Ash
Michael Lynagh (62)
I think it's pretty well accepted that McCabe is a limited player, but he does what he does pretty well. I thought he looked good against the Rebels, doing what he does best (tackling and getting the team on the front foot).
Cummins looked great on his return from injury a few weeks back.
Regarding Cummins, yes he did, then didn't he miss the next game though injury?
McCabe did well in what he did against the Rebels, but the weakened Rebels and Lions will be very, very different propositions. Recall McCabe vs Ireland in the 2011 World Cup. I have no problem with what McCabe does well, it is those extra things he needs to do that worry me. If he provides a one-dimensional threat, he is easily marked. (And to be fair McCabe has shown he can do them - his distribution in 2011 was not bad for the Brumbies, but that has not been on show in 2013.)
If I was the Lions, I would be thinking seriously about the following tactics:
- cut down time and space on Genia (easier said than done, but some teams have contained him in Wallaby colours).
- put pressure on the fullback (if Beale or Barnes), paritcularly with high balls, don't kick to Folau if he's playing. I'd focus on Barnes because I'd have a question about his match fitness, and Beale because I'd have a question about his form and headspace. If either is at fullback for the Wallabies, I'd want them working hard from time dot.
- have a quick up and in defence on JOC (James O'Connor), that drifts when JOC (James O'Connor) drifts off the ball. JOC (James O'Connor)'s play at 10 usually consists of two things: short passing (both outside and inside), and following the ball to get the second touch. The first is easily checked, but for the second defenders must follow JOC (James O'Connor) and work hard to stop the overlap from the wrap.
For the Wallabies, what they can take from the Reds game is that the kick chase needs to be good for all kicks. Some of those kicks that Bowe and North ran back were well placed kicks, but they managed to run across field and field holes all too easily in the defensive line. With a better kick chase, those breaks should not happen. The Wallabies should also look to what the Reds did right in their kick chase: got their loosies and backs there quickly in numbers and blew the defenders off the ball.
Another thing the Wallabies can take is to play a physical game at the breakdown. In that department I thought the Reds were better than the Lions, particularly some counter rucks (as mentioned the kick chase).
Cut down the penalties in their own half. The Lions kickers have not missed a kick in Australia yet. This one is obvious.
Finally, get the lineout right. The Lions will likely attack their throws. In a way the loss of Timani may be useful as the Wallabies will field an extra jumper than they otherwise likely would've.