throw is crucial, so I would go with another lineout option at 7, at least for the first half. Out of those in the squad, Tom Hooper would get my nod for this.
The Wallabies need to make sure they make their tackles. The Boks do not need a helping hand. The key to defence against the Boks is to be able to match them in the forwards. If their forwards can get in behind the Wallaby forwards, it becomes easy metres for them.
The no.7 will need to be strong in defence. I would have Michael Hooper over Fraser McReight for this.
Something that the Wallabies and many of the Australian SRP sides lack is the ability to make smart decisions when exiting their 22.
While Tom Wright is a good attacking fullback, some of his decisions when exiting the 22 can be poor. Again, the Wallabies need to play smart, and consider the risk/reward of different options.
If Tom Wright is given the keys, he needs to be supported by at least one winger that can get back and help him clear the ball. Assuming Marika is one wing, given he rarely kicks the second winger should be either Mark Nawaqanitawase or Andrew Kellaway.
1. James Slipper
2. Matt Faessler
3. Alan Alaalatoa
4. Will Skelton
5. Richie Arnold
6. Jed Holloway
7. Tom Hooper
8. Rob Valetini
9. Nic White
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Samu Kerevi (assuming he is fit)
13. Len Ikitau
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase
15. Tom Wright
16. Dave Porecki
17. Matt Gibbon
18. Taniela Tupou (or Zane Nonggorr if TT is not ok)
19. Nick Frost
20. Michael Hooper
21. Josh Kemeny
22. Tate McDermott
23. Reece Hodge
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.