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There are any number of reasons why the All Blacks are too good for the Wallabies at the moment. This includes fitness, skills, the coaching at national, Super and pathway level, basic skill errors and a lack of rugby smarts.
The European Aquatics Championships have just finished. This has given us a much better idea of how Australia is placed ahead of the Rio Olympics.
The Aussies look surprisingly well placed for a strong performance in this series, starting with the first Test in Chennai.
It’s only 60 days until the start of the Olympic Track and Field program. Four meets into the Diamond League series, it’s a good time to start having a look at some of the main events as a prelude to the Games.
Without commenting specifically about what the team should be for Perth, this article looks beyond this series, up to around the next Ashes series in England in mid-2013.
I have been very concerned by reports and assumptions in the last 24 hours that, with Simon Katich out for the series, Phil Hughes will logically come in to replace him. Ricky Ponting said as much yesterday, and news reports have confirmed this.
Was it Ikitau who backpedalled, drifted off the ball carrier when he passed, then covered the outside 2 guys and ended up bundling the winger into touch? If so, that was smart play and I should be watching this more (though the focus of the article was on SA).
Also note how much cover defence we had coming across.
Coach’s Corner Issue 27: Who is really the number one team in the world?
True. As is bringing on a calm and experienced head off the bench, to help close out a game.
Coach’s Corner Issue 27: Who is really the number one team in the world?
Has he been keeping his mouth shut for the last couple of years?
Coach’s Corner Issue 27: Who is really the number one team in the world?
If hodge starts JOC can be on the bench covering 10-12-13-15
Coach’s Corner Issue 27: Who is really the number one team in the world?
Agreed Samu has really given us punch off the bench. If it’s a straight swap Swinton-McMahon, it is a short back row with no major jumpers. McMahon and Samu are good for their height, but they’re both only around 6’1 (185cm).
WALLABIES TEAM: Leota the No.6 bolter, McMahon overlooked, Hodge starts and JOC on bench
I still think assuming he understands the positioning (which can surely be taught to an extent) and has a decent boot (which I think he does), Petaia is a better long term option. Hodge is ok if he can catch high balls. Kellway is short and Korioibete not known for it, so we could get peppered a bit.
It would help Petaia to play a bit of 15 for Qld – or a lot.
WALLABIES TEAM: Leota the No.6 bolter, McMahon overlooked, Hodge starts and JOC on bench
If you bring in McMahon for Swinton – it is certainly not going to slow down our tempo…
How the Springboks hit an English speed bump at Suncorp
Faf was off side and it was cynical. He didn’t complain.
How the Springboks hit an English speed bump at Suncorp
Geez biltong – reading through this comment, it looks like many post-game comments we Wallaby supporters have made about our team for the last few years.
How the Springboks hit an English speed bump at Suncorp
Looked like a face slap type thing, that happened to catch Cooper in the eye. I don’t know that it was a deliberate gouge, but deliberate contact to the face for sure.
UPDATED: Springbok CLEARED as citing dismissed for brutal Kerevi clean out
Also the game wasn’t over when it happened anyway. We still had to kick the ball out.
WATCH: Jasper Wiese cited for Kerevi clear out shocker
McMahon can perform that role at the front. Not as well as Swinton, but not far off. McMahon has power and can get off the ground fast.
A bullet pass from a lock, and other wonders from the Wallabies’ Brisbane win
True. The no look nature of it meant the defender was drawn on Tupou, not worrying about the others (which happens when the ball carrier is looking sideways).
A bullet pass from a lock, and other wonders from the Wallabies’ Brisbane win
Yeah shoulder direct to head (first contact), with force. I couldn’t see why it was given a yellow at the time.
UPDATED: Springbok CLEARED as citing dismissed for brutal Kerevi clean out
Great stuff. He is clearly thriving, and we keep him for another 2 years.
Who are the other Brumbies we really want to keep? How long are they locked up for?
– Ala’alatoa
– Swain
– Frost
– Samu
– Valetini
– White
– Lolesio
– Banks
– Wright
– Lonergans
– Slipper
– Neville
– Simone and Muirhead too I guess, though not looking potential Wallabies at this stage
'I thought someone was taking the p---': Ikitau's classic response to meteoric Wallabies rise
Couldn’t believe it was a yellow at the time – shoulder direct to head, first contact, with force. Didn’t affect the game.
WATCH: Jasper Wiese cited for Kerevi clear out shocker
Good point re maul defence – a good one for Nick.
Also, don’t forget Hodge did 2 poor things late in the first game. He was poorly positioned for the Hooper pass then kicked aimlessly when we needed to punch deep into SA territory with possession.
Get your questions in for Issue 27 of Coach's Corner
Yeah that one on QC – the Bok reserve prop clearly played at Quade’s face. Had to be a penalty at the very least, likely yellow.
And Kerevi’s was clear shoulder direct to head, plain as day. Don’t ask me how that wasn’t red.
The Wrap: Wallabies rocket ahead while the Springboks are lost in space
You live in the inner west chook?
By the way, Aussies lacking serious grunt players too – Arnold, Skelton and Ala’alatoa spring to mind.
The Wrap: Wallabies rocket ahead while the Springboks are lost in space
That’s not what he said though.
The Wrap: Wallabies rocket ahead while the Springboks are lost in space
Geoff are you saying Erasmus watched the Lions series from the sidelines and ran onto the field during a game, as if he was running water? I didn’t see the series.
At junior rugby this isn’t actually allowed and I’ve never seen it in seniors.
The Wrap: Wallabies rocket ahead while the Springboks are lost in space
And some serious power in the centres.
MATCH REPORT: 'Box office' Thor hammers South Africa as Wallabies charge to famous victory
A few random thoughts.
– Bell should start ahead of Slipper
– I’d have Fainga’a ranked 3rd or 4th hoooker. I’m happy with Uelese and Kaitu’u.
– Swinton needs a break from starting. McMahon creates line out issues but I’d like to see it. What other options are there? Wilson? Naisarani has gone overseas I think.
– what’s with the Bok wing (11) Mapimpi? It looks like he’s trying to start fights with every involvement
– Hodge can’t really stay at 15 after that. Give Petaia the shot. He has the skill set – I think his boot is up to it. Alternatively JOC who is smaller for the high ball.
So I’d change our starters at 1, 2, 6 and 15 (forced).
MATCH REPORT: 'Box office' Thor hammers South Africa as Wallabies charge to famous victory
In soccer/football – world champion always means the winner of the last World Cup.
I might be in the minority but I have no issue with SA calling themselves world champions. They are, till someone else takes the title.
Coach’s Corner Issue 27: Who is really the number one team in the world?