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Mortlock bemoans lack of discipline

Saturday 02nd August 2008

Short changed: Mortlock was shackled by the All Blacks' defence all game

Stirling Mortlock, back in the Australian side after missing last week's game through injury, bemoaned his side's lack of discipline as they slumped to a 39-10 defeat at the hands of New Zealand on Saturday.

In a game that doubled up as a Tri-Nations encounter, as well as the second in four Bledisloe Cup encounters, Australia were outplayed by an inspired New Zealand side who wrapped up a bonus point with the last move of the game.

Wallaby captain Mortlock was left to rue his side's poor discipline as New Zealand turned the tables of their rivals.

"Today was complete role reversal from last week," said Mortlock.

"A week is a long time in rugby and tonight proved that.

"We gave the All Blacks a lot of field position and possession by poor discipline."

Added to poor discipline Australia were unable to string much meaningful rugby together - their only try coming from a clean break from Mortlock himself.

Mortlock was less than happy about that particular point.

"We didn't allow ourselves to play too much footy," said Mortlock.

"We wanted to go out there and be positive, but unfortunately when you give away penalties and don't play to your field positions, it's pretty hard to play rugby."

Another area of concern for Mortlock was the Australian line-out, that functioned so well last week, as New Zealand dominated throughout. Australia lost a staggering eight of sixteen throws, compared to New Zealand's one loss from nine line-outs.

"That [the line-outs] really seemed to stall our continuity," Mortlock added.

"We tried to get down there [inside the All Black's half], and when we did get down there they contested the line-out extremely well and made it very hard for us."

Australia now have to wait two weeks before they can get this defeat out of their systems, next up is back-to-back away games against South Africa in Durban and Johannesburg.

"We've got a fair few weeks to stew on it," concluded Mortlock.

"The guys get a well-deserved break now and we'll regroup. We look forward to going out again in a few weeks' time."