[SANZAR] Preview: Aus v Scotland

看板Rugby (橄欖球)作者Crusaders (聖十字軍)時間20年前 (2004/06/11 20:51)推噓0(0推 0噓 1→)

留言1則, 1人參與討論串1/3 (看更多)

Australia v Scotland Telstra Dome, Melbourne Saturday, 12 June Kick-off: 0700 BST Scotland will face a tactically-adventurous Australia side when the teams meet on Saturday. Australia coach Eddie Jones has named three fullbacks in his starting XV and wants them to play a fluid brand of rugby against the Scots. Scotland are looking to build on an encouraging Test victory over Samoa and coach Matt Williams feels there could be chinks in the Wallabies' armour. "They're more exposed than you'd get them during the Tri-Nations," he said. It is more than 20 years since the Scots beat Australia and the transitional period currently being endured by Williams' squad does not suggest that that record is about to end. But Jones' experiment involving Joe Roff, Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor as well as handing debuts to former South Africa Under-21 captain Clyde Rathbone and Radike Samo means the Wallabies could be more vulnerable than in recent times. Jones believes the three-fullback tactic, to pressurise Scotland's defensive kicking, is necessary in the current rugby climate. "We don't expect one of them to stay in the same position all game. They are going to roam around the field," he said. "We have named them that way to give people an understanding of the way we want them to play. "At various stages, Lote, Wendell, Roffy and Chris Latham when he comes on will all interchange from centre, left or right. "We have seen in international rugby over the last 18 months how important kick return is. It means these guys will have to work together as a team." Williams is equally aware of the importance of kicking accuracy and has named Dan Parks at fly-half ahead of Gordon Ross.for that reason. The Scotland coach is fully aware of the task facing his developing side. "They have got some world-class players and can still play poorly and win because they have got world-class individuals," he said. A win is not of utmost importance to Williams, but what is vital is a sign that the improved Test performances against Ireland and Samoa can be built upon. An embarrassing, heavy defeat would erode the much-needed confidence built up by those displays. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Australia: J Roff; W Sailor, C Rathbone, M Giteau, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (captain); B Young, B Cannon, A Baxter, J Harrison, N Sharpe, R Samo, G Smith, D Lyons. Replacements: J Paul, M Dunning, D Vickerman, P Waugh, M Turinui, M Burke, C Latham. Scotland: H Southwell; S Lamont, B Hinshelwood, A Henderson, S Webster; D Parks, C Cusiter; T Smith, G Bulloch, B Douglas, S Grimes, S Murray (captain), J White, D MacFadyen, A Hogg. Replacements: S Scott, C Smith, I Fullarton, J Petrie, M Blair, G Ross, G Morrison. -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 61.230.107.156