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

[Darwin]

I'm predicting we will see another pretty close game. Wales will want to try to establish some dominance up front - I feel they do have a slight edge in the front row, but they weren't really able to exploit this last week. I agree with others that Evans may have made a difference in he tight-five, as he really impressed me during the 6-nations. Tipuric is a good inclusion on the Welsh bench: I'd imagine both Australia and Wales will have two genuine opensides on the pitch in the last 20 mins, which could be very interesting.

I'm interested to see how Beck goes at 12: hopefully he can add some creativity to the Welsh midfield. Though Cuthbert did a pretty good job of containing Ioane last week I think he will have a big job again this week keeping him in check, as Ioane was very close to breaking numerous times last weekend (though not always on the wing). I feel the best chance Wales has is to get the ball into George Norths hands (assuming he is fully fit), as Vuna is a weak defender at the best of times.

Overall I'm picking Australia by 5-10, but again I wouldn't rule out Wales pulling off the upset.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Stormer2010 old man your mad! Delve is an absolute banger! Most consistent performer over the last two seasons with the Rebels and has dragged them kicking and screaming to some great wins.

Anyway, comes ons Waleses, take one for the team! If you can grab a win I'll even have a celebratory pint of that awful 'Brains' stuff you guys call ale! (only joking)
Come to think of it, why isn't there a thread in the clubhouse bar section devoted to beer!? Madness!

LOL. I've only ever seen Delve play for the Rebels and while I agree that he is one of their more consistent players that isn't saying much as I've only ever seen the Rebels pack get dominated by SA packs. He does seem to have a lot of heart and goes looking for work but can't say that I ever thought 'that Delve, that's a stand-out player if I ever saw one'.

 

[Keithmurdoch]

Darwin, I'm pretty sure Dennis could play lock for the Wallibies at a pinch. He's plank enough anyway.

 

[Darwin]

Darwin, I'm pretty sure Dennis could play lock for the Wallibies at a pinch. He's plank enough anyway.

There is no doubt that Dennis is covering lock from the bench (indeed he came on there last weekend when Sharpe came off), but he is nowhere near a genuine lock. I don't think he even started a Super rugby match at lock (or even had much game-time there..), so I think it is a big risk to have him covering the position at test level....

 

[Ostrayian]

Pretty excited for this. Wales are going to come back hard today. Hope the wobblies havent sunk back into their complacent best.

 

[Peat]

Welshmen, the standard has been set.

Do these islands proud. Beat them like a redheaded stepchild :treaten:

 

[Peat]

Good start there

 

[Darwin]

Great start for Wales! Try North after 3mins

 

[dullonien]

What a start! Alun Wyn involved everywhere and North with a pick and drive.

Better at the contact area there.

Awesome kick from Priestland!

 

[Darwin]

Australia are playing a mile behind the advantage line - they are only getting away with it because Wales have missed a few tackles.....

EDIT: Warburton down.... medic seems to be repairing him by whispering in his ear <_<

 

[dullonien]

Arg, lineout not going well, c'mon Rees!

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Australia constantly going off their feet at the breakdown, thought that was a penalty?

Mathew Rees throwing is dire also.

 

[dullonien]

Pocock is so strong over the ball. Wales really need to clear him out at the first time of asking.

Australia constantly going off their feet at the breakdown, thought that was a penalty?

I agree, Aus just seal off every breakdown. Makes it impossible for any Welsh player to even get close to the ball having to reach over one or two Aussie defenders.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Surely Ryan Jones won that ball on the floor then? Seems Pollock is a little bit indifferent in what he gives for holding on and the jackler jackling for the ball.


When did Pocock release the tackler?

 

[dullonien]

Oh my god! I'd take off Ress now. He's been good in the loose, but the lineout is unforgivable! Just handing Aus territory and possession.

 

[Mooly]

So close... Nice play

 

[Bluemoon]

Aus playing the ref very well here. He's letting off feet and sealing off go, focusing on the tackler releasing most. Wales need to smart up to this.

The lineout is killing us.

 

[dullonien]

Aaaaaaaarg, Pocock, why are you so f***king good!

 

[Sam91]

hahah pocock is immense

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Got to release the tackler, which he didn't do.