Anything new in the latest England versus Australia test? Well, maybe.
History is history and it worked again for England! As for Australia, as ever they remain the more creative team.
England’s scrum will be the subject of much coach analysis worldwide after their performance against Australia. The loose-head and 7 will be the focus.
Pressure will be heaped on the IRB and referees to police the front rows in accordance with the laws. McCaw started it with his ability to slide forward, but at one point on Saturday Robshaw was almost scrumming in the opposite direction, so far had he come round. In world terms Graham Rowntree is ahead of the rest – he has a private club of front rowers who “can handle” it (the dark arts that is).
Can England win a World Cup this way, or will the referees determine their fate? More from England will be needed if they are to win the World Cup and I like Lancaster’s honesty and realism. But what else can we take from this game?
- We now know that running an inside line from left to right, or out to in, creates a natural support line, clearly seen in Morgan’s first try. This line of attacking the inside shoulder has been the hallmark of All Black rugby for years and can be used in all areas of the field – in forwards or backs play.
- Watson is exciting but needs lots of work on running under’s lines 2 v 2.
- England’s left to right attack will have put paid to Farrell at 12 or 13. They were poor in this area, didn’t run forward first and might be better suited to turning the ball back inside to the blind side support winger?
- Good teams learn how to beat your defensive structure and Australia did this, finding England’s inside support lazy. You always have to work hard on the inside in defence as it’s what you don’t see coming that is the real threat.
- Morgan was rightly man of the match but not for the stuff we know he can do, more for some of his cover defence tackling, especially the one on Adam Ashley-Cooper in the second half. Lawes cover tackled well also.
- Robshaw was more focussed and targeted the ball at the tackle contest better in this game. England’s driving, possession-based game nullified Hooper’s effectiveness.
- Greater composure is needed when England pass the ball under pressure. Freeze in the moment, trap the technique, and let it work for you.
- Ford, Barritt, Tuilagi has a directness that will suit England’s forward style.
- All International teams are offside during phase play. Referees are confused between line-speed and offside. I expect referees to tighten up in this area and once again Hartley was the offender, crucially after England had just scored. Greater discipline is needed.
So where does this leave Australia? Unlike 95% of Australians I like a lot of what they do and where they are 10 months out from the World Cup.
- They find ways to create tries and breakdown defences. Foley’s try was a case in point.
- They have numerous back-line options. Kuridrani at 12 and Adam Ashley-Cooper at 13 has some followers.
- Genia, O’Connor, Beale, Cooper and even Giteau could all make the starting backline.
- The return of Moore, Pocock, Polota-Nau, Fardy, Sio and Timani will strengthen the forwards squad.
- Will Skelton will be ready for World Cup 2015? Cheika will see to that!
- Australia are a smart rugby playing nation. Their finances and administration may not be too crash hot at the moment but they have the nous to prepare squads. No stone will be left un-turned in preparation.
A long way to go but I’m having a crafty bet on a repeat of the 1991 final, be great odds?
Just one last thing; when Wales rave about the defensive performance of their fly-half you know they have problems.
