What are Deans' tactics going to be?

It seems that what Deans got out of the Wales series is that defence wins you the tight matches. Australia only scored 5 tries and conceded.

When you look at the ways the ABs have lost, it does make a lot of sense this strangling approach. If the ABs get their noses in front, the pressure goes off and silly mistakes don't creep in. When they're behind though and they feel the confidence of the opposition grow and the pressure for them is diminished, that's when the ABs have to force their hand. They are capable of turning up a gear particularly in the last quarter, but like any good side, if you can rattle them by getting in their faces and scoring points when the opportunities arise, you build momentum and psychologically that can prove a difficult obstacle to overcome.

The key area to applying pressure for any side is the breakdown. If you can slow down AB ball and set your defensive lines with that little extra time, your line is difficult to break. The more rucks you set up with the likes of Pocock on your team, the more chances you give yourself of turning over AB ball.

Deans has changed much of the forward pack from the side that got beaten in the semi last year. Deans said Hansen was going fishing when the latter claimed that was an admission from Deans that he got the makeup of the Wallaby side wrong in that game. Now he has chosen a team to go out with a plan that won't allow the ABs to shut them out.

You can see why he might be inclined to think that way. But are the Wallaby fans happy with this seemingly defensive plan? The Irish showed in the 3rd test what happens if you hang off the tackles and wait for the ABs to come to you. That's when SBW is in his prime. The 2nd test, when they were right in the faces of the AB attack and came up on the defensive line to meet the AB attack saw the ABs operating with much less width and space. Part of that was the meek efforts of the ABs at the breakdown.

But when you have the likes of Beale, Genia and Ioane in your side, is it best not to vary things and take the attack to the ABs and question their defensive line. It's a great tactic to stifle the ABs on attack but I think if your mindset is safety first on attack as well then you're not giving yourselves the best chance. The key to the defensive approach is ticking the scoreboard over and preventing the ABs from scoring. If that happens, then the Wallabies are in with great shout. Sydney is not known for its high scoring affairs. The world record attendance match with Jonah scoring in the dying seconds was an anomaly. History does favour this approach. But one of the things I admire about the Wallabies is their ability to pull something special out of nowhere. The sum of their individual parts, particularly in the forwards, is greater but they also possess a rare ability to manufacture something out of nothing. I wonder if your plan is to go out and smother the opposition whether you lose that ability to be more adventurous on attack when the situation arises.

As much as the attacking threat of a SBW Nonu partnership should concern Deans, I do think it's an area, for example, that he could exploit on attack. These two haven't played together this year and Nonu has yet to play test rugby this year. Instead of focusing on how Oz can shut down that pair, I'd like Deans to see how Oz can break down that pair on attack for instance.

What do you think is Australia's best choice of tactics?

I don't know if I agree with defensive tactics, I just think Deans realises he needs to keep the ball tighter and play a little more structured with some emphasis on keepming it more tight than previously.

When you look at Oz they seem to have lost some of the flair they had in the past, hence their running is a little more direct.

The same principle goes for most top tesms, if hey get ahead they chance a little more.

I was watching the Crusadrs thiscseason, they prefer to control the game more tightly until they have a decent lead before they get more adventurous.

It is easier for teams to show more freedom when they have a buffer as it provides them some breathing space if chancing their arm aclittle back fires.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:It seems that what Deans got out of the Wales series is that defence wins you the tight matches. Australia only scored 4 tries but they didn't let in many either.

Didn't the Aussies get 5 tries in the series?

I think you definitely need to lay the groundwork before you can start to get adventurous. I think often we've been too naive in our games in SA thinking that all we need to do is just go out all attack for instance. The game is won up front. The Chiefs for example blended nicely their game of getting in the faces of the Crusaders but also using their ball effectively.

When I mean a defensive approach though I don't just mean in the backs. I also include the forwards in that. Kicking the ball away and plugging the corners and controlling territory are all useful things, particularly in the opening exchanges. But too often I think, as the game stretches on, teams (like you say all teams) are getting bogged down in the safety first approach.

Sugar you may well be right. I seem to recall 4 in an article I read but that may have been tries conceded.

Aus scored 5 and let in 4 I think, kia.

Good man Morgan.

Morgannwg wrote:Aus scored 5 and let in 4 I think, kia.

Correct, but it's rather irrelevant regardless. Don't see the point of Cyril correcting him really, as it adds nothing to the article.

Biltong, wouldn't you expect Australia to be a bit more adventurous now they have a few more players back and fully fit?

For instance I think it's a mistake for AAC to go to wing. I don't have much time for Faiaanga and AAC is the perfect man to exploit defensive frailties which no doubt a SBW and Nonu partnership would have if they came up against a wily operator like AAC.

If you have Mitchell and Ioane fully fit then put them on the wing and move AAC to OC. The Australian backline operates far more efficiently on attack and defence with him there in my view. What's he doing on the wing?!

Risca Rev wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Aus scored 5 and let in 4 I think, kia.

Correct, but it's rather irrelevant regardless. Don't see the point of Cyril correcting him really, as it adds nothing to the article.

Biltong, wouldn't you expect Australia to be a bit more adventurous now they have a few more players back and fully fit?

True, but seeing as it was pointed out I thought I'd point out the official try count (for and against) so Kia could edit it into the article. Guess that's Cyril being Cyril, (adding nothing to the article). Not sure why he reported your post either, grow a pair jeez.

I think Aus practiced playing conservative rugby against Wales, in case they needed it during the Rugby Championship. So that would be Wales, England and SA they have beaten by playing in that style. They only seem confident of attacking when JOC and Cooper are fit and firing. Although the guys stepping in along with Genia, Ioane are more than capable.

NZ bail themselves out in the last couple of years in close games with Australia by using their tough guys in the pack to drive in the middle Australian defense. Without Thorn and Kaino this will be more tricky. I think Australia will try to cut through the mid field where Nonu is not getting the organisation from C. Smith and SBW is known to have lapses between bit hits. Also the fringe of the ruck might be susceptible unless McCaw plays 6 and they go for two fetchers.

Expect to seeing a lot of "inside ball" from Australia with Ioane joining in the center and Genia snipe to the sides. They will try to bamboozle with decoys and obstructors. Also a lot of chip kicks behind the center two. Australia will play close otherwise to test the new loose combinator and pack, they will not kick deep because the AB lineout is in better shape and Australia do not want to defend against the strike runners with a small mid field, also not too much box kick and up and under because there is little change with Jane returning and Dagg, all up and unders will go to Gears wing.

gowales wrote:I think it's because he didn't want to start Mitchell.

Australia really need to find a monster back from somewhere.

Why? It didn't work for Wales.

anotherworldofpain wrote:

gowales wrote:I think it's because he didn't want to start Mitchell.

Australia really need to find a monster back from somewhere.

Why? It didn't work for Wales.

When Australia were most successful they had physical crash ball options in their backline. They don't have them anymore. Ioane is their main strike runner in the backline, i'm not sure if that's enough.

And Australia aren't Wales, so that point is invalid.

Nice analysis AWOP and a good point Morgan.

If Cooper and JOC were fit, then AAC could slot into OC and Deans would go for Ioane and Mitchell. However, I still think AAC is wasted on the wing as there is a channel in the centres to exploit.

Going to be great to see the A Smith and Genia match up. That'll see where A Smith is at coming up against the world's best halfback.

Aus are pretty gifted in the backs. I'd say their ideal backline is; Genia, JOC, Ioane, Barnes, AAC, Mitchell, Beale. That's left out Cooper, Turner, McCabe, Horne and Fa'ianga. It is hard to choose when so many of their players can slot in anywhere and still play awesome. I think Aus can still play like Aus with any of the above players starting, but Deans won't enforce it without Cooper, JOC starting.

The main problem imo is that Deans doesn't set a lot of structure to the backline.

When Cooper plays with the Reds for example he looks like the boss, he is running the show, directing the forwards doing his work and then when he sees his opportunity he takes it and does his flair stuff. Largely because of the way Ewen McKenzie organises the team and wants Cooper to play for him. But when he plays for Aus it looks like he is clueless at times and trying too hard.

Perhaps it's because when Deans was with the Crusaders he didn't really need to give a lot of structure to the backline. In NZ they tend not to, most teams just use a basic pattern which they play off.

Cooper is a gifted player no doubt, but has always been incredibly flaky. During his super season, he was playing behind a dominant Reds pack and the worlds best scrum half (majority of these players went on to win the tri-nations that year too). There were ridiculous calls saying that Cooper was better than Carter.

You're right about NZ/Aus not really setting a structure, but that is in attack. If it's on they go for it (or just go for it nine times out of ten anyway).

Oh no i meant that NZ don't tend to while Aus does. That's why the Aus players aren't really getting Deans NZ style game plan/structure imo.

True. Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie were able to have the backs running more complicated lines. Deans keeps it much simpler and blunts their capabilities.

The Aussie backline, fully fit, is the best in the world in my view. I'd really like to see Beale play at 10 and JOC to play at inside centre. That leaves a gap at fullback though and I think Beale's attacking threat would be stifled being so close in but it doesn't make me stop me wishing I could see those two operate together there.

I think potentially Aussie have the best backs in the world but they've been shuffling around so much that not only Genia and Ioane know what position they'll play. That's a big advantage for NZ. I don't rate McCabe nor Fainga'a and can't for the life of me understand AAC being on the wing. Ireland are more physical than Australia and NZ should be ok winning the collisions. The trick is not to get isolated and have the loosies operating as a unit. That way multiple people can clear Pocock out-you need more than one he is that good.

Gear will get a lot of ball behind him but I think both Jane and Dagg can help him out. Can't stress enough how good it is to see Jane back. He looks absolute mongrel but he is pure class and as good as Kearney in the air-to have him and Dagg is great as proven in the semi.

Samo is a big threat off the bench. I think Romano will acquit himself well.

disneychilly wrote:I think potentially Aussie have the best backs in the world but they've been shuffling around so much ...

Yes, very cunning to sending Robbie Deans to confuse them and waste a generation of talent! I wonder when John O'Neill will notice.

The day Deans´ autobiography comes out AWOP. How we hatched a plan in 2007 to eliminate our main rivals. It won't come out for a while though. Still a lot of good work to be done behind the scenes yet.

Surely one day they will notice that they can beat anybody except NZ...

That's why they lose to Samoa and Scotland. You're giving the game away.

Cunning. Cunning. Cunning.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:For instance I think it's a mistake for AAC to go to wing. I don't have much time for Faiaanga and AAC is the perfect man to exploit defensive frailties which no doubt a SBW and Nonu partnership would have if they came up against a wily operator like AAC.

If you have Mitchell and Ioane fully fit then put them on the wing and move AAC to OC. The Australian backline operates far more efficiently on attack and defence with him there in my view. What's he doing on the wing?!

My thoughts exactly, I too have not thought Faiaanga or AAC Wallaby's back line material, and prefer to see Drew's strength on the wing. But I guess he's being saved for the 2nd half as he's a bit short of match practice.

And big bollocking backs didn't really serve the side well, except for Mortlock who when shifted in from the wing was very effective. Players like Sailor, and Lote Tuqiri whilst big and string never really made the line breaks you'd expected them to, specially from their Roo's background.

Tactics well move the big All Blacks midfield around,instead of head on,minimise the number of scrums.Expect Genia to try exploit A.Smiths inexperience and attack and target Carter and McCaw .Use there superior bench to attack late on and kick all there goals.It is worth noting OZ have been ahead at most times at half time and lost.Several of there lost matches not just to NZ was due weakness in that area.It is difficult to draw conclusions from the 3Ns match because of the injuries to Thomson and Read.Had Thomson gone straight off the winning try might have been avoided as it was it was amatter of a couple of points.Certainly they will try the physical route but the AB`s will be ready for that . NH Ref means the breakdown may not be allowed to develop so much and BOTH 7`s will have to watch themselves.Make Pocock have to tackle every thing that moves and he`s out of the game for a lot of the time.Attack out wide and just soak up the pressure in midfield,then reshuffle it with AAC and Mitchell in mid field.Real danger there always nervous of first up matches away ABs tend to be slow starters.Power up font in tight 5 don`t take that for granted they have a couple of good scrum coaches now.

Good scrum coaches maybe but I think the saying you can't make a silk purse out of Poopie comes in. I'm sure we'll hold our own, 1st scrum usually sets the mood so after that I may be drinking heavily, or drinking heavily anyway in a positive mood! LOL!

True, gone the days of Baxter and Pie Man, just our scrums never seems consistent. Some times they do shove the other side back, out times not.

Either way, 18 hours from now all will be done and dusted, can't wait for the morning!!!

What ever happened to Ryan Cross? He was a big bloke in the centres and seemed to go well.

yappysnap wrote:What ever happened to Ryan Cross? He was a big bloke in the centres and seemed to go well.

Didnt he go back to League.

yappysnap wrote:What ever happened to Ryan Cross? He was a big bloke in the centres and seemed to go well.

I don't think he ever really got the hang of it (Union). He was also competing with Mortlock for a starting place and they were probably too similar to both start as a first choice pairing when everyone was fit.

anotherworldofpain wrote:NZ bail themselves out in the last couple of years in close games with Australia by using their tough guys in the pack to drive in the middle Australian defense. Without Thorn and Kaino this will be more tricky. I think Australia will try to cut through the mid field where Nonu is not getting the organisation from C. Smith and SBW is known to have lapses between bit hits. Also the fringe of the ruck might be susceptible unless McCaw plays 6 and they go for two fetchers.

Expect to seeing a lot of "inside ball" from Australia with Ioane joining in the center and Genia snipe to the sides. They will try to bamboozle with decoys and obstructors. Also a lot of chip kicks behind the center two. Australia will play close otherwise to test the new loose combinator and pack, they will not kick deep because the AB lineout is in better shape and Australia do not want to defend against the strike runners with a small mid field, also not too much box kick and up and under because there is little change with Jane returning and Dagg, all up and unders will go to Gears wing.

So mostly this was quite accurate. From the early minute Barnes chip kick over SBW/Nonu but the ABs must have read my post! and Dagg and Jane were ready for it. One different thing was the Wallabies did not use the wrap around move to bring Ioane into mid-field and the all too predictable inside ball was put on ice, instead they used big ball carriers in the back line with a lot of limited success mostly due to their lack of ball handling skills.

The most interesting dimension to me was that NZ eschewed the traditional drift defense in favour of rush defensive to cut down the time for the Aussie backs. Wallabies, they compensate by dropping Barnes deeper and this really seal their fate as everything was happening behind the gain line and Pocock found it hard to operate in reverse gear with the Wallaby wide backs starved of any quick ball, except on one occasion when they get the try at the end of it.

NZ failed to use their mid field to any effect other than a diversion and gear lacked any impact. I would want to see Savea given another try. He has the power and pace to make something from nothing whereas gear needs space to operate in.

Gear has a worrying tendency to go missing in one game and then do well in the next. I think though his opportunities were hampered by Messam who gave him the ball too soon but I agree that when he is in space and time to get up to speed he looks frightening but Savea is a slicker customer but still very green. One to try for sure though against the likes of Argentina at home.

Selections for Australia were all wrong and it looks like AAC will move to fullback and Barnes will go to 12 with Cooper in at 10 in Auckland. We may see Barnes putting in a cross grubber kick but Cooper is more at ease standing up flat in the line. The problem is the centres and not enough pressure on SBW and Nonu who defended well but did very little on attack.

SBW and Nonu did create a lot of space for Dagg to wreak havoc though-they are great decoys to have. Man I love Dagg-his facials are great and it shows he's really expressing himself and having fun out there. That's what the game's all about.

Beale played the worst I've ever seen him play but he'll bounce back. I agree with a Barnes AAC mid-as I wrote last week it'll exploit the positioning of SBW and Nonu. The thing is those two have had a game to gel and they did do pretty well. I expect NZ to continue rushing if Cooper plays. McCaw will hunt him down and Aaron Smith will mop up any chip kicks.

Unfortunately Smith got a lot of bad ball so Carter had the same amount of time he usually gets (usually from good ruck ball negated by a crap passing 9). We really needed to make better use of the forward ascendancy there-our ball was far too messy for that sort of dominance and now Pocock's out there's no reason why Carter can't get bullets all day Saturday.

Messam didn't do badly though he was in part responsible for the messy ball. He needs to clean out more. It's good he has Australia first-the least physical team of the 4N-if we played the Boks first I feel he'd have been outmuscled and it may have dealt a terminal blow to his confidence and chances of future selection.