Monday’s rugby news has the Wallabies win-streak validating Link’s style, Gatland criticising the refs, Cooper aiming high and a surprise winner in Dubai.
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McKenzie praises the ‘Wallaby way’
Ewen McKenzie believes that Australia’s victory over Wales has vindicated his style of play, proving that running rugby can triumph over world-class opposition. Saturday’s 30-26 win was predicated on expansive backline play, with Link hoping that the victory would inspire a mood of optimism throughout Australian rugby. ‘We just have to keep at it,’ McKenzie said, insisting that the team are still far from the finished article. ‘We’ve improved and we’re getting more consistent.’
Despite the Wallabies finishing their European tour with four consecutive wins, a feat not achieved since the start of the Deans era in 2008, questions will remain as to whether Australia’s preferred running game can succeed against the All Blacks and the Springboks come World Cup time. [/one_half]
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Gatland critical of last try
Wales coach Warren Gatland has criticized referee Wayne Barnes for his decision to award Joe Tomane’s 49th minute try, ruling that Folau’s hands had gone backwards in giving the final pass. ‘The referee made the decision himself, without the TMO. I doubt he would have made that decision himself if it was the All Blacks playing,’ taking a shot at the Barnes missing a French forward pass in New Zealand’s famous 2007 World Cup shock defeat.
Gatland was also critical of the decision to give Quade Cooper a yellow card, and not award a penalty try, when the Wallaby five-eighth was adjudged to have tackled Scott Williams without the ball. Meanwhile, captain Sam Warburton has remained positive in the face of another defeat to Australia. ‘It is not a setback,’ Warburton said. ‘Our focus already turns to the Six Nations.’ [/one_half]
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Cooper reaching for number one
Wallaby five-eighth Quade Cooper, having been named man of the match and players’ player for his role in Australia’s victory over Wales, has immediately looked at climbing up the IRB rankings next international season. ‘We want to be the best in the world, we’re not hiding that,’ he said. While emphasizing the tough road ahead, Cooper also praised the Wallabies’ character, adding, ‘We’re building the right culture to be a world-class team.’
Quade Cooper’s performance drew particularly high praise from captain Ben Mowen, who saw his deputy’s play and leadership as essential to the team’s continued improvement. ‘You can’t say enough about what sort of bloke Quade is and what contribution he’s made in the last period and the growth he’s shown,’ Mowen said. [/one_half]
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Fiji take out Dubai sevens
Fiji have impressively won the Dubai Rugby Sevens for the first time on Saturday, dominating South Africa 29-17 in the final. Fiji had previously crushed top-ranked New Zealand 44-0 in the semi-finals, their worst ever Sevens defeat. Fiji coach Ben Ryan said he had never seen his side play so well. ‘We were in control today and it’s just great,’ Ryan said. ‘We have amazing talent on the island and this is the start for us.’
The New Zealanders, who won the first Sevens Series tournament at the Gold Coast last month, eventually took third place with a 17-14 win over England. Australia won the Bowl competition, defeating Portugal 17-14 in the final, effectively coming in 7th. The Australian women’s team previously came from behind to notch a great 35-27 victory over New Zealand in the women’s final. [/one_half]
