Spring Tour: Australia v Wales -2nd Test. (16/06/2012 10:00GMT)

[TVH11]

Long story short, We lost the game for ourselves!!! But, despite the numerous amounts of mistakes, I can't help but have a bitter taste of "The Ref Ruined it"!!!!

1. Not kicking to touch tactic - I'm 99% sure that it has been studied on scrum V, but we never "kick" for touch. I can see its positive uses early on in the match, with a good chase etc. But I don't agree when your hanging on to a 1 point lead, with 30 second to go!!! I know the breakdown was a bit of a mess (effective slowing down from Australia and poor reffing of the breakdown in general), but Why did we not employ the "boring" slow down and keep tight mentality with 1.30 left on the clock?? We did it during both grandslams, so why not against a southern hemisphere side??

2. Take a bow Berrick Barnes - haven't seen much of him, but he was instrumental during the game. Looked extremely uncomfortable after his knock, but still managed to brave it!!! Lovely show and go for Australia's first try!!! Great performance by him!

3. Scrums - Like many have said, the scrums have become a joke! Are referees instructed how to dictate this area, because it seems like every referee has a different outlook and what is determined as legal and illegal scrummaging! One thing I've picked up on is early engagement. I've always thought its my eyes and ears not syncing up, but of late teams have been attempting the jump the gun on "engage". Whats the ruling with a "legitimate" engage?? Seems as if teams are connecting on the "EN" rather than the end of the word. Probs being picky, but I'm very confused by it.

4. Sam Warburton - Wrap him up in Cotton Wool and give him an unlimited amount of chocolate . I wouldn't play him next week. Let him fully recover from his injury,so he comes back fresh for start of next season. Seems as If Everyone has been calling for Tupuric to be given a chance, and next week is "technically" a nothing game, so why not give him a bash???

To conclude I do think the loss will benefit us. We're clearly still not quite up to standard as yet (in saying that only the media and Unrealistic individuals would believe that we are World beaters). The loss has shown that we should reward form over reputation - (Cough) Rhys (Cough) Priestland! Its been a long season, but it seems as If he's suffered from a world cup hangover! Hasn't lived up to expectation, and his form of late hasn't been great!! Will be interesting to see what the coaches do in terms of team selection next week!

 

[dullonien]

4. Sam Warburton - Wrap him up in Cotton Wool and give him an unlimited amount of chocolate . I wouldn't play him next week. Let him fully recover from his injury,so he comes back fresh for start of next season. Seems as If Everyone has been calling for Tupuric to be given a chance, and next week is "technically" a nothing game, so why not give him a bash???

I think Warburton will be ok for another game. He's had an extended period off already, and gametime is really what he needs now. But as I said on the previous page, I think it's worth trying Tipuric and Warburton together just to see if it's something that works, and a possible option later on in other games. No matter what the ref's interpretation was of the breakdown, Pocock was dominant here, so having both on the pitch might help negate this. This isn't a criticism of Ryan Jones who had a very decent game at 8, but more of the opportunity to test something out in what is a meaningless game. Of course winning a test in one of the big three's back yard would still be a step in the right direction, but it shouldn't prevent us from testing a few players and a few options.

 

[Darwin]

A very interesting game from the neutrals perspective. Australia actually dominated territory and possession, but Wales outscored them 2 tries to 1, and with less than 2 mins to go looked to have the game in the bag. That is the second time in the last year that Wales have blown a chance to claim a victory over a top team (South Africa in the RWC), due to their inability to finish off a game. They are a very young team, and will learn a lot from this match, as I firmly believe winning close matches has a lot to do with experience.

Pocock was the pick of Australia's forwards again for me, but I still think there are big question marks over Higginbotham at 6. He was largely ineffective this match, and turned he ball over at crucial times. He is great a Super Rugby level, but I'm not yet convinced his style of play is ideal for test rugby. Genia was quieter this week, but Barnes again had a great game - it makes me wonder why he has been so poor all season for the Waratahs? Ioane was again a massive threat whenever he got the ball in hand - he is easily the most dangerous wing in world rugby in my opinion.

There were a number of solid performances in the Welsh forward pack - I was particularily impressed by Jones at lock and Lydiate at 6. Warburton again looked slightly off the pace, though to be fair it is not easy to look good when you are compared to Pocock. Priestland struggled again on attack (but was very solid on defense), while I though Davies had a pretty good game at centre (and took his try very well). It was unfortunate for Wales that they were unable to deliver North more quality ball as he was causing Vuna trouble whenever he got the ball.

 

[Peat]

Weird. I thought Higginbotham was great, making good ground and generally being a key part of an unexpectedly good Ozzie forwards display.

 

[Darwin]

Weird. I thought Higginbotham was great, making good ground and generally being a key part of an unexpectedly good Ozzie forwards display.

He made good ground on occasion with ball in hand, but that was about it. He was often standing out on the wing waiting to get the ball, rather than doing what I would consider the core jobs of a blindside flanker (e.g. cleaning out breakdowns, making tackles etc). His handling was also very poor this match - he turned the ball over a number of times in contact. Not sure who I would replace him with (or whether I would even replace him), but I'm not convinced Australia can afford to have a flanker who is not performing his core roles....

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

He made two tackles, probably his lowlight...

 

[TVH11]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbyn...-squad-reveals-bradley-davies-91466-31190543/

Wales Team going to watch Lady GaGa in Sydney then. At least they'll certainly learn how to close a show!!

In all seriousness though, my mood from the game has settled a bit, and we lost too many areas of the game to win! You learn more about yourselves when you don't succeed

Big week this week, hope we can end the series on a high!

 

[coonor]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbyn...-squad-reveals-bradley-davies-91466-31190543/

Wales Team going to watch Lady GaGa in Sydney then. At least they'll certainly learn how to close a show!!

In all seriousness though, my mood from the game has settled a bit, and we lost too many areas of the game to win! You learn more about yourselves when you don't succeed

Big week this week, hope we can end the series on a high!

What has rugby become?

 

[SelimNiai]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbyn...-squad-reveals-bradley-davies-91466-31190543/

Wales Team going to watch Lady GaGa in Sydney then. At least they'll certainly learn how to close a show!!

In all seriousness though, my mood from the game has settled a bit, and we lost too many areas of the game to win! You learn more about yourselves when you don't succeed

Big week this week, hope we can end the series on a high!

Are we trying to recruit a new 10 for Saturday then?

 

[scarlets-fan]

I was happy with Priestland's defensive performance, he couldn't have done more in that respect but his kicking from hand wasn't working and it seems to be a welsh trait to carry on with these poor kicking tactics no matter what. Where's our Plan B? But with regards to kicking the ball back to them just before the 80, it was Webb's responsibility to make the right decision there and call for forwards. Or Warburton to take control and manage that last minute.

I'm slightly defending Priestland here but theres no doubt he should be swapped, just to make him improve his kicking from hand because for this wales squad, nobodies position should be safe, not even Warbs. Who was way too quiet, so Hooky and Tips should start next and maybe Owens to sort out the lineout.

 

[dullonien]

I'm slightly defending Priestland here but theres no doubt he should be swapped, just to make him improve his kicking from hand because for this wales squad, nobodies position should be safe, not even Warbs. Who was way too quiet, so Hooky and Tips should start next and maybe Owens to sort out the lineout.

I'd give Hibbard a much deserved start at hooker next week. Hibbard's lineout throwing has been good lately for the Ospreys, and it was good when he came on in the Barbarians game. I'd have Owens on the bench over Rees though, mainly due to the lineout where Rees is poor (and has been for years tbf), whilst Owens throwing last week was spot on.

Scarlets should have offloaded Rees imo, and used his wages to bolster prop or second row. In Owens, Emyr Phillips and Kirby Myhill they've got enough quality at hooker to do without Rees. Maybe a little ruthless considering Rees' excellent service to the Scarlets, but it's tough times at the moment and Rees is probably on big wages. Did he still have a year on his contract? When rumours of him going were circulating, I did think it could be good far all concerned.

 

[psychic duck]

I'd give Hibbard a much deserved start at hooker next week. Hibbard's lineout throwing has been good lately for the Ospreys, and it was good when he came on in the Barbarians game. I'd have Owens on the bench over Rees though, mainly due to the lineout where Rees is poor (and has been for years tbf), whilst Owens throwing last week was spot on.

Scarlets should have offloaded Rees imo, and used his wages to bolster prop or second row. In Owens, Emyr Phillips and Kirby Myhill they've got enough quality at hooker to do without Rees. Maybe a little ruthless considering Rees' excellent service to the Scarlets, but it's tough times at the moment and Rees is probably on big wages. Did he still have a year on his contract? When rumours of him going were circulating, I did think it could be good far all concerned.

no way you would have imagined Hibbard would have been above seventh choice from his form in December/January when his weight had ballooned, but he got back on track and was on some of his best form towards the end of the season

still has his issues though, his lineout throwing has never been the best, and he concedes too many penalties, but his scrummaging and ball carrying (when fit) are his strengths

agree about Rees, the Scarlets could have afforded to get rid now he has not performed this season, and his wages are probably high

 

[madflyhalf]

3. Scrums - Like many have said, the scrums have become a joke! Are referees instructed how to dictate this area, because it seems like every referee has a different outlook and what is determined as legal and illegal scrummaging! One thing I've picked up on is early engagement. I've always thought its my eyes and ears not syncing up, but of late teams have been attempting the jump the gun on "engage". Whats the ruling with a "legitimate" engage?? Seems as if teams are connecting on the "EN" rather than the end of the word. Probs being picky, but I'm very confused by it.

I can tell you that the first smart trick we use to teach here in Italy (and I think everywhere else ) is to split the word "Engage" (ingaggio - in Italian) in 2 syllabs, "En" and "gage" (In + gaggio); without mentioning to the refs, you try to engange at the very first scrum of the match to the "En" (In), if referee allows you to do that you're fine, else you should adjust your engage to referee's call "gage" (latter part of the word).

I had the same feeling in most part of the scrums in that test, it seemed that sometimes the team engaged at the "En" and sometimes at "gage" but the referee just penalized them randomly, without giving benchmarks!

 

[dullonien]

The problems at the scrum are annoying from a Welsh perspective, because it's what Adam Jones' game is based around. He's one of the strongest scrummagers in the world game, but doesn't offer much else other than some good defence around the fringes. Watching the England v SA game and seeing Dan Cole's excellent work at the breakdown got me thinking that if the scrums are still in as big of a mess when the Lions rolls around next year, then he might be the better option to start because he's still a strong scrummager but also offers more to his game, but if the changes to the engagement sequence have their desired effect then Adam Jones comes to the fore again.

 

[psychic duck]

The problems at the scrum are annoying from a Welsh perspective, because it's what Adam Jones' game is based around. He's one of the strongest scrummagers in the world game, but doesn't offer much else other than some good defence around the fringes. Watching the England v SA game and seeing Dan Cole's excellent work at the breakdown got me thinking that if the scrums are still in as big of a mess when the Lions rolls around next year, then he might be the better option to start because he's still a strong scrummager but also offers more to his game, but if the changes to the engagement sequence have their desired effect then Adam Jones comes to the fore again.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0ceIaFBGcRw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

 

[dullonien]

But the problem is, some ref's, as well as the rules, simply don't allow the dominant scrum to actually develop. It was obvious that Austrailia's tactic was to get the jump on the hit on Saturday, and they conceded free kicks because of it, but Aus don't mind if they concede a few free kicks. The Wales scrum was on top, but they were still penalised by the ref on a couple of occasions. It's truly baffling and frustrating, and all it does is take Adam Jones out of the game almost entirely.

 

[psychic duck]

But the problem is, some ref's, as well as the rules, simply don't allow the dominant scrum to actually develop. It was obvious that Austrailia's tactic was to get the jump on the hit on Saturday, and they conceded free kicks because of it, but Aus don't mind if they concede a few free kicks. The Wales scrum was on top, but they were still penalised by the ref on a couple of occasions. It's truly baffling and frustrating, and all it does is take Adam Jones out of the game almost entirely.

I see your point, but I've seen most of the Ospreys games this year and Adam Jones has ripped apart pretty much every scrum he's come across in the RaboPro12, the only time he hasn't got on top and won a load of penalties for the Ospreys is when the referee screws up, like in the Saracens matches where they would keep going down straight away and the referee ended up just guessing

Adam Jones did well on Saturday I thought, and was unfortunate not to get more penalties than he did, as he was shoving the Aussies backwards, another referee would have given Wales more advantage for sure

I can't wait for the Hair Bear to get his teeth stuck into some amateur Aussie club side, that would be carnage

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Well happy that the wallabies won, it's kind of hard to spot all the intricacies that you guys are talking about from 70 metres away, but for me the agony of cooper vuna + michael hooper combined, turning into ecstasy of mike harris' kick only just countered against what a poor spectacle it was. I've been to every test in Melbourne except for 1 in the last 10 years and this was the worst, poor crowd numbers (thank god for the welsh fans who made up half the numbers), no prematch or half time entertainment just the anthems, not many announcements or music, no little leaguers running around at half time. no shooting flames or blow up animals... no crowd engagement at all, except those lame yellow suits they hand out. you guys might say "well if you wanted that stuff, you should have gone to a carnival instead" but you have to remember it's melbourne, you are competing with AFL (can get up to 80,000 fans to a normal weekend match), rugby league and soccer/football. a lot of people are coming to see rugby for the first time and you have to make a massive effort in entertaining them, otherwise they wont come back. I don't want to see test rugby dissapear from Melbourne.

 

[bushytop]

Two things... 1. If Wales are going to be a force in world rugby we need a fly half who can get us some territory. I can't help but think Priestland just looks confused at the moment, executing the wrong option 75% of the time isn't good enough and regardless of who is next in line he should get dropped... it doesn't give the right example to the squad otherwise.

2. I hate whinging but Pollock gave probably THE worst refereeing performance I have ever witnessed... I don't know what the IRB processes are but he should be dropped from the international roster for a period of time. If referees are not accountable for turning what should be 80 minutes of entertainment for both fans into an absolute farce then what is the point. IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE RULES what the hell are you doing there in the first place!

 

[TVH11]

Will be interesting to see this new scrummaging method for next season. Overheard the commentator mention something along the lines of "Set" or something like that?? Something needs to be changed though. Even though I played front row all my adolescent playing "Career" (I use the term loosely), I absolutely despise seeing the flow of a game ruined when scrums are needed to be reset time after time!

The jumping of the gun must be stopped. Runners get penalized if they jump the gun, so there should be more done in rugby. Also as madflyhalf pointed out with the interpretation of the hit - sounds silly but maybe referee's need to be more clear with teams prior to match what an early engage is??