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Wallabies in need of tough love
John Connolly | September 7, 2008
Robbie Deans and the Australian selectors will have to make some tough decisions before the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup decider.
For the second year in a row Australia face New Zealand in the last game of the tournament, and the winners take all. And for the third year running the Springboks have collected the wooden spoon.
The Wallabies played well in the corresponding game in Auckland but we were on the receiving end from Nigel Owens, an inexperienced referee from Wales. His performance virtually cost us victory.
Coaches will always blame the referee, week in and week out, but I believe in this case it was true. New Zealand scored one try from a player clearly offside - right in front of the referee - and he let it go. Home teams generally get the rub of the green from the referee, and playing in Australia will make a huge difference.
Another factor in our favour is our record at Suncorp Stadium, which has been a near-impregnable fortress over the past few years, including a 49-0 walloping of the Springboks two years ago. Australian supporters should go into this game with some confidence despite last weekend's debacle in South Africa.
There are several challenges facing Deans, but first and foremost he needs to work hard in the selection room. There is little doubt that playing two small breakaways in the Auckland Test didn't work and left our lineout very exposed.
To have any chance of winning, history shows the Wallabies need to be technically correct. Our scrum will hold. That is all we can expect as our side evolves. Over the past few years, our lineout and defence have been the best in the world, and we need to get back to that rating.
Tactics will always influence selections but we need to make sure our core game is as good as it can be.
Stephen Moore will come in at hooker, Tatafu Polota-Nau will miss out. Al Baxter will replace Matt Dunning at tight-head, and the decision must then be made between Dunning and Benn Robinson at loose-head. As well as Robinson has performed at times, I'd lean towards Dunning, as he adds real bulk.
With Dan Vickerman out, Nathan Sharpe is almost guaranteed a return, and hopefully his confidence isn't dented by his recent omission. He will feel he has something to prove.
James Horwill will probably hold his spot at the expense of Hugh McMeniman, who has the potential to be a wonderful player.
I doubt Timana Tahu will be risked again, leaving two options. Berrick Barnes could go in, but word is he won't be fit. Deans has the option of moving Stirling Mortlock in and playing Ryan Cross, which appears the most likely scenario. But he could instead choose Adam Ashley-Cooper. Despite playing fullback for the Brumbies for many years, he does struggle in that position, and I would select him at No.12.
History shows sides coming off a hiding rarely produce a world-class performance. But there is enough maturity and experience in this team to rid the memories of South Africa and overcome that.
I truly believe Australia are right in the game up to their eyeballs at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday night. The event will be a great one for the game and a Wallabies win is within their grasp.
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Originally Posted by travelling_gerry
