The Rugby World Cup 2007

Lee Coan wrote this article.

Join us from 1am AEST for live score and wanging on of Australia vs South Africa in the Tri-Nations
Wallabies vs Boks Bloefontein
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Wycliff Palu has labelled Australia’s end-of-year tour ‘out of reach’ as he continues his arduous comeback from knee reconstructive surgery.

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

At least this week the Wallabies attack was less about one out runners trying to crash through walls!
Following on from my look at the Wallabies attack structure last week, here’s a follow up to see what effect the reintroduction of Quade Cooper had.
I saw three areas of improvement:

A flatter attacking line playing closer to the line, even when Giteau stepped into first receiver;
Faster realignment so Genia had players ready to receive the ball and hence, faster ruck ball – this was helped by the flatter attack line so players didn’t have to run back as far to get into position;
More structure to move the defence around and create space.

Those improvements can’t all be put down just to Quade Cooper but there was a more positive attitude in attack this week from most of the team, and that can probably be put down to his return to the team.
The continuing negatives were:

Squandering of opportunities – the Wallabies need to become finishers (not just of games but of the little battles within each game);

A lack of innovation from first phase attack.

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

There were some positive signs from the Wallabies last weekend, unfortunately offset by some negatives.  I’d prefer to be writing a positive piece focusing on the promising signs for the Wallabies but the continued inconsistency and failure to execute the basics well can’t be ignored – no wonder the coach, players and supporters are all frustrated.
Quade Cooper made a huge difference to the Wallabies attitude in attack, partially offset by the fact that his defence has shown no improvement for the Wallabies this year.
The support and organisation in attack was better, offset by poor ball retention that wasted good opportunities to add points.
Kurtley Beale’s attack was really good, partially offset by his poor defence and his weakness with the high ball. James O’Connor has really stepped up in an unfamiliar role but I would still prefer a specialist winger in the starting side.
Stephen Moore, Ben McCalman and James Slipper made a positive impact off the bench, offset by a lack of impact by Rob Simmons. The Wallabies lost so much when Sharpe left the field.
Having watched the game again in detail this morning, I’m even more amazed at the decision to leave Moore on the bench in the second half. Faingaa had little impact in attack, missed 4 tackles and looked tired over the last half an hour.
The Wallabies missed 32 tackles and lost possession 13 times – neither of those statistics are good enough, particularly when you consider that the opposition missed 19 tackles and only lost possession 6 times. The difference in just those two statistics alone is enough to explain a 13 point loss.
I hope that a new skills coach can address the basic requirement that the ball must be treated liked gold and I hope someone works out that a specialist defence coach would be a positive move for the Wallabies.
Click on the relevant icon to download the Team Statistics or the Player statistics.

 
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admin wrote this article.
Tourism New Zealand’s Giant Rugby Ball has landed in Sydney, where it will spend the next week.The ball - which can accommodate about 200 people - has been travelling the world to promote next year’s Rugby World Cup, as well as…

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admin wrote this article.
Tourism New Zealand’s Giant Rugby Ball has landed in Sydney, where it will spend the next week.The ball - which can accommodate about 200 people - has been travelling the world to promote next year’s Rugby World Cup, as well as…

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

Just write it down Robbie!
Thanks to D. for bringing it to our attention!

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

The standout Wallaby back for the last two tests has been Kurtley Beale. He’s been fundamentally involved in just about every major attacking play, and as Lance asked in his What’s happened to the Wallaby Specialists? post, Beale is making a strong case for becoming the first choice Wallaby 15.
Maybe it was because of the hype that started at a ridiculous age, but critics always seem to come flooding out for Kurtley, often ignoring the rare talent he has to offer. I’ve pulled a few clips together predominantly from the game in Pretoria looking at what makes him such a revelation at fullback.

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Planet Rugby | Rugby Union News wrote this article.
Tourism New Zealand’s Giant Rugby Ball - measuring 25
metres long and 13 metres high - was officially opened today in
downtown Sydney

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

Dick Brown - gawn

What are we going to be doing differently this week that we didn’t do last week?
The answer to that is ‘to ring the changes’ which is a 17th century term (related to bell ringing in belfry’s) that means to employ alternative methods.
The selectors have finally decided to employ alternative players and dumped some under-performers.
The casualties are Dean Mumm, Richard Brown and Saia Faingaa. Two of the three have been copping criticism for quite some time for a lack of form and impact.
I think the changes are deserved – I mean, what have we got to lose. Let’s give some other fellas a go to see if we can come up with the right combo.
It’s a shame that Salesi Ma’afu didn’t get the axe as well but I’d imagine this will be his last chance. Word is that James Slipper will be getting plenty of game time.
Stephen Moore has returned to his rightful hooking spot. He should have been in the run-on side last week because he thrives on this type of game.
A strong scrummager and ball runner around the ruck, the fact that he didn’t get on at the death last week was a coaching snafu.
It’s a shame for Faingaa who has been a bit of a find this year but he’ll be getting plenty more opportunities for the Wallabies down the track.
Ben McCalman deserves his start as well. An up and coming and aggressive young loose forward, he’s a ball of energy and you could see his potential in Force matches earlier in the season.
Mark Chisholm has been tried before with mixed results. He’s a capable lineout forward but sometimes has difficulty injecting himself into a game.

Dean Mumm - gawn

If we’re going to be playing a similar fast-paced game as last week then I think he’s worth a go because mobility is one of his strengths.
Tactically, I don’t think the Wallabies will offer much variation from last week – and rightly so – although you’d think that running the ball from inside your 22 may not necessarily be the answer every time?
Robbie said that the altitude had no effect on the players last week. You could have fooled me because some of them looked out on their feet towards the end.
Bloemfontein is also on the highveld so here’s hoping for a better outcome with the use of the bench.
South Africa has made one change and replaced Flip van der Merwe with Danie Roussow and Gio Aplon on the bench for an injured Butch James.
I have a better feeling about this test match than I did before last weeks.
I think the Wallabies will be so dirty on themselves that they’ll be highly motivated to make amends. (I’m trying to be more positive) Wallabies by 3.
Wallabies
Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (c), Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Salesi Ma’afu, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Saia Faingaa, James Slipper, Dean Mumm, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Berrick […]

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

Here they are (better late than never) – our top five tries for July.

Last month our winner was Juan Van Vuuren from University of Queensland.
Our August tries will be out at the end of next week so get your votes in now.

QuestionsView Results

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Austin wrote this article.

Australia take on England in the 1st v 4th semi final tomorrow morning at 5:15am for the chance to make the World Cup final.
England have been considered favourites along with New Zealand and have had a stellar preparation and solid campaign so far, qualifying for the finals in top spot. They are favourites for this match.
Australia have largely been an unknown quantity due to their limited appearances at international level and umm, shortish preparation. Much, however, has been made of the Australian 7s World Cup victory and the team itself has been drawing on the experience. The Wallaroos overcame a disappointing loss to New Zealand in the second pool game and are confident and excited about the semi final. The girls are adamant they have come to take home the silverware.
In short, this is a story of the highly prepared against the highly motivated.
Here are a few comparisons around the park.
The tight five: England are considered to have a strong front row and a good scrum. Lineouts, however, are a little more erratic. Australia have a mobile but competitive tight five that has improved as the tournament has progressed. They will have to aim up again here, led by prop Lindsay Morgan, who is having a strong tournament all round, and has matched the try count of impressive outside centre and Royals teammate, Sharni Williams.
The Back Row: This is a key area for the Wallaroos, who possess a classy and attack-focused backrow. Alex Hargreaves up a against benchmark flanker Maggie Alphonsi will be a real treat, with Alex being a great ball runner and thief and Maggie specialising in hard hitting defence. The backrow for both sides has been outstanding – keep an eye out for their battles tonight.
The halves: Cheryl Soon has been outstanding for Australia, with some very crisp service and inspirational snipes around the edges of the ruck to get Australia on the front foot. She’ll be up against “The Cannonball”, Amy Turner, who is, umm, actually like a cannonball. Or maybe an extra hooker with excellent passing skills. Or also kinda like a tank in attack and defence. This is a battle of players with completely different styles and sizes – both players are pivotal to the leadership of their teams.
At flyhalf, England has an advantage with the impressive Katy McLean. She handles defensive pressure very well and teams well with the inside centre, taking good attacking options. Australia’s flyhalf, Toby McGann, is less composed under pressure, and was targeted by the clever New Zealand loosies to good effect. She’ll need to be on her game today if our outside backs are to see the ball in space.
The outside backs England have a great fullback in Danielle Waterman. She’s incisive and creative – but equally so is Wallaroo Trish Brown. I think Australia have a definite edge out wide, particularly in defence. If Australia can pressure the English outside centre and wing, they will cough up the […]

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Amanda wrote this article.

Here’s part 4 of the videos looking at the Wallaby back line from 1979 to 2010 with this video covering the years 2002 to 2005.
This segment includes the introduction of the league converts – Sailor, Rogers and Tuquiri and the 2003 World Cup campaign.
Watching the footage reminded me how much the current Wallaby back line is missing strong, hard runners like Mortlock.
Part 5 will cover the 2006 to 2007 period and part 6 will bring us up to date with a look at 2008 to 2009.
In case you missed Parts 1, 2 and 3 they are displayed again further down the page.
 

 
 

 

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Lee Coan wrote this article.

Here’s part 4 of the videos looking at the Wallaby back line from 1979 to 2010 with this video covering the years 2002 to 2005.
This segment includes the introduction of the league converts – Sailor, Rogers and Tuquiri and the 2003 World Cup campaign.
Watching the footage reminded me how much the current Wallaby back line is missing strong, hard runners like Mortlock.
Part 5 will cover the 2006 to 2007 period and part 6 will bring us up to date with a look at 2008 to 2009.
In case you missed Parts 1, 2 and 3 they are displayed again further down the page.
 

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admin wrote this article.
Two Christchurch car rental companies have been ordered to pay $43,710 in fines and reparations for ripping off foreign tourists, prompting a warning from the Commerce Commission that it is watching the tourism sector closely.Directors…

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