Apart from the obvious (must start better, must have right attitude and intensity, dominate the tackle and collisions, must dominate them at set-piece etc.. etc.), what tactics will sway outcome in Wallaby favor if we assume parity at set-piece?
On Defense: I'd argue strongly that Wallabies do not simply increase line speed, but vary it aggressively. Carter is no mug; he manages the game better than any other 10 and orchestrates the attack based upon what the defense is giving him (second man option for width, inside balls to hold drift and take advantage of set-piece dominance, little dinks behind the fast rushing defensive line esp. if cover has been tied down at scrum or breakdown). So, I'd like Fainga'a to call the defense and line speed based on the quality of NZ ball, and even then change it up. Apart from Carter, Nonu is key and seems to be getting more touches in the game than ever before; he really has stepped it up and invariably he delivers quality go forward ball off his charges, but he still has a tendency to make his decisions early and so defense needs to focus in on when he gets ball and collapse upon him.
On attack: NZ wanted Aus to go wide last time and effectively limited Cooper’s options in close. NZ could do so because they achieved supremacy upfront and always seemed to have the extra man because they also dominated collisions. The Wallabies must get the ball in the hands of their more dominant ball carriers early in phase play to ensure front foot ball and to get NZ to commit more players on their defensive ball; this was a primary failure in the last meeting. Palu and TPN will be critical to Wallaby success in the WC even if I think it’s too early for Palu. Moore, Kepu, Elsom, Horwill must all be stronger carriers and everyone else must get in behind to support at the breakdown. As the game unfolds opportunity and mismatches will emerge. Wallabies need to be methodical, patient and not push that extra pass.
