THE WALLABIES HAVE a superb group of attacking backs.
That much is not really disputable. The question is whether Ewen McKenzie’s side will be able to get the best from those players against Ireland in Dublin. Much of that depends on the Wallabies pack getting on top up front and providing their halfbacks Will Genia and Quade Cooper with quality possession.
If they do, the Wallabies are going to be very dangerous. In centre Tevita Kuridrani, they have a powerhouse of a ball carrier and a man who will test the normally superb defence of his opposite number, Brian O’Driscoll. The most dangerous of them all is fullback Israel Folau, a freakish athlete and a supreme aerial force. Ensuring he has a minimal effect on the game is vital for Ireland.
The Wallabies scored seven tries against a disappointing Italy last weekend, so we’ve taken a look at some of the play that could threaten Ireland this weekend. Most of the examples in the video below highlight skills that have been relevant across the players’ entire careers, such as Cooper’s ability to see space.
Ireland’s defence was far from perfect against Samoa, and if there is not a marked improvement in that area, the likes of Folau, Nick Cummins and Adam Ashley-Cooper will finish the half chances that Samoa failed to benefit from. Similarly, kicking the ball away to Folau or replacement wing Joe Tomane without an organised chase is a recipe for disaster.
Check out the video to see a few examples of what the Wallabies bring on attack.
YouTube credit: Murray Kinsella
