Wallabies v Lions Game 2 MCG 26 July

[Strewthcobber]

A lift demonstrates to everyone that you’re in a balanced, legal spot to actually compete for the ball - rather than being overbalanced/ off feet etc. Also the penalty goes against the ball carrier for not releasing - so logically if you don’t try and steal it they haven’t not released (ball carrier can play or pop the ball too). You don’t have to necessarily come out with it or hold on after the hit.

Just to add to that, you don't have to let go of the ball in a ruck if you have hands on before it forms, and are on your feet. So it's not just about penalties, you don't have to immediately let go of the ball in a ruck (ie when one oppo player arrives) if you on your feet with hands on the ball - which is shown by the lift. Which might result in legal tunovers, or legal slowing the ball down

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

A few thoughts from last night.

2. I thought the backline functioned well. We have our 12, because we don't have a decent alternative in the country. I support joe's choice here. Issac Henry was looking the goods till he did his ACL. Hunter is a wasted bus. Would be interested to see whit young fitler can do.

12 is a huge problem until post RWC tbh. We have young guys in the system like Pakeho, O’Donnell who will challenge but Henry is barely a pro at this point. He’s rugby eye candy with his build.

Fitler is barely dominating Colts. I know he’s one year out of school but if he didn’t have a famous surname we wouldn’t know about him. Hope I’m wrong.

 

[Major Tom]

12 is a huge problem until post RWC tbh. We have young guys in the system like Pakeho, O’Donnell who will challenge but Henry is barely a pro at this point. He’s rugby eye candy with his build.

Fitler is barely dominating Colts. I know he’s one year out of school but if he didn’t have a famous surname we wouldn’t know about him. Hope I’m wrong.

Could just stick JAS at 12 and shift Lennie to outside. At least one of them is in their usual position.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I think with the current standard of our 10s they would benefit enormously from having an out ball in situations to give it for a crash and set up a next phase.

Let’s not force the play called every time if it’s not on.

 

[Major Tom]

I think with the current standard of our 10s they would benefit enormously from having an out ball in situations to give it for a crash and set up a next phase.

Let’s not force the play called every time if it’s not on.

I think we have Len crash ball too much. JAS appears far better suited to truck it up. Defence appears the only hesitation but I don’t really know how that stacks up. Someone on here can probably explain why we’ve gone this way?

 

[Brumby Runner]

Just to add to that, you don't have to let go of the ball in a ruck if you have hands on before it forms, and are on your feet. So it's not just about penalties, you don't have to immediately let go of the ball in a ruck (ie when one oppo player arrives) if you on your feet with hands on the ball - which is shown by the lift. Which might result in legal tunovers, or legal slowing the ball down

Yeah, but my comment was aimed at the tackled player who is bound to place or release the ball immediately.

 

[notdeadyet]

I think it's safe to suggest he could lift the ball but it's very much impossible with the contact to his head and neck.
Apart from him potentially coming in from the side, he attacks this ruck perfectly. Supporting body weight, no hands past the ball.
It's similar but not the same to a penalty try i.e. "would it have occurred had the foul play not occurred".

was it a ruck before he entered, after he entered before morgan and the 11 did ?

 

[notdeadyet]

I think the Tizz hit should have been pinged but this isn't really a like for like scenario here. 8 blue is a passive player on the ground in this clip and there is absolutely no attempt by AAAAAAAAs to wrap at all.

where should ala'alatoa's R/arm have gone ?

 

[Shiggins]

Can we get a message to the wallabies to get Bobby V and skelton to clean out exactly the same way Morgan did at every ruck this weekend since it's ok ? Might not be any lions players left on the pitch by the end of it

 

[Shiggins]

I think the Tizz hit should have been pinged but this isn't really a like for like scenario here. 8 blue is a passive player on the ground in this clip and there is absolutely no attempt by AAAAAAAAs to wrap at all.

He did. He tried to wrap around blues shoulder and instead his elbow hit the blue players shoulder. That's what a lions fan would say

 

[JRugby2]

where should ala'alatoa's R/arm have gone ?

Can't have it tucked down by his side - he's got to be leading with his hands in a position to wrap.

 

[Tomthumb]

I think we have Len crash ball too much. JAS appears far better suited to truck it up. Defence appears the only hesitation but I don’t really know how that stacks up. Someone on here can probably explain why we’ve gone this way?

Su'ualli needs to be in more space, not less

If anything he needs to be out wider, as we are 2 tests in and he hasn't contested a single high ball witch is one of his best skills

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Problem is who come into the Centres then? Flook and Paisami aren’t going to move the needle against this opposition. He’ll just sit on a Wing waiting for a cross field kick…

 

[JRugby2]

Based on the Reds hit out I'd day Paisami probably would move the needle.

12: Hunter, 13: Len, 14: Joe

 

[Tomthumb]

Problem is who come into the Centres then? Flook and Paisami aren’t going to move the needle against this opposition. He’ll just sit on a Wing waiting for a cross field kick…

Personally I'm a fan of Paisami. I know people on here have given up on him, but I think thats a bit unfair considering how narrow Joe was making them play in the Rugby Championship last year for the most part. A lot of his skill got lost like that and I think he would have looked much better on the EOYT when they developed their attack more

And then Len can play his best position and Joseph can roam from the wing, no top winger just stays out there all game

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I think he’s good and threatening at Super Rugby but below that at Test level.

27 with 25+ Tests. I think he is what he is. Will he play more in the future? Probably but I don’t see him becoming something world class.

 

[Tomthumb]

I think he's had some really good moments at Test level, albeit with some inconsistency. I don't think player development is necessarily linear so certainly don't think we should be giving up on him just as he's entering his prime

He will certainly shore up the midfield defense and provide some confidence to Tom Lynagh due to familiarity

 

[drewprint]

I'm not exactly endorsing Paisami here, but he has a great passing and kicking game which may be helpful to get JAS into the game from the wing.

 

[Tomthumb]

I'm not exactly endorsing Paisami here, but he has a great passing and kicking game which may be helpful to get JAS into the game from the wing.

Good man

 

[Slim 293]

I'm not exactly endorsing Paisami here, but he has a great passing and kicking game which may be helpful to get JAS into the game from the wing.

Does he though?

It seemed to be his two of his biggest weaknesses last year with the Wallabies...

The ball didn't often get past him, and his kicking game was to say the least... awful.

He would often kick when it was the wrong option, and execute poorly... such as hoofing the ball straight down to the opposition fullback with a penalty advantage and a counter attack opportunity wasted, or a cross kick directly into the arms of the Springbok winger, or routinely grubbering the ball through at every opportunity inside the opposition 22m.

Having said that, if he promises to never kick the ball this weekend unless absolutely necessary... I wouldn't be entirely opposed to him starting as JAS' defence was found wanting as the game went on.