Australia vs England 11/6/06 - Match Review

Sydney's Telstra Dome

England's Head Coach Andy Robinson, sporting the latest NEW look team and coaching staff, stepped out into Sydney's Telstra Stadium for the start of their preparations towards next year's Rugby World Cup.  

The last time these two teams met at Telstra Stadium was the epic final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where Jonny Wilkinson sunk Australia with THAT extra time field goal.  And we all know that Jonny has never been the same since!

At the present time England the country and the football fans are in the throws of the FIFA Football World Cup, emotions are running high as well as expectations.  England Rugby fans emotions are also running high with frustration, and doubts!.   One year away from the RWC, in fact it was three years ago almost to the day that I first reported on England vs Maori and the start of that wonderful Summer Tour where England beat the Maori, the Wallabies and the All Blacks (with 13men and scoring points at the time) and we are only now just testing the new blood.

One good thing to be thankful for is Brian Ashton, who in my opinion is an excellent coach and one that England should never have let go in the first place but he is back and only just in time.  Brian said this week..."My brief is not only with the backs, it is the whole attacking game,"  Now that is a delight to my ears, let us hope he can turn it around for the RWC.

********************

As Captain Pat Sanderson lead out England, I got goose bumps as he seemed to have that Martin Johnson Aura about him, his demeanor, focus and steady step, stopped me in my tracks and I thought are we looking at our new permanent captain..  

England had points to prove regarding their backs and the Australian forwards and pack also were out to test England.  The first half was peppered with penalties and some edgy ball handling.  3 Mins in and Lewis Moody gave the first penalty away with holding on, Australia missed this one, which was a let off for England as it was in front of the posts.

7mins in Australia also looking a bit shaky everyone needing to settle down but Australia pressing hard and England lucky again to recover from an off load that  again went wrong.  8 mins Mathew Tait broke free and produced a super run but threw his pass instead of just popping the ball and it bounced hard of Balshaw.  England starting to show promise. 9mins Varndell although looking nervy on his previous handling of the ball had a wonderful run showing his talent to the full but was blocked by Latham 

Some exciting moments and some shaky moments and 13mins in you could hear Swing Low Sweet Chariot resounding around the stadium. but that was the only time!   18 mins The Australian forwards gained a penalty and Sterling Mortlock did not miss this time 3 - 0.

22 mins England putting pressure on and playing well, Richards I thought looked sharp, Catt playing well but Australia looking stronger and more experienced. 

25 mins yet another penalty to Australia Mortlock converted 6 -0 

28 mins England on the attack with Varndell side stepping, then chipping but he was blocked by Latham.  Ball being spilled by both teams, England had chances but did not put them away.  Balshaw did get over the try line but was held up by good old George Gregan.  England eventually got a penalty only yards from the try line (I wanted them to go for the scrum) but they went for the posts, Barkley missed!   I have said it before many times, at this level the kicks have to go over no matter who kicks them.  That for me was the turning point for England going downhill in this match, if that kick had gone over I think we would have gained confidence and who knows.

32mins Mortlock missed a penalty, Australia again piling on the pressure and gaining good territory but England hanging in and defending well.  Again in the last seconds of the first half, penalty to Australia - no he did not miss, a further 3 points to Mortlock.

First Half:  9 - 0

Second half within minutes England had a penalty and this time Barkley converted but that was it for England the sum total of their points in this match.  9 - 3

Australia showed their experience, class and skills to the full.  They defended like demons, England had at least two sessions of twenty plus phase ball and still they could not get through the Australian defence, instead we eventually either knocked on, dropped the ball  but it was down to the Australians forcing the errors and defending really well.

48 mins another penalty for Mortlock.  12 - 3

51mins England looking very shaky and on the ropes and then Latham scored a brilliant try, converted by Mortlock  19 - 3

The writing was on the wall for England now, young talent, good skills but no match for the physicality of the Australians.  On came our subs Chuter, Jones and Goode.  And I have to say Chris Jones was fantastic from the moment he came on, also Goode's physical strength seemed to make a difference.  69 mins Jamie Noon came on for Catt but a big ask for anyone to make a difference in the last 10mins.

However, all hope was lost at this point as I marveled at the tries going in from the Australians Gerrard and then Blake, ( and a point of order here Please!!)  what on earth was  Blake  doing to Mathew Tait as he went over for his try?  Not content with the ball in had, on slow motion you take another look - If I had been Matthew Tait, I would have smacked him one!  

It then seemed like the floodgates had opened, Mortlock missed the final conversion but England were done for then

Final Score  Australia 34 - England 3

Although we were beaten and beaten well, it is no where near the previous results of those other Hellish Tours.  No,  I am not despondent at all, as I saw the emergence of  England players who by this time next year will have gained much more experience and confidence at this level.  To be honest now, my gut reaction is game on and bring it on! 

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes