Rugby Preview: Australia vs. England, Second Test

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 15, 2010

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The wonder of a second test match is that the hosting Australians and visiting English know exactly what to expect from each other.

Paradoxically, the losing team from Perth may actually have the edge.  That is if they've learned any lessons from a painful defeat.

The Wallabies, with all their youthful exuberance, are playing a game that is wonderful for its sheer viewing pleasure. And while it is easier said than done, an all-out attacking strategy could be shut down, were it not for the maestro pulling the strings for the green and gold machine.

Deans has introduced new blood and encourages the overused expression of “playing what is in front of you.”

But the real menace in this Australian team is that their structured play, epitomised by lovely angles, support on attack, and a coordinated defence.

The English side showed, as they did under Johnson, that they have the physical might to dominate the Wallabies. And with more facets, the foundation to build progress and record—as their senior players lament—that elusive big scalp is there.

If one created a rugby team from scratch, and gave them a scrum of the power that has been revealed by England so far in Australia, the opportunities should be endless.

What would be frustrating for Martin Johnson and his men would not be so much that their set piece dominance should have resulted in a healthy win. But that there was not even the associated links that one connects with a physical forward pack.

The Wallabies, via a resurgent Luke Burgess, found plenty of freedom around the edge of the ruck, an area where no team would be given any change when Martin Johnson and his “white orcs on steroids” ruled the world.

Even when the Australians recycled possession, there was no menace or hunger in the counter ruck, something a big physical forward unit should be revel...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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