1-0 up: Pocock and Australia
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It is now or never for Wales at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne as they look to send this series against Australia to a tasty finale in Sydney on June 23.
Last week's opener saw them come painfully close to completing a come-from-behind victory until Pat McCabe struck to repel a Welsh surge.
Despite being the 4/1 series underdogs, it was predicted in many corners that Wales were the north's strongest hope of success down south, but in truth their first effort was not what many expected. They were sluggish out of the blocks and did not recapture their Six Nations form.
A response is needed and that is what their caretaker coach is expecting. At least one northern side must create a decider, surely?
"The more we play against Australia the better we will become," Rob Howley said. "They are number two in the world. We are always looking up at the upper echelons of the world rankings and we want to be there. You only get better by playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa."
The return to the camp - and also just the presence - of coach Warren Gatland should help them in that aforementioned quest to rub shoulders with rugby's top three. Gatland, the favourite to win the nomination to become the British & Irish Lions coach in Australia next year, was injured in a fall while working at his family beach house on Waihi Beach on Easter Monday. He suffered multiple fractures to the right heel bone and also a fracture to the left, meaning both his legs were put in casts and underwent surgery to reconstruct his right heel. The injuries meant he has stayed at home in New Zealand ever since. Until now.
It will be interesting to see what impact the 48-year-old's presence has on a squad that has been hit by the absence of Toby Faletau while Rhys Priestland has come under criticism.
The Wallabies meanwhile - if we are to believe Australia's press - could well have been coachless had their Will Genia-inspired showing not happened. Genia found another remarkable try in his locker in Brisbane to help cool the heat on coach Robbie Deans.
Following that victory, Deans has decided to keep the faith with his line-up as Kurtley Beale nears his return to international rugby. How they will have their stocks boosted by his return as he provides something in attack that, no disrespect to Berrick Barnes, others don't.
They do not have Beale just yet though so here is another opportunity for the Welsh to claim a victory on Australian soil to send this series over to Sydney with its destination unknown.
Players to watch:
For Australia: Some men came to the party in the first Test and they were Adam Ashley-Cooper, Will Genia, David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham and also Tatafu Polota-Nau. I for one did raise an eyebrow when the Waratahs hooker was preferred to Brumbies stalwart Stephen Moore, but he more than showed his worth at Suncorp Stadium last weekend, with a slick break down the touchline and pull-back pass something that has lasted from their win. There's never really been any doubt about the power of the hooker but his tendancy to struggle with injury was always a nagging issue. Deans will hope he stays fit for a while.
For Wales: For a long time, a few Welsh journos have been plugging Ashley Beck and they finally have their wish this weekend as the Osprey gets the nod to replace Scott Williams in the number twelve jersey. He was decent against the Brumbies and has been excellent for the Liberty Stadium outfit for an extended period of time, but on Saturday he faces the biggest test of his playing career. Also keep an eye on the called-in Ryan Jones at eight.
Head-to-head: It's 1-0 to David Pocock after the Suncorp Stadium Test so Sam Warburton will be keen to make amends in Melbourne when two of rugby's best opensides clash again. There was talk of the latter filling in at number eight after Toby Faletau was flown home injured, with youngster Justin Tipuric stepping up. However, that idea has been overlooked for consistency in positions as Warburton continues to lead from seven.
Previous results:
2012: Australia won 27-19 in Brisbane
2011: Australia won 24-18 in Cardiff
2011: Australia won 21-18 in Auckland
2010: Australia won 25-16 in Cardiff
2009: Australia won 33-12 in Cardiff
2008: Wales won 21-18 in Cardiff
2007: Australia won 32-20 in Cardiff
2007: Australia won 31-0 in Brisbane
2007: Australia won 29-23 in Sydney
2006: Draw 29-29 in Sydney
Prediction: I'm going to stick my neck out - risking the wrath of our Australian readers - and go with the Warren Gatland factor to play a role in the result here. Wales to sneak it by 2!
The teams:
Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Cooper Vuna, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dave Dennis, 19 Michael Hooper, 20 Nic White, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Mike Harris.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Rhys Webb, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.
Date: Saturday, June 16
Kick-off: 20:00 (10:00 GMT)
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
By Adam Kyriacou
Comments
new_j4a says...
@jonthewannabe, you still haven't explained the 74th minute. Can you? As for "Seewhat a competant ref does? A game that we can all enjoy! " You don't know enough about the game to enjoy it. Go on, show us how much you know....explain your interpretation of the 74th minute. You'll just look even more ignorant than you already do...if that's possible.
Posted 13:33 16th June 2012
jontheref says...
Aus worth the lead at the half.
No issues with the ref, worth talking about. Some cases of 2nd infringement, but probably will balance up by the end of the game.
Nice to say!
Wales, lineout, kicking. This is giving too much territory to Aus.
new justice for all
Seewhat a competant ref does?
A game that we can all enjoy!
Once you stop your syncophantic adortaion of "CJ", you may be on the road to recovery.
But admission of your problem is the first step, and I'm afraid you are far from that.
especially with you anger management issues, threatening posters to fight, after 3 pints.
i find it starnge you need 3 pints.
Unless you are on your meds.
Posted 11:58 16th June 2012
celticspirit says...
Wales were below par last week, certainly did not perform the way they can - similar to AUS vs Scotland (though they did field a B-team). But with these two teams, every game has to be taken by itself since the form on the day can decide the outcome more than 5-day turn-arounds or coaches returning. AUS still favourites because they are playing at home, but don't be to sure about it this time.
My point actually being: Ignorant fools who call this preview "idiot cake that is this preview" please just shut up for ggod or be a bit more objective. You have no more right to give a prediction than anyone here, never mind the actual WEBSITE ITSELF (or its writers) so just get out of here - I mean it. Hope Wales prove a point to you in particular now...
Posted 00:53 16th June 2012
Jmanngod says...
@ Trinuts
..on the contrary the Kiwi refs understand the ruck better than any others - this is probably why kiwi teams are the masters at this facet. Always have been, Always may they be. The team with the best Kiwi coach will win. As Oz now have more kiwi players than even your average Island team it is likely to be an Oz win ....But good luck to Wales anyway!
Posted 23:45 15th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@makemehappy, At min 28:33 you see exactly the same penalty as against A.Jones but this time against Oz....exactly the same--not rolling away....thus I claim fair and even treatment.
Posted 22:57 15th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@makemehappy Lastly, why not consider taking a couple of reffing courses and giving it a go? It'll give you a whole new perspective....(and after about an hour you will far outstrip jonthewannabe and the Oz commentators in your knowledge of the game and Laws)
Posted 22:02 15th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@makemehappy I disagree about several of your points. First, we do need the minutes and a coherent explanation of what the person thinks the law is. When jonthewannabe finally gives a minute (74th), it clear that Craig Joubert is exactly right. So give us the minutes and I'll either admit that CJ made a mistake or explain it to you or get you an explanation off one of the top ref sites that educates refs. Second, don't listen to the commentators, especially the Oz commentators. They are wrong more often than they are right (you may as well listen to Trinats). Thirdly, though sometimes unsighted, the ref is in a much better position to see what is happening than you and I are...and he's a professional who constantly trains and is evaluated after every match. Do you honestly think that Joubert would allow himself to be biased. It is his job. His family depends upon it. There are mistakes made. I have heard several top SA refs admit to mistakes. Fourthly in minute 6 the penalty against red 3 is perfectly legitimate. Adam Jones makes no attempt to roll away and slows the ball down. That is perfectly in accordance with the law and with the IRB instructions to refs. Respectfully, as an armchair critic of the ref you simply just don't know enough. This is evidenced in your statement "Ref's seem to think that rolling away means that you must roll away at all times, failing to note that sometimes people can't" That's exactly right. Refs do think that. Do you know why? Because it is the Law and has been reinforced by IRB instractions. If a player gets himself in a position where he can't get out, that's his problem....unfair maybe, but it is a correct decision. In this case Jones was making NO attempt and was slowing the ball down. Watch how often this happens by Wales in the first half.
Posted 21:56 15th June 2012
makemehappy says...
@new_j4a - actually jonthewannaberef is correct about some of the penalties against Wales being awful. Certainly Warburton was penalised for not getting to his feet before playing the ball, when everyone including the commentators noted the ref made an error. Pocock played the ball on the floor several times - I don't think we need precise times as you couldn't have missed these, as the ref did (who in all fairness is caught up in the game and doesn't have replays). Another ridiculous penalty was against Adam Jones for not rolling away, which led to the score being 3 v nil. Ref's seem to think that rolling away means that you must roll away at all times, failing to note that sometimes people can't, and more importantly (as was clearly the case here) that the ball is perfectly playable no-one was impeded from playing it.
Posted 17:26 15th June 2012
mayhem says...
Jonesy2, cmon now sunshine, wales were a point behind with 17 to go, to suggest they were never in it is silly! Be even closer tomorrow.
Posted 16:59 15th June 2012
letsgoboks says...
I hope wales turn up this time round. we could have a cracker game!
Posted 16:35 15th June 2012
SACanuck says...
Wales had their best chance last week, this week they are toast. Aussie's by 12
Posted 15:14 15th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@jonesy2, you are getting ahead of your headlights mate. Wales could win this and then this stuff ("the only prediction can be the wallabies by more than last time. i mean what actual basis do you have for the prediction its like you do it either just to look like idiots, for a joke or annoy the supporters, or all of the above") will make you look as stupid as you looked after the Scotland game where you made similar outrageous claims.
Posted 14:10 15th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@jonthewannaberef, I looked at minute 74. What's your problem? The ball is clearly out of the ruck when the Oz 2 comes around and picks it up. At the end of the minute CJ is absolutely right to award the penalty to Oz. Wales was holding on. Exactly what is your problem. I suspect blind in 1 eye and have no idea about the Laws of the game. Do you really expect anybody to take you seriously when you fail continuously to provide a coherent, accurate description of your perceived problem and then finally come up with the minute and say "Take a look at 74 minute, if you cannot see the inconsistency from one end of the field to the other, it is really not worth discussing with you!" You ignorant git. Welsh rugby is DOOMED if they let you anywhere near it.
Posted 13:40 15th June 2012
hayj05 says...
@Trinats2 - What is your obsession with Kiwi refs lol why dont you just mate with one & get it over & done with.
Posted 13:36 15th June 2012
jonesy2 says...
ArmchairGeneral -- id be more concerned about the fact that england havent been a force for..... ever. wales are easily the best NH side mate, by a mile. so these results do reflect the hierarchy.
if wales were better than australia and score more points than then on saturday they'll probably win
Posted 13:35 15th June 2012
jonesy2 says...
PR for once you need to pay the SH teams the respect they command and stop making circumstances up. eg, painfully close? wales were never in the game mate.
Posted 13:26 15th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@jonthewannaberef, I've been on this site for many years. Here's my response to you: you are blowing smoke. We are discussing a claim that you made: "Joubert was a huge factor" So "bleeding players" is a red herring that you are introducing to cover your lack of coherent examples. I will ignore this.
You say "As you are qualified, you should have seen the incidents I listed." But you have NOT listed anything (by minute please so we avoid ambiguity) and you certainly haven't described much coherently. Here's just one example of your problem description: "Knock off halfpenny's head, when he though it was a Aus knock on, then Wales, the guy is obviously too caught up in himself to do it. " What is that supposed to mean? Are you drunk? Here's another: "Correct on PK for Phillips taking ball away, though PK against Warburton should have been reversed, as Pocock was allowed to do same. " You appear to be saying that there was a penalty against Warburton (again, what minute?) that you think should have been reversed. Reversed??? So a penalty should have been given to Wales? And you are a ref? Surely strong drink is involved?
And this stuff "As to being qualified, you never know who you are talking to do you mate. " What is that supposed to mean? Am I supposed to infer perhaps that you are some competent ref? This isn't backed up by your ability to explain what you mean or to convey an understanding of the Laws. And this "I don't get into bragging games, suggest you don't either. It could bite you where it hurts!" Whose bragging? melkdave was claiming that he was an international player who had coached at international level. I politely queried that claim....I am skeptical of his claims and frankly of yours that are implied in your choice of name. Although, to be fair, I do believe you are right about the Oz failure to retire 10 meters.
Posted 13:26 15th June 2012
jonesy2 says...
PR writers continue to amuse then worry me. why do people will such enormous naivity and cluelessness write for rugby websites? i mean it is just ridiculous. australia arent coming off a 3 day break this time and the team has been together for longer add that to a wales team weaker than last match the only prediction can be the wallabies by more than last time. i mean what actual basis do you have for the prediction its like you do it either just to look like idiots, for a joke or to piss off the supporters, or all of the above. and the pocock v warburton thing is just comedy icing on the idiot cake that is this preview. last match was absolute carnage, warburton got treated like a schoolgirl in this match up. if warburton is one of the best opensides in the world then how many are "one of the best"? not to mention they are completely different players.
Posted 13:25 15th June 2012
Trinats2 says...
new_j4a:
with a Kiwi ref (they let free for all at the ruck, not sure they know the rules !!!!) Aus will dominate the rucks and therefore possession and field position. Reckon they will go out wide on Sat (Ioane and AAcooper coming up into the line more, rumour has it !!!).
Aus by 14+ (38 - 23)
Posted 13:00 15th June 2012
jontheref says...
@new_j4a
"with mixture of half truth"
Well, at least it is better that you admit there is truth in my statements, that the total drivel you write!
So as a new poster to this board, where did you come from?
Or is it a new name, as everyone knew what a troll you are?
I said after the 6N, that Wales would need to be better in the backs, as I think Aus has the best backs at present.
So don't start your lies about my knowledge.
Ignorance, is that what everyone says you have in abundance?
Also judging by your postings, you are not that far from the valleys yourself.
Still pining for the ones whorejected you?
Aww!
Posted 12:43 15th June 2012