Wallabies have learned their lessons

Updated October 03, 2012 08:18:07

Wallabies forwards coach Andrew Blades says Australia will not fall into the same trap of probing wide too early against a Pumas side which almost skinned them on the Gold Coast.

The Wallabies got out of jail in their first Rugby Championship meeting against Argentina last month, scoring 17 points in the final 20 minutes after trailing 19-6, but know they are true underdogs for the rematch in Rosario.

Argentina is eyeing its maiden win in the tournament and Blades said it was crucial the injury-ravaged Wallabies take the battle to the Pumas' powerful forward pack and build an attacking platform before employing their backs.

On the Gold Coast, Australia passed the ball wide immediately and looked capable of cutting the world number eight-ranked side apart but was often caught and isolated.

The Wallabies were outmuscled in the collisions in their last-start 31-8 drubbing by South Africa and know they must toughen up.

They also aim to take a leaf out of the All Blacks' book after New Zealand ran in seven tries in their 54-15 win over Argentina on Saturday, but only after being patient in setting a platform.

"To play against the Pumas well you first do the hard work and that's where we suffered on the weekend - around the tackle," said Blades, who played prop in the drawn two-match series in Argentina in 1997.

"We need to improve well there to get momentum to play good rugby.

"We had a good look at the All Blacks and saw how the Pumas were able to frustrate them early in the game with their strong defence.

"The All Blacks adjusted well. They made sure they weren't caught short going wide before going forward and that was a lesson for us."

Centre Pat McCabe underlined Argentina's breakdown nous by rating them the most physical team he's played, and rated them "deserved favourites".

On the plus side for the tourists, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and Radike Samo are confident they will overcome shoulder problems to play on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST).

Of the five players carrying injuries from the Pretoria thumping, it appears winger Digby Ioane (knee) and Scott Higginbotham (back) are in most doubt of playing after missing training on Tuesday.

Centre Anthony Fainga'a has been cleared of a head knock and is expected to replace Adam Ashley-Cooper and combine with McCabe in the midfield.

McCabe had been seen as a leading contender for the vacant full-back position but he is not expecting a shift, meaning Mike Harris is set to become the fourth different starting number 15 in five games.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, argentina, australia

First posted October 03, 2012 08:18:07

View the original article here

Springboks told to lift their game

Updated June 15, 2012 17:02:52

South Africa will be better prepared and have an altitude advantage when it seeks a series-clinching second Test win over England at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Super Rugby commitments meant new Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer had only six days with his squad before the first game last weekend, which the Springboks won 22-17 in Durban.

After playing in familiar sea-level conditions, England must now adjust to the 1,800-metre altitude venue where South Africa won the World Cup for the first time in front of Nelson Mandela 17 years ago.

The lack of time together showed as the Springboks improved on a poor first half performance to score two tries and then keep England at bay when the tourists belatedly exhibited some adventure.

"This team is not even five per cent toward where I want them to be," was the blunt assessment of Meyer this week as Johannesburg experienced a typical winter weather combination of cool, sunny days and cold nights.

"You can see the squad is much more relaxed this week and the training sessions have been sharper. However, we have to lift our intensity because England will improve from the first Test."

A Super 14 and Currie Cup winner with the Bulls, Meyer advocates continuity and the only change from the Durban starting line-up was enforced with Patrick Lambie replacing injured Zane Kirchner at full-back.

Lambie came on at half-time in Durban and Meyer praised his performance while admitting there was room for improvement in the tactical kicking of the exciting 21-year-old Sharks full-back.

"Patrick is a good kicker, but I want him to do better and he is working hard on the issue. However, we are not losing much when it comes to tactical kicking with this change," Meyer stressed.

The coach, who has signed a four-year contract up to the 2015 World Cup in England, said he knew the opposition better now, but the emphasis was on improving his own side.

"We have set high standards for ourselves and while training has gone better and the players are more relaxed, the thing that matters is what happens on the field this Saturday."

There are also natural expectations that ace goal-kicker Morne Steyn will be back to his best after a rare off-day at Kings Park, where he succeeded with only four of seven shots at goal.

England coach Stuart Lancaster, another post-World Cup appointment when Martin Johnson quit following a limp last-eight exit to France, has laid the blame for the first Test loss among his backs.

Injuries ruled out full-back Mike Brown and inside centre Brad Barritt and only two players - right wing Chris Ashton and scrum-half Ben Youngs - stay where they started at Kings Park.

Ben Foden moves from the wing to his customary role of full-back, David Strettle is recalled on the left wing, 21-year-olds Jonathan Joseph and Manu Tuilagi form a new centre pairing and experienced fly half Toby Flood is back.

After a bright start with England this year, fly half Owen Farrell has been demoted to the substitutes' bench, although Lancaster insists he can play a crucial role as England seeks to end a run of eight Springbok wins on the trot.

Assistant coach Mike Catt hailed the elevation of Joseph, saying he is "a special player who can create something out of nothing."

"His footwork is phenomenal and his ability to do things at pace creates room for others," he said.

Respected English rugby writer and former national team lock Paul Ackford said England could win the first Test only if its front five dominated the Springboks.

Front rowers Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley and Dan Cole and locks Mouritz Botha and Geoff Parling failed to do so and unless they improve dramatically, the June 23 third and final test in Port Elizabeth could be a dead rubber.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, south-africa

First posted June 15, 2012 17:02:52

View the original article here

Rugby League Shirts - Their History and Design