Australia v New Zealand - Sydney 16 Aug

[Bowside]

I think on paper this Wallaby team is pretty weak but it has the potential to play above the sum of its parts which is something the national team hasnt shown in years.

I really think the wallabies will step up to another level if Genia, Cooper, O'Connor, Moore and Pocock can get back into form and come into the 23. Not to mention Speight.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Yep, that's why I reckon we've got plenty of improvement still in us.

 

[BDA]

Unfortunately no TPN means we lose a primary ball runner and a bit of strength in the scrum. That is now where I see New Zealand having the advantage (i.e. slightly stronger scrum and slightly more physical pack).

We otherwise match up ok. No glaring weaknesses. some good backline play could easily counteract the Blacks advantage in the forwards.

 

[Scoey]

Why would Link go Hanson over Charles he had Charles in front of Hanson in the mid year tests only bringing in Hanson when Moore went down and when he was at the Reds played Saia before Hanson....

Because they are probably about as good as each other I'm guessing. Regarding who starts for the Reds between Hanson and Fainga'a, they are pretty much alternated between and have been that way for some time. I'm almost certain Charles will start but it won't be a ground breaking revelation if Hanson starts with Charles on the bench.

 

[Train Without a Station]

BDA I really don't see the loss of TPN being a strength NZ will have over us. It's the wider running of players like Read that they really perform much stronger. Palu also was performing quite well in this regard in the final as was Fardy on the EOYT. As does Hooper every game.

We are testing depth in some positions, but it's our best chance against the old enemy since around 2011 I feel.

 

[Scoey]

Probably the big difference between the Wallabies this year to that of those previous is that our threats were clear and few. This allowed sides to target them specifically and shut us down.

As others have mentioned, the 2014 Wallabies are looking more balanced. We are starting to be able to select a good team that will have multiple threats, causing oppositions to spread their defensive efforts, leaving more space for our players to use.

 

[Train Without a Station]

We also from 2011 seemed to play a very basic, limited game plan and lacked the right strengths to execute it will against quality opposition.

 

[Pfitzy]

Probably the big difference between the Wallabies this year to that of those previous is that our threats were clear and few.

Actually I reckon our fitness - particularly the Tahs players - will be miles better, too

 

[Scrubber2050]

I think the biggest DIFFERENCE between current team and years past is attitude and belief.

Australia and New Zealand are very close. Attitude, belief and the desire to win will be the difference

 

[Braveheart81]

We also from 2011 seemed to play a very basic, limited game plan and lacked the right strengths to execute it will against quality opposition.

We won the game in Brisbane through our forwards being right on top physically for the first time in a long time against the All Blacks.

We need to replicate that more often. We've now got a set of backs who should combine strong attack and defence and give us a much better chance with only parity or even a slight loss in the physical battle in the pack.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Unfortunately no TPN means we lose a primary ball runner and a bit of strength in the scrum. That is now where I see New Zealand having the advantage (i.e. slightly stronger scrum and slightly more physical pack).

We otherwise match up ok. No glaring weaknesses. some good backline play could easily counteract the Blacks advantage in the forwards.

Woodcock likely to be out, Crockett got injured on Saturday I think, so we will likely see Ben Franks (a better TH than LH) or a rookie play on the LH side.

Could get interesting if Crockett doesn't come right.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Yeah its a different balance - the 6 and 8 power versus finesse game probably cancel each other out as you've stated.

Hooper isn't the fetcher than McCaw was, but McCaw isn't the player he was at his peak either. Plus the game has moved on from 7s being specialist turnover merchants.

Loss of Carter = Loss of TPN in my opinion.

Our backline looks strong as always, but again you're talking balance of each side there.

Now that I think about it, the whole thing is pretty bloody even.

Given Moore is out I'd say the loss of TPN is a huge loss for OZ. He was in form and in my view there is a considerable step down to the next rung of Hansen, S. Finger etc.

I would rather Carter in the ABs than out, but Cruden or Barrett present us with test match ready options.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Hanson offers a slight all-round better and harder working option that TPN. We lose his dynamic play (Hard running in tight and big hits).

Whilst I'd rather TPN, I think Hanson is a good replacement in the Stephen Moore mould.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

No TPN is a big loss if it comes to pass, especially without Squeaky there either.

 

[boyo]

IMO the Wallabies are more than the sum of their parts.

 

[Bullrush]

We won the game in Brisbane through our forwards being right on top physically for the first time in a long time against the All Blacks.

We need to replicate that more often. We've now got a set of backs who should combine strong attack and defence and give us a much better chance with only parity or even a slight loss in the physical battle in the pack.

100%. Kaino being back is a huge lift for the ABs (I reckon Kaino is on track for IRB Player of the Year if he keeps up how he's been going so far) and Retallick, Owens and McCaw are very tough hard players. I still think we have an edge here.......

 

[Braveheart81]

100%. Kaino being back is a huge lift for the ABs (I reckon Kaino is on track for IRB Player of the Year if he keeps up how he's been going so far) and Retallick, Owens and McCaw are very tough hard players. I still think we have an edge here...

To be Franks, you guys should stop stealing players from the Welsh.

 

[Bullrush]

To be Franks, you guys should stop stealing players from the Welsh.

Bahahaha.....nice

 

[cyclopath]

I feel we are a lot better at lock than you guys.

That's the easiest call to make - Whitelock and Retallick are the envy of most international teams, I would say. Very classy.

 

[Train Without a Station]

5 years ago that was probably the biggest advantage we had over the All Blacks too.