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topo
Cyril Towers (30)
Agree, but I thought McAlman made the most of his cameo. I think his ball carry had a lot to do with Genia's try. Hit it hard, got over the gain line by a few metres and made the ball available quickly. He's got a big future.
DPK
Peter Sullivan (51)
Yeah, theres no disagreeing with that; the AB's will be another step up. If we want to win, the Wallabies have to fire up. Brissy's record against the Boks was talked up a bit, but dont forget we beat the AB's in Melbourne not that long ago (thanks to a bit of Morty brilliance). It's definetely possible, and if the Wallabies can succeed in taking their game to another level, they'll have a really good chance at beating the AB's.
BTW, will Sharpie miss any time because of the tooth?
2 weeks suspension for QC (Quade Cooper)
the gambler
Dave Cowper (27)
What most impressed me last night was as Lee Grant said, the vibe of the team. I had not been confident all week but when I saw Bennnnn Robinson almost laughing with excitement after the anthems I was pretty sure we were going to get up.
For those at the ground how did the anthem rate? I think it is amazing how much of a difference a good anthem can make. The best example I have ever witnessed of that was Scotland vs England in the last 5 nations match of 1999. Stirring stuff that had such an impact on the players they were never going to lose.
For those at the ground how did the anthem rate? I think it is amazing how much of a difference a good anthem can make. The best example I have ever witnessed of that was Scotland vs England in the last 5 nations match of 1999. Stirring stuff that had such an impact on the players they were never going to lose.
Godfrey
Phil Hardcastle (33)
Anthem wasn't particularly good at the ground I thought, then again I don't think we really have much of a "pump up" anthem anyway.
Does anyone else think it might not be too ludicrous to keep starting Fainga'a ahead of Moore? I like that kid more ever time I see him play.
Does anyone else think it might not be too ludicrous to keep starting Fainga'a ahead of Moore? I like that kid more ever time I see him play.
topo
Cyril Towers (30)
S Finger is still a work in progress, but has taken huge strides this year. Moore is the complete package and was very impressive when he came on last night. I would start him next week.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I thought Saia was fantastic in the loose last night and he filled the TPN role of just smashing blokes very well. He needs to be a better scrummager though.
the gambler
Dave Cowper (27)
Has certainly read the TPN tackling textbook. Dive at their knees. A technical ref might penalise them for not using arms.
The only thing I think we were lacking last night was a powerful ball running forward in the mould of a Palu or TPN (dont know if that has been said already, frankly can't be arsed to scroll through 19 pages). Not to say our forwards weren't all solid ball runners, but we didnt have the impact the ABs have with Reid, Kaino and Thorn. We got caught behind the advantage line a few times because of it, which could cost us in Melbourne.
That's why I would have Higgers for Dick Brown. Brown wasnt bad, had a few good touches, but lacks the impact we need from an 8.
That's why I would have Higgers for Dick Brown. Brown wasnt bad, had a few good touches, but lacks the impact we need from an 8.
naza
Alan Cameron (40)
Thought Brown had a strong game last night and deserves to hold onto his spot.
This Higginbotham bloke seems to get better every week that he doesn't play ! Deadset, the hype machine is in overdrive. He's a talent. But I certainly have never seen Higginbotham do a convincing Palu impersonation. I haven't seen him make the hard yards in tight. So far what I've seen is a pussycat who seagulls out wide a hell of a lot. So when people act like he's a hard funt who'll crack heads, I do wonder what they're basing that on.
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
Brown had his head in the ruck most of the night and his few carries were met by SPies and Kanko easily. A problem? for me was Elsom finding his running game in the centres or on the wing. Against a side that actually commits to the ruck such as England or the ABs will require Elsom to get tighter and do the hard stuff. Perhaps this was the game plan and Deans anticipated the Boks would not contest the rucks, that won't be the case next week and people should not expect to see Elsom in the centres or on the Wing making those runs against the ABs.
I agree regarding the need for a heavy traffic runner and if we don't have one manufacture one by committing two backrowers ie Elsom and Higginbum/Brown to the carry by one trucking it into contact and then have the second arrive quickly and drive the tackler and tacklee forward. 5 metres over advantage line quick recycle and move point of attack or go again close to ruck if pillars are slow. Body height and leg drive by the player trucking up is the key to this.
DPK
Peter Sullivan (51)
Anyone watched the post-match videos on the ARU website's RugbyTV page? Elsom looks absolutely exhausted, and Brown has the Crimean War look down pat. Pocock looked like he tried to tackle a bus at one point during the match when he was recieving physio attention.
They may not have played the best ever performance for a backrow, but they bloody well looked the part.
They may not have played the best ever performance for a backrow, but they bloody well looked the part.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
As I posted before, the step up in attitude and application (if not finesse) is what really pleased me. Some of the guys look like they've gone 10 rounds with Tyson (minus the ear-nibbling). Rocky looked wasted, and Dick Brown needs a CT scan - or does he always sound like that??
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