Foley questions Welsh scrum tactics

Foley questions Welsh scrum tactics

September 14, 2007 - 1:07PM

Wallabies forwards coach Michael Foley has put the boot on the other foot before tomorrow's World Cup crunch match by accusing Wales of front-row trickery.

In response to Welsh "concerns" about the Australian scrum, Foley has highlighted Welsh tactics in the key scrum battle.

The 1999 World Cup-winning hooker felt it was unfair the Wallabies' developing pack continued to be tarred by the memories of its 2005 failings when he claimed Wales pushed the limits of the law more than most.

"I feel there's times there where teams now are throwing things out to perhaps taking some attention away from the tactics they're going to play," he said.

"The thing that is probably of most interest is they have been penalised in Tests more than before, particularly (tight-head prop) Chris Horsman who is not playing tomorrow.

"But Adam Jones is scrummaging exactly the same way."

He said Jones, who will start at tight-head at Millennium Stadium, and Horsman angled in at the engagement like South Africa's BJ Botha who he criticised earlier this year.

Foley stressed the importance of New Zealand referee Steve Walsh maintaining consistency in his front-row rulings to ensure a fair battle up front.

It's the third time this year Foley has spoken out in defence of his pack after a rival nation questioned its scrummaging abilities.

He took a shot at Botha before the 22-19 loss in Cape Town and also lashed out at All Blacks "smoke and mirrors" tactics before the 26-12 loss in Auckland.

Foley was annoyed the Welsh this week harked back to the 2005 performances when England destroyed the Wallabies scrum at Twickenham and also suffered the ignominy of conceding a pushover penalty try to Wales.

"I think the past is the past, fullstop," he said.

"I think Wales are a better side than this time last year but so are we as well.

"How far in the past back do you look? Do you go back to Alan Jones' (Wallabies) side who pushed them over or do you look to '96 where they were pushed over here as well, or do you look back to '05?

"Looking back is futile."

Guy Shepherdson has returned to the important tight-head position after leg injuries to confront Welsh loose-head Duncan Jones.

The Welsh scrum is particularly disruptive on opposition ball, using brute strength as much as technique.

Matt Dunning knows the only way to change the damaging perceptions is for Australia to turn the tables and be dominant tomorrow.

"We're not where we want to be at the moment, but we've improved and want to take another step on Saturday," said Dunning.

AAP