Close Menu
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Blues
    • Chiefs
    • Crusaders
    • Fijian Drua
    • Highlanders
    • Hurricanes
    • Moana Pasifika
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Six Nations
  • Women’s
  • Sevens
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Friday’s Rugby News.

May 9, 2025

Lions Squad Named Tonight.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
Latest News
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Lions Squad Named Tonight.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown
  • Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news
  • Dementia and CTE: differences, similarities and impact
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #68: that was certainly unpredictable.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – adults running the show
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 12 — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • The Dropped Kick-Off 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose
  • Hump Day News – in from the side
  • New Wallabies coach finally confirmed!
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News – 29 April 2025
  • Your G&GR Wallabies Squad.
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #67: another cracking round of Super Rugby Pacific – ANZAC Day style.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 11 — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • Nutta on a Thursday – ANZAC 2025
  • Culture club.
Green & Gold Rugby
0 Shopping Cart
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies

    Tuesday’s Rugby News

    February 25, 2025

    G&GR readers hate Australians?

    February 23, 2025

    Schmidt extends Wallabies tenure through TRC as search for head coach successor begins

    February 6, 2025

    Tickets on sale for blockbuster Wallaroos and Wallabies home Tests

    February 5, 2025

    Tuesday’s Rugby News, 4 February 2025

    February 4, 2025
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Blues
    3. Chiefs
    4. Crusaders
    5. Fijian Drua
    6. Highlanders
    7. Hurricanes
    8. Moana Pasifika
    9. NSW Waratahs
    10. Queensland Reds
    11. Western Force
    12. View All

    Brumbies lob first grenade.

    March 19, 2025

    Hoodoo Gurus: Brumbies beat Blues.

    March 8, 2025

    Super Rugby Women’s Team List: Trial Match v Queensland Reds

    February 5, 2025

    Brumbies and Raiders combine for ANZAC weekend fixtures

    February 4, 2025

    Sotutu Returns to Boost Blues for Highlanders Clash

    February 19, 2025

    MG Motor Joins Blues as Official Vehicle Partner

    February 13, 2025

    Tu’ungafasi Celebrates 150th Cap as Blues Unleash Star-Studded Line-Up at Eden Park Opener

    February 12, 2025

    Blues Team Up with Gerard Roofs for a Strong 2025 Season Partnership

    February 11, 2025

    Chiefs Prepare for Crusaders Clash: Brown’s Debut and Tupaea’s Milestone

    February 19, 2025

    Chiefs’ All Blacks Set for Pre-Season Action Against Moana Pasifika

    February 6, 2025

    Chiefs Unveil New Talent Ahead of Taranaki Pre-Season Clash

    January 30, 2025

    Chiefs’ Rising Star Wallace Sititi Sidelined After Knee Surgery

    January 25, 2025

    Crusaders Ready to Kick Off Pre-Season with Blues Battle in Kirwee

    January 30, 2025

    Crusaders Partner with Moa Brewing Company to Elevate Fan Experience

    January 23, 2025

    Jamie Hannah Commits to Crusaders Until 2028

    January 23, 2025

    Crusaders 2025 Tickets Now Available!

    January 23, 2025

    Fijian Drua to Host Rugby FCLA in Historic Fiji Showdown

    January 20, 2025

    Highlanders Set for Home Opener Against Blues

    February 19, 2025

    Waratahs edge Highlanders in thrilling season opener

    February 16, 2025

    Highlanders Announce Squad for Season Opener Against Waratahs

    February 12, 2025

    Highlanders Gear Up for Waitangi Day Showdown Against Crusaders

    February 4, 2025

    Xavier Numia Commits to Hurricanes Through 2027

    January 29, 2025

    Hurricanes Brew Up Partnership with Flight Coffee for 2025 Season

    January 28, 2025

    Hurricanes Poua Swap Rugby Boots for Riding Boots at Hutt Valley RDA

    January 16, 2025

    Match Review: Qld Reds v Moana Pacifika — Rd2 2025

    February 21, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 3, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 2, 2025

    Moana Pasifika Set to Face Highlanders in Pre-Season Opener

    January 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Tahs best Brumbies.

    March 22, 2025

    Isaac Kailea re-signs with RA.

    March 21, 2025

    U18s & U20s Tahs sides named.

    March 14, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    Reds break drought.

    March 22, 2025

    Tom ‘The Laser’ Lynagh: Its the vibe.

    March 22, 2025

    Caslick to start in Reds #100th.

    March 19, 2025

    Force out-Brumby the Brumbies 45-42.

    February 22, 2025

    Jeremy Williams Re-Signs with Western Force for Two More Years

    February 6, 2025

    Club captain Jeremy Williams re-commits to Western Force with new deal

    February 6, 2025

    Western Force Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Brumbies Pre-Season Clash

    February 5, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

    March 24, 2025

    Live: SRP ladder

    March 22, 2025
  • Six Nations

    Six Nations round 4

    March 8, 2025

    Tree Irish legends call time

    February 28, 2025

    Frogs flog Italy.

    February 24, 2025

    Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

    February 23, 2025

    Poms pinch it.

    February 23, 2025
  • Women’s

    More in store for Qld women’s comp.

    March 21, 2025

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – progress mixed in with some injustice

    November 21, 2024

    Yowie on the Loose: How long until test rugby restarts?

    October 15, 2024

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #50: limited rugby, but plenty of news

    October 14, 2024
  • Sevens

    G&GR team’s podcast, Ireland and done

    December 2, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – US edition marketing the game, Perry Baker, Super Rugby my new dawn.

    October 17, 2024

    Sevens Olympic Heaven!

    July 18, 2024

    Thursday’s Rugby News

    July 4, 2024
  • Podcast

    The Dropped Kick-Off 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose

    April 30, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 151 – did we mention we like the Tahs?

    April 18, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 150 – Angry Italian Hand Gestures 🤌 🤌

    April 10, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 149 – RIP Val Kilmer

    April 4, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 148 – Sprained Ankles and Tah Road Rage

    March 27, 2025
Green & Gold Rugby
Home»Rugby»Austin’s TN1 Match Review and Statistics
Rugby

Austin’s TN1 Match Review and Statistics

Scott AllenBy Scott AllenJuly 26, 201143 Comments
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

After an ordinary start to the 2011 international season against Samoa, the Wallabies bounced back with an improved performance against the Springboks in TN1 on the weekend.

There’s no doubt the introduction of some of the players rested for the game against Samoa made a big difference but the match also offered a chance for some of the players from that game against Samoa to show they’ve got more to offer the Wallabies than they managed the week before.

Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor were the high profile stars who grabbed much of the attention in the match with their dazzling attack. Digby Ioane didn’t have his most brilliant game in attack but we all know what he’s capable of, and if the five amigos click on the same day the scoreboard attendant will be busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

It took just ten minutes for the Wallabies to show us what might be possible and score their first two tries, with the five amigos combining brilliantly. In that time the Springboks started five possessions — the first two ended with a high kick to the mid-field, two ended with a dropped ball and one in a turnover at the breakdown. The Boks showed little imagination in attack but that was partly due to the pressure exerted by the Wallabies all over the field. It was 23 minutes before the Wallabies missed their first tackle and they missed just seven in the entire first half.

Of course the five amigos can’t show us their tricks unless the forwards set a platform by winning the physical battle in the tackle and at the breakdown. Last week against Samoa they did neither and then it really didn’t matter who was playing behind a badly beaten pack. This week the forwards outpointed the Springboks in the set pieces and won the battle at the breakdown. This gave Will Genia quick ball and he used it to continue his sublime 2011 form.

This year one of the new statistics we’ll be showing you is Workrate — involvements (carries, tackles and breakdown involvements) compared to minutes played — to give you an idea of who’s doing the work, particularly in the forwards. While the measurement doesn’t recognise work done off the ball or measure the quality of the involvements, it’s a useful guide to who’s setting that all-important platform.

The starting front row put their hands up after all having a quiet performance against Samoa. Sekope Kepu and Ben Alexander did a lot of work at the breakdown and Alexander was near the top of the tackle count with 16. When I watched the game live I thought Stephen Moore had a good game and watching it again I haven’t changed my opinion. However, with 8 carries, 8 tackles and 10 involvements in the breakdown in his 60 minutes of game time, he needs to lift his Workrate a little. His figure of 0.43 is a little behind Kepu’s at 0.48, with both well short of Ben Alexander at 0.63.  It was pleasing to see such a good performance from Alexander as I’d started to wonder whether he could regain his best form.

The Reds lock combination of Rob Simmons and James Horwill were really good. They did plenty of work, with   Horwill’s Workrate of 0.70 second only to David Pocock (0.78) from the starting pack. Nathan Sharpe kept up that trend when he came on for Horwill with a Workrate of 0.71 in his 24 minutes. It should be no surprise that with the locks getting so involved, the Wallabies controlled the Springbok forwards so well.

Having Pocock in the pack this week made a significant difference. He is consistently good and this match was no exception. Rocky Elsom looks like he’s starting to get some form back as his match fitness improves, but Ben McCalman had a quiet game with a Workrate of only 0.46. If the Wallabies are to progress to the business end of the World Cup later this year we need our number eight doing a lot more work. In particular, we need more than just 4 carries from a player in such a key ball-carrying position.

Of the other replacement forwards, Matt Hodgson had a Workrate of 1.00 with 15 involvements in his 15 minutes on the field and we can ignore Scott Higginbotham’s 0.46 as he spent most of his on-field time on the wing.

Click on the icon in the column headings to sort the data in the tables.

Game MinsCarriesTotal Tackles MadeTotal Breakdown InvolvementsTotal InvolvementsWorkrate
Total649441142263840.59
Sekope Kepu80-1028380.48
Stephen Moore608810260.43
Ben Alexander8051629500.63
Rob Simmons8041730510.64
James Horwill568823390.7
Rocky Elsom564620300.54
David Pocock6561431510.78
Ben McCalman8041320370.46
Saia Faingaa20139130.65
Pek Cowan912360.67
Nathan Sharpe24-611170.71
Scott Higginbotham24335110.46
Matt Hodgson15-87151

After last week’s performance against Samoa I was a little concerned with the performances of centres Pat McCabe and Adam Ashley-Cooper . While McCabe went about his work in a tradesman-like manner against Samoa I was concerned that he may be a little one-dimensional in attack, and AAC looked to be still struggling to find form after an ordinary season with the Brumbies. This week they looked a lot better in attack and their defence was robust. Some of their improved performance in attack resulted just from playing outside Quade Cooper, but they also looked a lot more comfortable. There are definitely the makings of a good mid-field there outside Cooper.

Looking at some other key statistics:

  • The Wallabies won 91% of their own lineouts whereas the Springboks only managed 79%.
  • The Wallabies won 83% of their own scrums while restricting the Springboks to 80%.
  • Turnovers achieved at the breakdown were 5 for the Wallabies and 2 for the Springboks.
  • The Wallabies missed 24 tackles for the match, with 17 of those in the second half when some of the intensity went out of their game.
  • This produced an 88% tackle completion rate for the match.
  • I rated 15% of the Wallabies tackles as being dominant. I’m sure the coaches will be aiming to lift that to above 20% as the season progresses, with a target of up to 25%.
  • James O’Connor’s 86% goal-kicking success rate was a great start to the international season.

One area I’m sure Robbie Deans wouldn’t be happy about is the Wallabies’ failure to go on with the job in this game. There was a noticeable drop-off in intensity once they’d established a 39–6 lead and even though some of that relates to the use of replacements, we actually need the fresh replacements to be adding something when they come on, not taking it away. That’s one area where the Reds were really good in 2011 and is something the Wallabies will need to develop as the season progresses.

The other area I’m sure Robbie Deans wasn’t happy about is the related issue of wasted attacking opportunities. The Wallabies lost possession 20 times during the match — that’s 36 per cent of the times they started a possession sequence. The concern with those possession losses was that many they came when the Wallabies were in good position to score and resulted from pushed passes, when the better option would have been to retain the ball, recycle it, and seek another scoring opportunity on subsequent phases. These wasted opportunities have nothing to do with a lack of skill and I wouldn’t want to see a conservative wet blanket applied to the Wallabies attack to reduce errors, but there could be a better balance with a little more patience shown.

To see our detailed statistics for the team and the players, click on these icons:

We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

💬 Have you got a news article suggestion? Submit a story and have your say
👀 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.com
🎵 Listen to our Podcasts on Spotify and iTunes
🎥 Watch our Podcasts on YouTube


Analysis james oconnor. springboks kurtley beale Opinion quade cooper Rugby statistics Statistics tri-nations Wallabies will genia
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleWINNER: Predict the Score 3N game 1
Next Article Video Analysis: Ben Alexander v. Springboks
Scott Allen
  • X (Twitter)

Scott is one of our regular contributors from the old days of G&GR. He has experience coaching Premier Grade with two clubs in Brisbane.

Related Posts

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025

Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news

May 7, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News

May 6, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #68: that was certainly unpredictable.

May 5, 2025
Latest

Friday’s Rugby News.

May 9, 2025

Lions Squad Named Tonight.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025

Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news

May 7, 2025
1 2 3 … 2,595 Next
Latest Super Rugby

Reds top of the pops.

March 29, 2025

More Tahs misery.

March 29, 2025

Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

March 24, 2025

Live: SRP ladder

March 22, 2025
1 2 3 … 790 Next
Latest Six Nations

Six Nations round 4

March 8, 2025

Tree Irish legends call time

February 28, 2025

Frogs flog Italy.

February 24, 2025

Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

February 23, 2025
1 2 3 … 25 Next
GAGR Podcast
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Rising rally to overrun Queensland Country

September 4, 2016

Waratahs young leaders to shine

January 18, 2017

Eight ANGRY Observations from tonight’s game

June 18, 2016
New Comments
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Rod Finnegan on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2025 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.