dru
David Wilson (68)
Yeah well. Thanks for that.
Wallabies v Italy
- Thread starter RugbyReg
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Yeah well. Thanks for that.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
At half time on the recording, very happy with Tupou, Kerevi, and Rodda thus far.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I’m just watching the replay now so my comments are with the benefit of retrospect. It seems the only people who stayed up to watch the game live were the doomsayers looking to heap shit on the wallabies. It’s not been a stellar performance but there have been some good moments and some poor moments. Italy are a bit like the argies in that they stay competitive for a while and then run out of gas. The final score line is on par with the 6N results relative to the rankings, and also considering the wacko backline we put out there.
It’s half time and Kerevi has been strong, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has also been good. To'omua has been reliable but looks like a hard running 12 playing 10. I’m wondering if the reason AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been started is to see if he is up to a bench spot for next weeks game given we don’t have any cover for #13, or for match fitness because it’s already been determined he will be. So far I’m cool with that.
Well not really. The first one he was out AND held up, the second one the #9 was 8m offside. Imagine how good we’d be if we were awarded all the tries we ‘should have’ got.
It’s half time and Kerevi has been strong, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has also been good. To'omua has been reliable but looks like a hard running 12 playing 10. I’m wondering if the reason AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been started is to see if he is up to a bench spot for next weeks game given we don’t have any cover for #13, or for match fitness because it’s already been determined he will be. So far I’m cool with that.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
50.23 and To'omua puts one out on the full costing us 30m. He has a long boot but it’s far less accurate that foleys and it’s my only criticism of him,but it’s a big one and is the precise reason he shouldn’t be 10. I’m more than happy for him to be picked at 12 over Beale ATM though.
It was an OK performance. Got the job done and our late defence was solid. 7/10.
If we just eliminated 2-3 super soft errors then we would have won by 40 - Foley's horrible pass, Kerevi dropping the ball with the line open etc etc.
The guy who I was most impressed with was Rodda. Classy performance. Stole lineouts, ran well, good hard defence.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was surprisingly good I thought. A vintage AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) performance - takes the right option 90% of the time and doesn't make mistakes. The type of player we need right now, perhaps?
It doesn't change the overall picture, obviously. But we did what we had to do, and not much more.
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If we just eliminated 2-3 super soft errors then we would have won by 40 - Foley's horrible pass, Kerevi dropping the ball with the line open etc etc.
The guy who I was most impressed with was Rodda. Classy performance. Stole lineouts, ran well, good hard defence.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was surprisingly good I thought. A vintage AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) performance - takes the right option 90% of the time and doesn't make mistakes. The type of player we need right now, perhaps?
It doesn't change the overall picture, obviously. But we did what we had to do, and not much more.
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Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
After watching Ireland against AB's just reminds me what a well coached and drilled team looks like as Ireland don't have the same individual star player as AB's but boy as a team how they execute their game plan, their structures, their discipline is just pure joy to watch.
Pity Joe Schmidt not an Aussie that we could entice to coach the Wallabies and sadly more likely AB's next coach after next years world cup.
For me I know Cheika and co has to go but probably best after World Cup as just not overly confident we can attract the right quality candidate as not sure more fundamental issues with Australian Rugby also playing a part in this.
Pity Joe Schmidt not an Aussie that we could entice to coach the Wallabies and sadly more likely AB's next coach after next years world cup.
For me I know Cheika and co has to go but probably best after World Cup as just not overly confident we can attract the right quality candidate as not sure more fundamental issues with Australian Rugby also playing a part in this.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yeh to me AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) provided the rugby experience and mental pedigree that been missing for the Wallabies backline. I suspect he will get a gig for England game on that performance.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
Actually a strange game in the end where we didn't put 50 on them but I thought a number of players had quite good games.
The QLD contingent of Rodda, Kerevi, and Tupou (or two-poo as the BeIn guy kept calling him) were excellent. Tupou and Kerevi really add a punch in attack that was missing for most of the RC.
I also thought AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) played a lot like his old self, I was skeptical of his inclusion on the tour but he might not be the worst option to at least come off the bench next week. Hooper was also great in defence and Pocock was his usual self until getting injured.
Gordon and To'omua actually combined fairly well, I'd like Gordon to be in the 23 next week. To'omua could easily be the 10, the question is who do we play at 12 if not him? Perhaps 10. To'omua, 12. Kerevi, 13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) could be the go? Although I'd be reluctant to move Kerevi as I thought he defended well at 13 today and his running game out wide is second to none.
The QLD contingent of Rodda, Kerevi, and Tupou (or two-poo as the BeIn guy kept calling him) were excellent. Tupou and Kerevi really add a punch in attack that was missing for most of the RC.
I also thought AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) played a lot like his old self, I was skeptical of his inclusion on the tour but he might not be the worst option to at least come off the bench next week. Hooper was also great in defence and Pocock was his usual self until getting injured.
Gordon and To'omua actually combined fairly well, I'd like Gordon to be in the 23 next week. To'omua could easily be the 10, the question is who do we play at 12 if not him? Perhaps 10. To'omua, 12. Kerevi, 13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) could be the go? Although I'd be reluctant to move Kerevi as I thought he defended well at 13 today and his running game out wide is second to none.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
To'omua went well at 10.
Foley should never play 12 at international level again. Ever.
Gordon a much better option that Phipps.
Referee was ordinary, but then again so were both teams.
Glad I got up early and watched NZ v Ireland before sitting through this tripe.
Foley should never play 12 at international level again. Ever.
Gordon a much better option that Phipps.
Referee was ordinary, but then again so were both teams.
Glad I got up early and watched NZ v Ireland before sitting through this tripe.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Some good individual performances.
I feel we are in a tough spot with our halves. Neither Beale nor Foley are in form but, on the flip side, we really lack cohesion and continual changes isn’t going to help. Really not sure what the best option is for next week.
I thought To'omua was ok without being great. I don’t really know why though (and it seems a deliberate tactic that we have employed in previous weeks) we would kick down the middle of the field when we had stolen 2 then 3 line outs in the row. Why not kick towards a touch line - either looking for touch or to hem the winger in. Didn’t really see what the pay off was putting the ball straigt down the middle.
I feel we are in a tough spot with our halves. Neither Beale nor Foley are in form but, on the flip side, we really lack cohesion and continual changes isn’t going to help. Really not sure what the best option is for next week.
I thought To'omua was ok without being great. I don’t really know why though (and it seems a deliberate tactic that we have employed in previous weeks) we would kick down the middle of the field when we had stolen 2 then 3 line outs in the row. Why not kick towards a touch line - either looking for touch or to hem the winger in. Didn’t really see what the pay off was putting the ball straigt down the middle.
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
Hooper 20 tackles out there today. Barely had a carry. Looked like Dempsey and Poey were the 1s in the 1-3-3-1.
Poey must be in a bit of doubt for next week.
Poey must be in a bit of doubt for next week.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
I agree, but it was Gordon's debut and I think it's uncontroversial to suggest that Gordon's ceiling is higher than Phipps. I'd be playing him in every test match he's available for until the RWC (mostly off the bench, 1-2 starts).
The starting front row were decent, but were penalised on perception for cynical, illegal Italian scrummaging. Not sure how we are going to solve the issue we have with northern (and particularly French) refs in the short-medium term.
The rest of the starting pack was industrious and physical but let themselves down in attack with some bad skill errors.
TPN fucked up a key lineout under no pressure at all when he came on which is just inexcusable for an elder statesman in his position.
Samu worked hard when he came on.
To'omua was solid, and played a large role in keeping our midfield defense together along with Kerevi. In Super Rugby the Tahs are able to hide Foley definitely (and Beale at the back most of the time) but in Test footy (against the top 6 teams) it's too difficult you can only hide 1 at most. The right combo for England is 10. To'omua 12. Beale
Kerevi was outstanding easily MOM
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was also solid. I thought he made a real difference to our finishing execution and in getting us out of trouble at times. Like the rest of our wingers he was hamstrung by the swapping around in attack. On one occasion in the first half To'omua put Folau away down the right 15m line and there was nobody on Folau's outside. If AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is in position he goes in untouched, but instead he was working across from covering the blind side from the previous lineout and it was too far for Hooper to make it across in time for his edge role in the 1-3-3-1. I nearly kicked my dog out of frustration.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Said it a thousand times but its the dumbest rule in rugby, behind rolling mauls of course.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Agree with every observation B.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Not a bad effort by the Wallabies, but must take account of the opposition. We won't be up against a weaker opposition until the WC preliminary rounds.
Some very good performances by individuals and some very poor ones.
Rodda was simply outstanding at set piece and in attack. My MOTM.
Kerevi had an excellent game at 13 in both attack and defense. Good to get a proper centre back in the team.
Pocock was his usual excellent self. I wonder about his replacement though when he went off. Must have been for a concussion test to allow Dempsey back on, but what was the result, did anyone hear? If he passed the test, why was Dempsey allowed to stay on? Maybe he didn't pass and will be in doubt for next week. Sad way to disrupt the Pooper.
To'omua put in the best exhibition of No 10 play we've had for a very long time. Mostly, just conservative with a lot of simple play passing the ball on, but on occasions his vision for the play was obvious and he was able to set up attacking play unlike anything we've had under Foley or Beale in that spot. And to top that off, his defense in the 10 spot was a huge factor in a huge improvement overall in the backline defensive efforts. He made on error that I recall in kicking the ball out on the full in general play, but that is common to all of our No 10s in recent years. Overall, he made noticeable extra distance with his kicking over anything we've seen from Foley ever, and especially in kicking for touch. He should remain at 10 for next week and beyond.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was surprisingly good and looked more like a Conrad Smith type of No 13 player than winger. I wouldn't be averse to him partnering Kerevi in the centres next week outside To'omua at 10.
Gordon was good in his run on first game. Quite one dimensional, but has a much better pass than Phipps and is quick enough to the breakdown to see him overtake Phipps as the bench No 9.
Hooper had his best game by far since coming back from injury. Still no justification for playing him and Pocock together.
I thought the front row was badly done by in the scrums. Two or three penalties against them when it looked to me that the Azzuri front row was deliberately collapsing, especially on their own feed to protect the ball.
Overall defense by the team was the best probably since the Wales game last RWC. What a difference when the No 10 doesn't have to be hidden, but there is still too much swapping and changing of the outside backs. How many times was Koroibete defending on the opposite side of the field mostly in the 13 spot?
The poor performers are easily counted on one hand. Foley was poorest and looked completely at sea in the 12 spot. Crabbed as much as Beale does there, and his short kicking game is absolute shit. Folau is a shadow of his earlier self, but did make some good high ball catches. 15 is his spot if he plays imo. Dempsey was hardly involved in the game before being replaced. His one highlight was his role in Tupou's try. After he came on for Pocock he was more involved and looked better. Samu was very quiet but made some good tackles and applied pressure at the breakdown. We need more form both of these players if they are to be retained.
Some very good performances by individuals and some very poor ones.
Rodda was simply outstanding at set piece and in attack. My MOTM.
Kerevi had an excellent game at 13 in both attack and defense. Good to get a proper centre back in the team.
Pocock was his usual excellent self. I wonder about his replacement though when he went off. Must have been for a concussion test to allow Dempsey back on, but what was the result, did anyone hear? If he passed the test, why was Dempsey allowed to stay on? Maybe he didn't pass and will be in doubt for next week. Sad way to disrupt the Pooper.
To'omua put in the best exhibition of No 10 play we've had for a very long time. Mostly, just conservative with a lot of simple play passing the ball on, but on occasions his vision for the play was obvious and he was able to set up attacking play unlike anything we've had under Foley or Beale in that spot. And to top that off, his defense in the 10 spot was a huge factor in a huge improvement overall in the backline defensive efforts. He made on error that I recall in kicking the ball out on the full in general play, but that is common to all of our No 10s in recent years. Overall, he made noticeable extra distance with his kicking over anything we've seen from Foley ever, and especially in kicking for touch. He should remain at 10 for next week and beyond.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was surprisingly good and looked more like a Conrad Smith type of No 13 player than winger. I wouldn't be averse to him partnering Kerevi in the centres next week outside To'omua at 10.
Gordon was good in his run on first game. Quite one dimensional, but has a much better pass than Phipps and is quick enough to the breakdown to see him overtake Phipps as the bench No 9.
Hooper had his best game by far since coming back from injury. Still no justification for playing him and Pocock together.
I thought the front row was badly done by in the scrums. Two or three penalties against them when it looked to me that the Azzuri front row was deliberately collapsing, especially on their own feed to protect the ball.
Overall defense by the team was the best probably since the Wales game last RWC. What a difference when the No 10 doesn't have to be hidden, but there is still too much swapping and changing of the outside backs. How many times was Koroibete defending on the opposite side of the field mostly in the 13 spot?
The poor performers are easily counted on one hand. Foley was poorest and looked completely at sea in the 12 spot. Crabbed as much as Beale does there, and his short kicking game is absolute shit. Folau is a shadow of his earlier self, but did make some good high ball catches. 15 is his spot if he plays imo. Dempsey was hardly involved in the game before being replaced. His one highlight was his role in Tupou's try. After he came on for Pocock he was more involved and looked better. Samu was very quiet but made some good tackles and applied pressure at the breakdown. We need more form both of these players if they are to be retained.
southsider
Arch Winning (36)
My fucking ass you’ve seen Phipps play that good in gold 25 times. Gordon was unspectacular but did his core job of passing the ball well and more importantly didnt do any major game altering fuck ups like Phipps does nearly every time he gets on the field
dru
David Wilson (68)
Heck, I'd love to agree with you QH as I really don't like Foley, but being honest I just don't agree. At least I think the vast bulk of us were wrong, and Cheika was right - it was a worthwhile experiment to try 10 To'omua; Foley12.
I suspect that what is happening is that Foley retains the role as playmaker, but is wider. To'omua has a role where he stays flat and looks to distribute quickly to the playmaker. I was an interesting test, not all bad. And it's not where the game was let down. Which is not to say that it would work against tougher opposition.
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