2. Forwards
The biggest match-up between the two forward packs later tonight is the battle between Rob Simmons and Ireland’s captain Paul O’Connell, a 97 cap legend of Irish Rugby. Both men are their side’s respective lineout generals, and in a match where field position will reign supreme you can be sure that this facet of the game will be hotly contested. Three weeks ago today O’Connell’s men went up against the Springboks and came up trumps against a unit that has earned the title of “world’s best lineout”. Though O’Connell elected to not even contest Springbok godfather Victor Matfield in the air, his vast experience won his side the ball back on multiple occasions through some ingenius maul defence.
With an essential weapon in the Springbok arsenal disrupted, the Irish were able to negate one of the greatest strengths in world rugby. Rob Simmons has the task of outwitting the Irish maestro today, and it remains to be seen whether O’Connell and co will attempt to disrupt Wallaby ball in the air. Simmons has an extra inch in height as well as an extra 5 kg’s on O’Connell, not to mention the fact that the Wallaby is a full decade younger than his competition. Australia will look to deploy Rob Simmons to sniff out any opportunity to steal or disrupt Irish lineout ball possible, a task that is made considerably harder with the return of 77 cap stalwart Rory Best at Hooker from injury. Australia also will need to be mindful of the effectiveness of Ireland’s own rolling maul as that unit humiliated the Springboks on their goalline to take a 15 point lead in their fixture 3 weeks ago today.
One area where the Wallaby forwards may eke out an advantage is surprisingly the scrum. The Irish were dominated by the Springbok front row, and given the Wallabies recent scrummaging form against the ‘Boks I anticipate a reversal in fortune from last weekend’s disappointing affair. That is, until the 60 minute mark. This will be another perfect opportunity for Michael Cheika to test Tetera Faulkner as a viable alternative to Ben Alexander at tighthead before facing a world-beating English scrum next week.
With the personnel missing from the Irish pack, inconsistency in the front row and a lineout that seemingly relies on trickery to operate, the Wallaby forwards have the advantage in the set piece.
Whether or not the Wallaby forwards can best the Irish in general play is my greatest concern heading in to this match, and that’s something to watch out for.
