There is no psychology involved in England versus the Wallabies this weekend; it has no bearing on the outcome of the World Cup final in 2015. It is merely a “position of play” at this moment in time. However the tactics employed by both teams can best be summed up by the use, not of psychology, but of words.
For the Wallabies the key words are, speed, agility, quickness, accuracy, acceleration, reaction time, vigour and tempo.
For England the key words are, strength, power, possession, denial, field position and togetherness.
Both groupings represent this moment in time!
The Wallabies despite 2 losses are playing some effective and improving rugby, and consistency is not far away. They have strike weapons in attack and a playing style that supports them. When they win quick ball or turn over ball they can react quickly and go forward to score tries.
England have lived for too long on the defeat of the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2013. Since then they have performed poorly. The current team performance is deteriorating within games! It started at half time in the first fixture against The All Blacks; failed to cope with the technical competence of the Springboks and looked laboured and tired against The Samoans.
Selection is a major factor, more for England than Australia. England do not have a settled back line and the key position of 10 is up for grabs. Add to that 12, and a current 12 playing at 13 and you see the problem. They are not a cohesive unit. It is hard to see them troubling Australia.
Culturally at times like this England fall back and rely on historical truths, be it wartime or rugby time. When England has its back to the wall, it finds a way. I suspect England’s tactics will mirror the past. Driving mauls, close quarter play, kicks to the corners and box kicks. They will have noted how keen Henry Speight is to come off his wing and the failure of The Wallabies to deal with the high ball. They may not have noticed that if you run inside shoulder lines and stay on your feet you can nullify Michael Hooper’s effectiveness, great player that he is.
Australia are playing better than all the other nations apart from one, in playing down the 13 channel. Their third try against Ireland the perfect example. If England focus too heavily on Folau in this area it may be to the benefit of others. I expect Australia to play as they have been. Make England cover some ground, isolate their big forwards in mid-field and attack them on instinct. Beale coming off the wing critical in this area – if picked there?
Courage is the hallmark of great players and great teams. If you have to score a try from your own line to win then so be it. If it’s on to score a try from your own line then so be it. The scoreboard has no part to play in this game and the team that ignores it will be the one that triumphs.
Australia are better equipped to do this and at risk of not being allowed back into the country I expect Australia to outscore England and win. Two factors remain. One is the weather and the other is the referee. I can guarantee you Jerome Garces from France but not the weather.
For your considerations:
- England to win on penalties.
- Australia to score more tries and lose.
- Australia to win easily 3 tries to 1.
- A draw 15 each.
- England to have an “All Black day” and win by 30.
I’m close to 3.
