[2015 RWC] Pool A: Australia vs. Wales (10/10/2015)

[Ospervat]

Having read this thread i'm a bit confused, i thought it was for intelligent rugby fans commenting on a hard fought match between two superbly equal defensive teams that prevented each other crossing the line. Yet it seems to have fallen into the gutter by a few trolls that seem bent on just abusing other nations. Enough about that, we weren't good enough to score when Australia were down to 13 and their defence was magnificent even if we took the wrong option again and again. Sam didn't make a bad decision in not kicking, we were two scores behind and we had to go for it. I agree with the earlier comment about our training, i don't think it's a coincidence that's brought about these injuries. South Africa next, unfortunately a game too far i think.

I think SA should be worried by that performance by Wales. While SA have shown some improvement since Japan, they are still not the polished article and I believe a gutsy Welsh side could take them on the day.

The one thing that stands out for me throughout the pool games is the sheer guts and determination that Wales have displayed in the face of being written off against England, Fiji( cos of injuries and turnaround time) and then Australia.

Wales may just continue to surprise us yet again.

 

[Ospervat]

I saw at least once a massive gap on the left, but the Welsh player ran to the centre where all the Wallabies were? Brain melt down. And they were so flat footed when it was against 13 men. Like deers in a headlight.

Disagree completely. Oz defence was probably the best I have ever seen - ever. Period.

 

[AlanJ]

I think SA should be worried by that performance by Wales. While SA have shown some improvement since Japan, they are still not the polished article and I believe a gutsy Welsh side could take them on the day.

The one thing that stands out for me throughout the pool games is the sheer guts and determination that Wales have displayed in the face of being written off against England, Fiji( cos of injuries and turnaround time) and then Australia.

Wales may just continue to surprise us yet again.

While i do think Wales will put up a solid performance against SA, i think we just haven't got that killer instinct like the southern hemisphere sides. In my honest opinion i think Australia are just getting better and better and i fancy them to go all the way.

 

[KeyboardWorrier]

Disagree completely. Oz defence was probably the best I have ever seen - ever. Period.

Yeah... nah. Check the replay. Huge gaps, multiple times. And what did the Welsh players do... Ran straight towards the Wallabies.

 

[RoosTah]

Yeah... nah. Check the replay. Huge gaps, multiple times. And what did the Welsh players do... Ran straight towards the Wallabies.

Not so much "gaps", but in a couple of instances in that 7 minute period there were clear and massive overlaps.

 

[Horacito]

The best defence ever, sure: while being +2, attack on their forwards, 'cause concentrating the attack instead of opening the field is the smart choice when you have George North and Cuthbert and Faletau and your average weight is like three hundred and eleven tons.

Wales was not too smart today when they had to be, that's it. They weren't clinical enough. Everything else, keeping the tempo -2 for the wallabies, illegal tackles, strategic fauls and those damn kicks over the ruck -so many of them, that shoulda been yellow card- was OK, except they didn't win the match when they had to. Wales, I guess. They played so cynical and it worked so well and yet damn, they managed to lose anyway.

They are a super dangerous team.

 

[nero]

Well done the Aussies!
What a tight match, I disagree that it was dull.
The Aussies are looking good. We'll have to see how the All Blacks go next week, but tbh they haven't impressed me for a long time. It seems like they have no sense of patience and panic too soon, throwing hospital passes and pointless box kicks.
It is an endless source of frustration -- just hold on to the friggin ball and go through the phases!

But this is about the Welsh and Australian match...

Bernard Foley is playing out of skin this tourney. I wish they'd picked Nick White as the other halfback, Genia is fair but lacking the zip of years gone.

Good luck for next week, Aus!

 

[Tony Manx]

Having read this thread i'm a bit confused, i thought it was for intelligent rugby fans commenting on a hard fought match between two superbly equal defensive teams that prevented each other crossing the line. Yet it seems to have fallen into the gutter by a few trolls that seem bent on just abusing other nations. Enough about that, we weren't good enough to score when Australia were down to 13 and their defence was magnificent even if we took the wrong option again and again. Sam didn't make a bad decision in not kicking, we were two scores behind and we had to go for it. I agree with the earlier comment about our training, i don't think it's a coincidence that's brought about these injuries. South Africa next, unfortunately a game too far i think.

Wales were 6 points behind....!

I agree and well done you! It was a magnificent game that, it is possible, Wales should have won but only if they had an attacking side that could break down an absolutely magnificent Aussie defense!!

 

[KeyboardWorrier]

If they had a side that could run between 6m gaps in defense you mean.

 

[RJAH777]

Absolutely epic game. I really thought there was no way Wallabies could survive that period with two yellow cards. A lot being said of Wales choosing poor options in attack. I saw the Wallabies making excellent reads in defense and anticipating Wales next move. This Wallabies team is starting to look like a more complete package everytime I watch them. Credit to Wales, they had an excellent game plan which stifled Wallabies attack and they did it well. But that was sheer guts and steel from Wallabies to keep out Wales. I hope izzy and pocock get rested for the Scotland game if they aren't 100%. As capable as Scotland are, I'd be confident Wallabies can win with Beale at fullback and with hooper coming back. Have to say too, a lot to admire about the Welsh team. I knew this was going to be close, hope you guys get over the boks and we see you in the final again

 

[MattB]

Poor decisions by warburton to not take the numerous opportunities for easy 3 points. Despite this to play pick and drive ball or keeping the attack narrow was ridiculous with Aus 2 men down.

I don't know, at the time we had them under all sorts of pressure and down 2 men so I've no issue with going for the try. If you can't score a try at that stage then what's the point even being there? Against aus when the opportunity for big points comes up you need to go for it.

Agree about keeping it too narrow, should have been more creative getting it out to the space.

 

[ABs2011]

Im suprised there has been no discussion on Pocock? or did I miss it somewhere in the thread? Any guesses as to how many games he will get?

 

[mochyn]

I think that Wales would have done a lot better if their 1/2/3/4/5 choice back line had not been injured

 

[TJAY]

I think that Wales would have done a lot better if their 1/2/3/4/5 choice back line had not been injured

Haha, the old "if we never had all those injuries" excuse.

Well guess what, those players that came in for the injured players got you a win over England.

Would you have won that game without those players who came in ?

 

[Kiwi_]

Pocock should be out off the tournament. Samoa wing Tuilagi was suspended for 5 weeks using a knee, I hope he's dealt with appropriately and fairly. At least 2 weeks, like what Tuilagi received eventually, after the appeal. There is far more foul play and intent in Pococks incident and he should be out off the tournament, regardless of what a good player he is, rules are rules.

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Again foul play costing Australia players, they are cheap shotters, really sick of their dirty cheap shots, it seems endless.

 

[ABs2011]

Pocock should be out off the tournament. Samoa wing Tuilagi was suspended for 5 weeks using a knee, I hope he's dealt with appropriately and fairly. At least 2 weeks, like what Tuilagi received eventually, after the appeal. There is far more foul play and intent in Pococks incident and he should be out off the tournament, regardless of what a good player he is, rules are rules.

I agree, hence why I suprised no one seems to have brought it up yet. Pocock is a massive part of their team, without him I'm not sure they make the final.

 

[KeyboardWorrier]

What are you guys talking about? When did this knee incident occur? Has Pocock been cited?

 

[Kiwi_]

I agree, hence why I suprised no one seems to have brought it up yet. Pocock is a massive part of their team, without him I'm not sure they make the final.

Yep for sure and maybe then they will learn a lesson on fair play and sportsmanship, but it's Australia, they will never learn what any of that means.

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What are you guys talking about? When did this knee incident occur? Has Pocock been cited?

Yeah he has, https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/wallabies-loose-forward-david-pocock-knees-welsh-player-avid-060a2b340101010501010f1013-000000-b5ecbf2adadf0094-83f60060dd44-a8b1

 

[nik]

Pocock should be out off the tournament. Samoa wing Tuilagi was suspended for 5 weeks using a knee, I hope he's dealt with appropriately and fairly. At least 2 weeks, like what Tuilagi received eventually, after the appeal. There is far more foul play and intent in Pococks incident and he should be out off the tournament, regardless of what a good player he is, rules are rules.

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Again foul play costing Australia players, they are cheap shotters, really sick of their dirty cheap shots, it seems endless.

When did the said incident occur? (I only managed to catch the 2nd half)

 

[Kiwi_]

When did the said incident occur? (I only managed to catch the 2nd half)

The link above mate has the video footage.

I should say he will be cited. No word yet, but not a chance they will miss it.