Big Pete
International Captain
- Mar 12, 2008
- 31,506
- 24,031
- Thread starter
- #73
Strong performance aside, Australia will be disappointed with their inability to execute key plays. It seems to be a running theme of Mal's tenure and it will need to be addressed by the World Cup. In this particular instance, I thought Cameron Smith & Darius Boyd let the team down. Smith's style of play didn't vy with the situation and a number of chances were lost as the Kangaroos were too busy trying to figure out what Smithy was doing instead of concentrating on their plays. It was a concern the Melbourne Storm side had before they found their rhythmn against North Queensland in the Double Header, and I think it's going to become more apparent next season.
I don't think Smith has anything to worry about as the competition simply isn't there.
However, I can't say the same about Darius Boyd. The fullback position in the Australian side is crucial and Boyd hasn't made the most of it. Apart of the problem is that he lacks a threatening running game, so opposition sides are comfortable with giving him room while they mark up on threats on the outside. His ability to set up his outside men isn't where it needs to be and he was very fortunate in this game not to concede a intercept try to Jordan Rapana. I can't see Mal Meninga dropping Darius this series, but I believe it's only a matter of time before we see James Tedesco, Matt Moylan or Tom Trbojevic fill that role.
New Zealand can hold their heads up high after this performance. By rights they should have been down by at least four tries in the first half, but they just kept finding ways to deny the Australians and came within a whisker of tying the game. Rapana has been close to the player of the tournament so far and I thought Taumalolo & Bromwich were incredibly strong in the middle. Moving forward, it maybe in Kidwell's best interests to drop Shaun Kenny-Dowall. SKD had an inconsistent season with the Roosters and it's translated into a disasterous Four Nations campaign. Perhaps one solution would be to drop SKD, blood Fusitu'a on the wing and have Beale play alongside Rapana on the right fringe.
Another change they need to make is their structure. So far they're playing a conservative brand of football and they're not making the most of Jordan Kahu's skills at the back. The Kiwis attack inside the 20m zone has looked pedestrian at times and the inability to give Kahu opportunities has played a role in that. Not only would it likely result in more points, but it would also relieve Shaun Johnson who struggles when he's under pressure.
Ferguson was a deserving Man of the Match, but I was disappointed with his effort on Kata from marker. It should be in the tip sheet that as soon as you see Kata at dummy half, that the first marker must do everything in their power to stop him. Ferguson was caught out and it brought New Zealand back into the contest.
On Morgan, I thought he passed his first test. Australia appeared more potent with the football down his fringe this game and it was a marked improvement over his previous performance against New Zealand. The jury is still out on his full-time aspirations but as it stands, I'd have him ahead of Maloney.
I don't think Smith has anything to worry about as the competition simply isn't there.
However, I can't say the same about Darius Boyd. The fullback position in the Australian side is crucial and Boyd hasn't made the most of it. Apart of the problem is that he lacks a threatening running game, so opposition sides are comfortable with giving him room while they mark up on threats on the outside. His ability to set up his outside men isn't where it needs to be and he was very fortunate in this game not to concede a intercept try to Jordan Rapana. I can't see Mal Meninga dropping Darius this series, but I believe it's only a matter of time before we see James Tedesco, Matt Moylan or Tom Trbojevic fill that role.
New Zealand can hold their heads up high after this performance. By rights they should have been down by at least four tries in the first half, but they just kept finding ways to deny the Australians and came within a whisker of tying the game. Rapana has been close to the player of the tournament so far and I thought Taumalolo & Bromwich were incredibly strong in the middle. Moving forward, it maybe in Kidwell's best interests to drop Shaun Kenny-Dowall. SKD had an inconsistent season with the Roosters and it's translated into a disasterous Four Nations campaign. Perhaps one solution would be to drop SKD, blood Fusitu'a on the wing and have Beale play alongside Rapana on the right fringe.
Another change they need to make is their structure. So far they're playing a conservative brand of football and they're not making the most of Jordan Kahu's skills at the back. The Kiwis attack inside the 20m zone has looked pedestrian at times and the inability to give Kahu opportunities has played a role in that. Not only would it likely result in more points, but it would also relieve Shaun Johnson who struggles when he's under pressure.
Ferguson was a deserving Man of the Match, but I was disappointed with his effort on Kata from marker. It should be in the tip sheet that as soon as you see Kata at dummy half, that the first marker must do everything in their power to stop him. Ferguson was caught out and it brought New Zealand back into the contest.
On Morgan, I thought he passed his first test. Australia appeared more potent with the football down his fringe this game and it was a marked improvement over his previous performance against New Zealand. The jury is still out on his full-time aspirations but as it stands, I'd have him ahead of Maloney.
