'Run-on debut like no other': Junior Wallabies flyer announces himself to the world after stunning hat-trick
In 15 minutes, Tim Ryan didn’t just put a smile on Joe Schmidt’s face, he announced himself to the Australian public by scoring a…
Having led the Wallabies’ dominant scrummaging performance against England, Ben Alexander says the pack is set for another big challenge against Italy this weekend.
Alexander returned from a wrist injury in the 20-14 win over England at Twickenham last weekend, where he helped restore pride in the Wallabies’ pack one week after they were dismantled by France.
The Brumbies tighthead crushed England’s Joe Marler at Twickenham with the loose head copping a warning from the referee for poor binds before he was replaced early in the second half.
While he was satisfied with his return match and the performance of the scrum, Alexander is now back to work and bracing for the Italian Test in Florence on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
“We increased our focus and put a much bigger emphasis on it (for England) and it’s going to be the same again against Italy,” Alexander said.
“You watch a lot their games, even more so than the English, they’ll just hold it in and try and drive and force those penalties.
“Every opportunity they get they really look to their scrum to give them access into the game and to get them on the front foot.”
The last time Australia played in Florence was in 2010 and the Italians gave them a scare before the Wallabies pulled away late to win 32-14.
“They look to the scrum as a big confidence booster,” he said.
“When the scrum goes well they all seem to grow a few feet and the confidence flows in other parts of their game.
“We’re focused on taking that away from their game.”
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.
In 15 minutes, Tim Ryan didn’t just put a smile on Joe Schmidt’s face, he announced himself to the Australian public by scoring a…
Written off ahead of the weekend in several quarters, the Crusaders have responded with full vengeance after smashing the fourth-placed Rebels 39-0 in an…
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
As calls grow for the entire Rugby Australia board to be overthrown, new chairman Daniel Herbert described the agitators behind the movement as hypocrites…
Three things in the world of rugby have caught my eye this week, and got me thinking very hard about the way forward, and…
Amid a week of soul-searching for Stephen Larkham’s men, the Brumbies have received a massive boost ahead of Saturday’s home clash against the ladder-leading…