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FORUM / RUGBY /  Justin Marshall: Australia playing with more cohesion than All Blacks; Justin Marshall; NZ Herald

Justin Marshall: Australia playing with more cohesion than All Blacks; Justin Marshall; NZ Herald

Started by Just_win6 REPLIES262 VIEWS· 28 Sept 2015, 07:11
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JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
28 Sept 2015, 07:11
#1
28 Sept 2015, 07:11#1

They had to work hard to beat Fiji, but, while they couldn't get a bonus point, the victory was relatively straightforward, and they put a big score on Uruguay despite making a lot of changes to their line-up.

In fact, you could say they are playing with more cohesion than the All Blacks, who have shown a couple of signs of rust, and their pool game collision against England at Twickenham next Sunday NZT is looming as an epic encounter.

England v Wales was billed as the biggest pool game in World Cup history, but, for the hosts at least, there is probably more on their next one against the Wallabies because they will be fighting to stay in the tournament.

I had the pleasure of being at Twickenham for Wales' victory and I haven't experienced that hype and atmosphere at many stadiums.

The game had everything, controversy, a couple of stunning pieces of talent to create tries, grit, courage and drama. It was billed as a blockbuster and it delivered.

The only people to predict that result were probably loyal supporters and those whom just wanted England to lose. It was an upset and what a shake it's given the tournament; the hosts fighting to stay in the tournament at Twickenham against a red-hot Australia. Have we now got the biggest pool game in World Cup history?

The hosts have never before been knocked out in the pool stages. Australia will know they can knock England out and I think this game is going to be sensational. There is so much at stake. The interesting thing will be the atmosphere. There is a big rivalry between Wales and England, but I expect the atmosphere for England v Australia will have more tension than expectation this time.

There are plenty of other interesting clashes between now and then. The All Blacks get back on deck against Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday NZT and the biggest interest for me is where they go in terms of selection.

They've had two hit-outs, with 29 players out of 31 getting game time. I believe it's time to get Waisake Naholo out there against Georgia in Cardiff if he's fit. The selectors have to find the right balance and right combination among the back three and until Naholo plays we don't know that yet. Also there will be a spotlight on the midfield, at lock, blindside flanker and the front row.

Clearly the selectors know what they're doing but I hope they go for their strongest team for the next two matches in order to best prepare them for the quarter-final.

Substitutions can be made during games - for example why not give Richie McCaw just 30 minutes against Georgia? I think too many changes would be dangerous.

With all due respect to Georgia, and the All Blacks' final pool opponents Tonga (who are due a good game), you would have to say the main interest is how the All Blacks selectors manage their line-up so that they have a team in the best possible form for the quarter-final.

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
28 Sept 2015, 07:17
#2
28 Sept 2015, 07:17#2
 Oz look good, I agree on that. 
Ireland looked really good last night though, the complete package. Forwards were powerful winning set piece & relatively mobile & the backs were very good. The thing that struck me was the cohesion. The team flowed very well, they are well prepared by their coach.
I agree the ABs have not hit their straps yet but they will.
Oz vs. England will be a game of tension and drama. I can't see the Poms winning this one. Disturbing to read in other articles about the huge amount of money that will be lost if the Poms lose. I don't agree with Traditionalist's views on the extent of the influence of money in our sport but it is good to keep and eye on this.
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
28 Sept 2015, 07:45
#3
28 Sept 2015, 07:45#3
 JW it may be the wee abs have hit their straps and thats it. Just a thought.
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
28 Sept 2015, 07:45
#4
28 Sept 2015, 07:45#4
 JW it may be the wee abs have hit their straps and thats it. Just a thought.
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
28 Sept 2015, 08:50
#5
28 Sept 2015, 08:50#5
 Yes, Beeno congrats on having a "thought". It was a wee one but I always try to be generous in praise & sparing in scathing remarks
WA
WardadPro6,663 posts
28 Sept 2015, 09:00
#6
28 Sept 2015, 09:00#6
 So did you have to pay much for that thought beandork ? I would ask for a refund were I you ,and a padded cell .JW they are talking BILLIONS ! so yeah no pressure on refs and TV producers eh ? Watch the waablies squeal like stuck pigs if they get screwed over ,and after seeing how the camera crew didnt bother replaying Williams getting kicked in the head a bazillion times it may well be on the cards .And what the frig is it with bok 'fans' getting their stupid loking mugs on the pitch ? Are the Boks that bad they need help from some halfwit from the stands ? Where were you beandip ? Bit suss .....
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
28 Sept 2015, 09:05
#7
28 Sept 2015, 09:05#7
 Yes Wardad; unseemly behaviour & one can only speculate on the true identity of the twit(s).
Bok Fan on pitch - again
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