Wallabies v France - June 14 Etihad Stadium

[Viking]

Hooper is better than Pocock at offensive rucks, he's quicker to the ball.

Quicker but less effective. Plus Pocock is better at defensive rucks. It's games like this that Hooper is unable to shine. There is limited opportunity for him to threaten on attack with his runs, so his breakdown work needs to be take priority.

Not that he had a bad game by any means but for me he was clearly outplayed by his opposite number. The type of game Pocock or Hodgeson play would be suited more to games like last night.

It's great we options.

 

[Gnostic]

My observations of what I among others thought was a dire example of Rugby.
1) The execution of basic skills in kicking from hand was beyond poor, again. When will Wallabies management, accept that this is a skills that our players simply haven't developed. Under two successive coaching regimes now there has been no attention to this, or dedicated expert attention to it. The best examples of this are kicking the ball into midfield from the 22, when all support players are in front of you and there is nobody to chase and pressure. The French on numerous occasions attacked a static defensive line waiting to be put onside.
2) Given point 1 WTF are the players selected who were, to play a conservative kick based game plan? Foley do not forget was a 7s player and brings that skill set to 10. He can kick, but it is far from his strength and why you would select him in a side in the first place. So why was he selected? Simply because the idea is to kick out of their own half and then run in the French? Well, that requires the first part of the plan to be executed with accuracy, and nobody in that backline has the skill set to do it with the exception of To'omua and White, who were not placed to execute the tasks required. I think Link correctly estimated the changes to the French and how they would play. He arguably changed the plan to suit, but did not select appropriately.
3) If anybody wants to see how the game plan played by the Wallabies should be executed, the Dad's Army Boks demonstrated it early this morning. A perfectly dire and brain numbing game plan executed to perfection, which completely dominated another side side playing the exact same plan. Gods I was hoping to see the end of Jake/Warren/Heineke - ball.

Finally given the number of people who have expressed extreme negativity regarding this game, from live at the ground and post attendance, even those habitually optimistic and most enthusiastic Wallaby supporters must see that regardless of the results playing such dire boring rugby is not in the interests of the future of the game in Australia. If test matches like last night become the norm I expect with in a couple of years they will be played at Concord again.

The positives for me out of this game are the lack of injuries, the dominance of Kepu and Simmons on the TH side of the scrum, the defence was improved in all areas.

 

[It is what it is]

Maybe White is absolutely ideal for the Brumbies style of play but not for the Wallabies.

 

[Ruggo]

Hmm. That first scrum that Kepu smashed Domingo, Simmons was packing tight head. So it wasn't a swap after Jones came in.

Love to see an overhead shot of that

EDIT: watching it back a few times, Domingo completely to blame. Not binding tight enough to his hooker, and trying to get too far outside Kepu. Very tight bundling by the Wobs

Goes to show more of the value that Simmons has in the side. He is a very good technically at both set pieces. He fits the dynamic of the Wallaby forward pack well because his less obvious strengths as a work horse free up others to fill the more dynamic running roles.

 

[Viking]

2) Given point 1 WTF are the players selected who were, to play a conservative kick based game plan? Foley do not forget was a 7s player and brings that skill set to 10. He can kick, but it is far from his strength and why you would select him in a side in the first place. So why was he selected? Simply because the idea is to kick out of their own half and then run in the French? Well, that requires the first part of the plan to be executed with accuracy, and nobody in that backline has the skill set to do it with the exception of To'omua and White, who were not placed to execute the tasks required. I think Link correctly estimated the changes to the French and how they would play. He arguably changed the plan to suit, but did not select appropriately.
.

Maybe McKenzie is testing his players versatility. It's nice to know the halves are capable of playing different game plans. You simply can't change an entire team for every different game plan we choose to implement. Especially the halves. You want as much continuity as possible - which means developing our halves to play different styles.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Not a great game of footy but thankfully one that we never looked like losing. Even when France were hard on attack late in the game we still looked to have it under control. We executed the basics of forward play pretty well I thought and the defence was almost airtight. I'm happy that we can vary our game when the need arises, because last night was exactly the kind of tight game you'll see in the knockout stage next year in England. I don't want us playing that kind of footy regularly, mind you.

 

[Ruggo]

By my unscientific study, it's mostly (although not solely) QLDers who were calling for Phipps to be dropped and replaced by White, and almost entirely QLD who were liking those posts. But no, I'm not implying his only supporters are QLDers, just most of the ones who were ardently calling for his return (to the bench). I'm certainly not saying that QLDers are the only provincialists on here -- far from it.

But anyway, as you point out, the discussion is pointless anyway, since Genia is broken.

One thing that Phipps and Genia have in common is that they can handle playing behind a forward pack less dominant. Phipps especially and that in my view is high praise for him. White not so much as he rarely has been exposed to the situation playing behind a Brumbies pack. On the few occasions it has happened, he has looked terribly out of his comfort zone. Bit hard to fix this problem and give him more experience behind a lesser pack if you get my drift. Given the quality of the three RC packs we are going to face, I just hope he can handle it when it comes. For the record in no way am I saying he won't.

 

[eastman]

Maybe White is absolutely ideal for the Brumbies style of play but not for the Wallabies.

I think you might be completely right here. White suits the conservative game plan implemented by the Brumbies but I don't think this is the way the Wallabies should be playing. I prefer a halfback whose first instinct is to run/pass from a turnover rather than kick..

 

[Rebel rouser]

For Christ's sake mate, nice piece of selected quoting there. Funny it is the rest of my post that gives the piece you have quoted some context. Would the crowd they drew last night had of sold out the smaller venue? I seriously doubt it, so that argument holds no weight. That is just your average conservative dribble and maybe you should expand the thought to considering how hard the sell will be for next years Melbourne fixture. Is it not a market where the ARU needs to extend the games profile. Speak for yourself and not "us" on the financial management argument because personally I don't view the game through that prism as the first thought. Expand the game to increase the revenue. The rectangular stadium holds 30,000 in a more conducive environment to view a game of rugby. That is a hardly a small crowd. Do you seriously think Docklands was going to be sold out?

The ARU needs to break the mould and take a chance at the new venue. Much like it has started with Saturday arvo tests at the SFS. On the basis of your argument, that should be scrapped and back to the Olympic Stadium test rugby goes. Do the Melbourne public, both new fans and the current rugby tragics not deserve the enhanced experience? In answering that, also consider that unlike Sydney, they only get one test match experience each year.

Can't agree with this more. I am a self-professed rugby tragic. I go to Rebels games religiously, and despite only getting 10-11000 in the crowd AAMI is generally pumping. There is literally not a bad seat in the house. And it's capacity is actually 31,000.

Last night, the Wallabies got 28000, so they would not have filled AAMI. I go to Etihad once a year - when the Wallabies play- and every time I walk out swearing to myself that I won't go back there for rugby again. If you pay for the best seats on halfway, you're still back about 30 metres. It's ridiculous!! But by the time 12 months rolls around it's just long enough for me to have forgotten quite how bad it is.

I hate to say it, but last night's game put Melbourne's rugby community back a few years. I have been trying hard to convert friends into Wallabies supporters, and have been slowly making progress, but they and many others were openly bored at the stadium last night. What we needed was the Wallabies playing like they did last week in Brisbane, with a capacity crowd bringing a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, we got neither.

 

[Slim 293]

I think you might be completely right here. White suits the conservative game plan implemented by the Brumbies but I don't think this is the way the Wallabies should be playing. I prefer a halfback whose first instinct is to run/pass from a turnover rather than kick..

It's called "game plan," not "instinct".........

 

[Paradox]

I think posters who claim the forwards played well are deluding themselves. Certain aspects of forward play were good (like scrum and maul defense). However, the forwards failed to get quick ball, the clean outs were ineffective, and not enough forwards got over the advantage line. Hooper and others were continually rag dolled. We missed the likes of Palu.

Furthermore, did Foley win the contest for least amount of touches by a fly half? A very invisible and poor performance. Didn't even make himself available to kick and seems to lack distance when he does connect.

 

[formerflanker]

Can't agree with this more. I am a self-professed rugby tragic. I go to Rebels games religiously, and despite only getting 10-11000 in the crowd AAMI is generally pumping. There is literally not a bad seat in the house. And it's capacity is actually 31,000.

Last night, the Wallabies got 28000, so they would not have filled AAMI. I go to Etihad once a year - when the Wallabies play- and every time I walk out swearing to myself that I won't go back there for rugby again. If you pay for the best seats on halfway, you're still back about 30 metres. It's ridiculous!! But by the time 12 months rolls around it's just long enough for me to have forgotten quite how bad it is.

I hate to say it, but last night's game put Melbourne's rugby community back a few years. I have been trying hard to convert friends into Wallabies supporters, and have been slowly making progress, but they and many others were openly bored at the stadium last night. What we needed was the Wallabies playing like they did last week in Brisbane, with a capacity crowd bringing a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, we got neither.

Surely the closeness of the game was something to offset the boredom? Any breakout by the French was likely to win the game by one point. That tension is as relevant to enjoyment as any other aspect of rugby.

 

[Paradox]

One thing that Phipps and Genia have in common is that they can handle playing behind a forward pack less dominant. Phipps especially and that in my view is high praise for him. White not so much as he rarely has been exposed to the situation playing behind a Brumbies pack. On the few occasions it has happened, he has looked terribly out of his comfort zone. Bit hard to fix this problem and give him more experience behind a lesser pack if you get my drift. Given the quality of the three RC packs we are going to face, I just hope he can handle it when it comes. For the record in no way am I saying he won't.

Your post absolutely makes no sense. A beaten pack relies on the kicking abilities of their backs to to get them some field position. White is the best kicking scrum half in Oz. The Brumbies also have 2 other good options in Mogg and To'omua to clear the ball with distance. The Wallabies other options are the pop guns of Foley and Folau.

 

[eastman]

It's called "game plan," not "instinct"...

When something gets drilled into you for nearly 4 years it will definitely become instinct. Regardless we knew what to expect with White- more emphasis on kicking and less on sniping/ running.

 

[Rebel rouser]

Surely the closeness of the game was something to offset the boredom? Any breakout by the French was likely to win the game by one point. That tension is as relevant to enjoyment as any other aspect of rugby.

A Melbourne sports fan has so much to choose from, the closeness of the game is but one factor.

Next weekend, Hawthorn will play Collingwood at the G. Average attendance is 80,000 over the past few years. Standard admission is $25 for an adult. You will definitely see a great game with a great atmosphere. That is one of 3 matches at the MCG next weekend. All will get a higher crowd than France v Wallabies. That's what we're up against.

 

[Ruggo]

Your post absolutely makes no sense. A beaten pack relies on the kicking abilities of their backs to to get them some field position. White is the best kicking scrum half in Oz. The Brumbies also have 2 other good options in Mogg and To'omua to clear the ball with distance. The Wallabies other options are the pop guns of Foley and Folau.

Yeah, Phipps and Genia have demonstrated an ability to clear the ball when the pack is beaten. Yep, away from the danger zone with a decent pass in a calm fashion. Under that situation it is up to the receiver to clear it. It is ok to box kick away stagnant ball but backwards ball is different.

 

[Slim 293]

When something gets drilled into you for nearly 4 years it will definitely become instinct. Regardless we knew what to expect with White- more emphasis on kicking and less on sniping/ running.

If that were true we would've seen more kicking in his last 2 performances, but we didn't...........

Ergo, bullshit.

The simple fact is, the coach directly instructed them to play the game up the other end as they were struggling for clean ball and the French defence were all over our backs........

Considering White has the strongest boot in our backline, that task largely fell to him...........

Even Folau kicked the ball more times than he probably has all year.........

 

[JJJ]

Seems Dusautoir thought the ref was hard on them. Courtesy of google translate:

"The arbitration was hard with us"

"Few points are cash but it is regrettable to finish at 6-0. What must be emphasized is the solidarity they showed. Outnumbered, we were able to put Australia in trouble. We will continue to work on these bases. They are interesting to fetch success. Also say that arbitration (English Wayne Barnes) was hard with us on certain actions. But we must remember our commitment to seek, in the final moments, a try. Any attempt, it was necessary to us. Afterwards, the entire game, we tried to occupy the field and the opponent in the game based on our conquest and our defense. That said, it was not enough. "

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/Dusautoir-pas-suffisant/473838

 

[cyclopath]

Your post absolutely makes no sense. A beaten pack relies on the kicking abilities of their backs to to get them some field position. White is the best kicking scrum half in Oz. The Brumbies also have 2 other good options in Mogg and To'omua to clear the ball with distance. The Wallabies other options are the pop guns of Foley and Folau.

Actually, the distance of all our kickers last night was not too bad, including the supposed pop-guns. The accuracy of all of them was poor, including White and To'omua. Most kicks from hand went straight down the guts, and were returned with interest into open spaces. White is the best kicking half, no doubt, but you're casting all the aspersions on 2 guys, and ignoring the fact that all 4 kickers had some issues, not least of all that penalty kick that went touch in goal.
It's an area that needs real attention - players set their mind to kick without really seeing where the opportunity to kick is, so bung it down the middle. The French guys looked where the space was and hit it more often, although they were also guilty of some aimless punting.

 

[JJJ]

From the French props:

Rabah Slimani (right team pillar France): "Losing so little it cares more balls than take to cook some food, because we said it could pass pretty much. Compared to last week, in any case, it was much better. We managed to transcribe the field what has worked in practice. But we will not settle for that. My tenure in France team pretty well. I'm happy, although I would have liked to win at the end. I hope there will be others. Compared to games that I usually start in the Top 14, I ran tremendously.There has not been many stoppages in play each time there has tackles and rucks, it comes out very quickly, so we do not have time to rest. We need to think faster to see if in the right place. I started to replace Nico (Mas), but I'm not going to fire me. Nico Nico is. I do have one tenure. Him, it's been ten years it is there. We're not going to dethrone him like that. " Alexander Menini (left pillar of the France team): "The coaches had warned me not to drop everything for the hymns and warm, because he had to I stay focused on my game. But I still had a few tears. This is normal, I think, for my first selection. Once on the ground, I took a lot of pleasure. It has not made ​​great flights, but we see that when you have a defense in place, as soon as there is no space, Australians are like the others, they do not play all the balloons and tap the foot. Compared to the Top 14, I think we loose a little less juice in static phases, ie in the scrums and rucks. This is somewhat shorter. However, at the race, it is much more intense. There, I could see that it was the highest level. I had to take a penalty in the game, because I had a ball and I am left alone like a donkey. In the end, the coaches have hit me in the hand. Yannick (Bru) told me that it was a shame we did not win my first, because it is a moment that I would never be forgotten. But hey, even with a defeat, I will never forget! "

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/-ca-fout-encore-plus-les-boules/473976

Google translate still obviously a work in progress