RWC 2011 The 3rd/4th place: Wales vs. Australia

[Black Heart]

I feel real bad for Quade now. Seeing him hobble up on stage in crutches after all the crap he's been delt.

All the best mate. Just keep away from Richie's head next time aye?

 

[rt124]

Barnes should've played more in the knockout stages. Still wondering why Giteau wasn't even in the squad
I'd pick both over Cooper after his terrible performance in this tournament.

At least they finally broke the Eden Park Curse, not against the All Blacks, but they still won.

 

[Black Heart]

It wasn't meant to be a well thought out factual argument, just a joke.

No I realise the significance for the Wallabies finally getting a win at Eden Park and good on them too.

 

[RyotoTheDragon]

well done to australia. barnes had a good game obvious man of the match. who does australia have to replace maafu? imo he should not be in the wallabies squad.

where was wales attack? roberts was kept quiet tonight and who saw genia takedown roberts up high? awesome tackle on the big man.

 

[PT8475]

If Wales had played with the same desperation and determination for the whole match as they did in those last few seconds, they'd probably be walking home with some medals right now. Once again the kicking was awry as well, and that was the issue against SA & France as well.

 

[rhifsaith]

If Wales had played with the same desperation and determination for the whole match as they did in those last few seconds, they'd probably be walking home with some medals right now. Once again the kicking was awry as well, and that was the issue against SA & France as well.

looks like we're missing Preistland more than the ab's are missing dan the man.

 

[racingmetrofan]

I guess for all of Wales effort, the reason they aren't taking home a medal is their inability to fix the fundamental problem shown in their first game - their inability to close a game out. With the talent they have, they should have been able to, and that's why to some extent they are overhyped. Pleased Australia got a medal in the end, Deans has done a great job considering what he has to work with. Should have been in the final.

 

[ranger]

well done to australia. barnes had a good game obvious man of the match. who does australia have to replace maafu? imo he should not be in the wallabies squad.

where was wales attack? roberts was kept quiet tonight and who saw genia takedown roberts up high? awesome tackle on the big man.

Robinson. Who is Australias best prop and the most missed player. Dan Palmer would be another good option just for the scrum, Ma'afu may aswell play 6

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I guess for all of Wales effort, the reason they aren't taking home a medal is their inability to fix the fundamental problem shown in their first game - their inability to close a game out. With the talent they have, they should have been able to, and that's why to some extent they are overhyped. Pleased Australia got a medal in the end, Deans has done a great job considering what he has to work with. Should have been in the final.

Exactly. And I almost want to say their inability to close out close games came down to inconsistent kicking. Not just at the polls; if they can add a clever and accurate kicking dimension to their already impressive play in general they'd be pushing for top rankings within ni time IMO. Both games the lost in the RWC (not really talking about the 3rd place dead rubber) came down to lost opportunities with the boot- the game against France was theirs for the taking even without A Jones, Warburton and Priestland TBH. Same with the game against SA- just a missed kick away fomr victory (and a tougher draw LOL).

 

[McTallshort]

by

I guess for all of Wales effort, the reason they aren't taking home a medal is their inability to fix the fundamental problem shown in their first game - their inability to close a game out. With the talent they have, they should have been able to, and that's why to some extent they are overhyped. Pleased Australia got a medal in the end, Deans has done a great job considering what he has to work with. Should have been in the final.

Its closing a game out against a tri-nations side that they really struggle with. Lose to an ordinary Springbok team by a point, lose to a an average (by their standards) Aussie side by 3. If Wales want to be considered a world class outfit they have start beating these sides. Beating the likes of England and Ireland isn't enough anymore for this very talented Welsh team.

 

[cardassian]

Somebody die?

no but i'm sure they're experiencing pain.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

by

Its closing a game out against a tri-nations side that they really struggle with. Lose to an ordinary Springbok team by a point, lose to a an average (by their standards) Aussie side by 3. If Wales want to be considered a world class outfit they have start beating these sides. Beating the likes of England and Ireland isn't enough anymore for this very talented Welsh team.

I think we're maybe getting a bit ahead of ourselves here. Considering this year as a whole then this world cup performance from wales came out of the blue. It's hardly as if they have been routinely beating the home nations teams.They lost twice against England and once at home. It's definitely a talented team, but they're at the stage of needing to win more games in general, let alone beating the Tri nations teams more

 

[Black Heart]

no but i'm sure they're experiencing pain.

It's just that you offer condolences when someone has actually di-

Never mind.

 

[McTallshort]

I think we're maybe getting a bit ahead of ourselves here. Considering this year as a whole then this world cup performance from wales came out of the blue. It's hardly as if they have been routinely beating the home nations teams.They lost twice against England and once at home. It's definitely a talented team, but they're at the stage of needing to win more games in general, let alone beating the Tri nations teams more

OK thats very true, but I feel sometimes that Wales settle for a close defeat to the tri nations teams, that they never had or have the belief that they can win. They can beat any of the NH teams on their day but I cannot remember the last time that beat a tri nations team.

 

[merlinux]

Congratz to the wallabies for getting the bronze
Wasnt an easy game. Wales was a challenge and is up there in the NH teams. They will have to work their kicking and strategy to be able to rise again.... The good news is they know where are there weaknesses, unlike england After France Ill be cheering on them for sure in the next 6N.
The wallabies were better in the second half I think. It took a bit of time but loved Barnes game then after. O Connor is also a good asset in this team. Imagine if Beale was there doing his defense perforation skills... Id love to see more of barnes in the coming year. Maybe Deans should spend his next 2 years working both cooper and barnes and getting the competition going on. Its very encouraging for australia, concidering we can only source players from a few teams, to be able to show some nice play whith such young players. Same could be said for the welsh team.... Cant wait to see both team play again. Definately getting a ticket when they play in Sydney later next year

 

[Seaton]

by

Its closing a game out against a tri-nations side that they really struggle with. Lose to an ordinary Springbok team by a point, lose to a an average (by their standards) Aussie side by 3. If Wales want to be considered a world class outfit they have start beating these sides. Beating the likes of England and Ireland isn't enough anymore for this very talented Welsh team.

So can I claim that Scotland are a world class side?

By that requirement only the All Blacks are our equal!

 

[McTallshort]

So can I claim that Scotland are a world class side?

By that requirement only the All Blacks are our equal!

You beat the SH teams more frequently than the Welsh do!

 

[Sam Owen]

Shane Williams is world class. Many times in this world cup have we seen passes out to the wing thrown too far ahead of the winger, often ending up in the ball bouncing across the touchline. That looked to be the case with the ball that was passed out to Shane, but no, he got a foot to it and made sure it was a try instead of an opposition lineout. Improvised well and showed good soccer skills to get a more controlled luck of the bounce for his try, world class.

 

[Rhyer]

That pass to Shane was about four metres forward...

 

[Shane@JPN]

Congratulations to Wallabies! They were a little more aggressive than Red Dragons. But the last attack of Wales was outstanding!! Red Dragons were also good team. I want to go to Cardiff again to watch their game.