What a difference a week makes! Against Scotland the Wallabies were running across field and throwing cut out passes to try and get around the defence. Against Wales the attack was much more direct and effective.
The really good thing about the attack this week was players working hard off the ball to offer different angles, which kept the defence in two minds and created space. The other great thing was the reduced number of cut out passes.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sDIgDXWQGk[/youtube]
The skill level shown by the forwards with some of their ball handling was a revelation and surely the front row will be in charge of skills drills in future at Wallaby training sessions.
As has been said by many contributors, Giteau looks so much better with a bit of width and should be playing #12. Genia’s performance on tour has been outstanding and he really adds an X factor. Now we need to find his backup because Burgess didn’t look up to it on this tour.
Quade Cooper has definitely improved but in my opinion Barnes is the best option at #10, however given his injury record there needs to be a couple of backups. I see Cooper as the first backup for #10 and #12 and with that versatility he should be in every Wallaby squad.
Regardless of who’s first choice in a position I hope the selectors stick with a combination and make clear choices of backup players rather than switching starting players between positions. For example if you start with Barnes at #10 and Giteau at #12 and Barnes is injured, bring Cooper in at #10 and leave Giteau at #12 rather than moving multiple players around.
My view is that AAC should be left at #15 to develop further. If Mortlock is available he’d be my first choice at #13 with Ioane on the wing as Mortlock adds so much with his straight, powerful running. If he’s not available Ioane is developing nicely in the #13 position.
Hynes and Mitchell were solid on the wings but neither was given the opportunities to really show their attacking skills. I think both have the ability but need the players inside to create space and opportunity. It would be great to see Wallaby wingers scoring regularly again.
Overall the Wallabies attack in this game was so much better – not just for the obvious reason that we scored four tries but in the vastly improved structure and decision making.
