This was published 7 years ago
Wallabies survive their attempt to beat themselves against Scotland
By Paul Cully
The 23-22 scoreline will bring back memories of last year's World Cup quarter-final, but do not buy any Scottish hard-luck stories. It was one-way traffic for the last 20 minutes, the giveaway being Scotland No. 6 John Barclay's transgressions at the ruck as the hosts tried in vain to stop the flow of the game.
Only the Wallabies' mistakes, poor discipline and lack of composure stopped this from being a two-score game. Lineouts were fluffed, Will Skelton saw the red mist, and at least three 50-50 passes were thrown with the Scots under pressure.
Largely, the Wallabies largely had the more powerful, elusive runners and making breaks or half-breaks was not the issue. Ironically, the winning try came from really nothing, just a surge from Tevita Kuridrani who owed the team one after a bad miss on Scotland No. 13 Huw Jones in the first half that led to a try. The Scots were brave, but the Wallabies are a better side.
2. Will Skelton's woes continue.
Justified heartbreak: Bernard Foley gives the Wallabies their one-point win, but it was one-way traffic in the last 20 minutes.Credit: Ian MacNicol
The big Waratah is probably lucky to be on this tour, and I think he is awfully confused about his identity as a player. His size demands that he is an enforcer, yet that is not a role that comes naturally to him. As a result, we keep seeing silly moments like his needless hit on Scotland second-rower Jonny Gray in the 68th minute just as the Wallabies looked set to score.
Skelton's a ball player, and if he gives up trying to smash blokes on the ground we might even see him return to his strengths. The enjoyment looks to have gone out of the big fellow's game, which is a pity because when he carries and frees up the arms he can still offer something.
At the moment he looks constrained by a mould that someone else has cast for him.
3. Genia key to beating England.
Late show: Tevita Kuridrani scores the try that broke Scottish hearts.Credit: Ian MacNicol
The Wallabies No. 9 was again one of the Wallabies' best, and if efforts to secure a release for him to play in the final Test of the tour against England are unsuccessful, the Wallabies will be up against it.
Ben Youngs was excellent for the English against the Springboks, providing a running threat as well as bringing his massive forwards into the game. England are all pace and power, and with Danny Care on the bench they have strong options at No. 9 to play at tempo for the full 80 minutes.
Twickenham will be a cauldron, and Genia's composure will be much needed. Hopefully encouragement is being given to him behind the scenes that he should return to Australia to avoid a constant tug of war with Stade Francais.
4. So what did England bring?
Enough. Eddie Jones will not be happy at conceding 21 points to a laboured Springboks side: someone will cop a spray for that.
However, it was evident again that England are well coached and have a massive reserve of self-belief at the moment. They exude purpose and their set-piece try for Jonny May that used two decoy runners was executed with precision and pace.
There were some early issues at the scrum - Tendai Mtawarira looked to be getting the better of Dan Cole - but their ability to use the ball as well as build scoreboard pressure through Owen Farrell makes them a daunting proposition. They are here to stay as a threat on the world stage.
Incoming spray: Eddie Jones will not be pleased England conceded 21 points to the Springboks.Credit: Laurence Griffiths
5. All Blacks get the job done.
They bounced back to a fashion, although the limited nature of the opposition must be taken into consideration. Still, Aaron Cruden did enough to make the selection at No. 10 interesting again, and Anton Lienert-Brown was outstanding in the midfield. The Chiefs midfielder has got a bit of everything: size, pace and speed, but it's his awareness of the support players around him that sets him apart.
Aaron Smith also appeared to have been given a message - starting running the ball again. His cameo off the bench was punctuated by darts and steps from the base of the ruck.
Team of the Week
1. Wyatt Crockett (New Zealand)
2. Codie Taylor (New Zealand)
3. Charlie Faumuina (New Zealand)
4. Joe Launchbury (England)
5. Courtney Lawes (England)
6. Chris Robshaw (England)
7. Sam Cane (New Zealand)
8. Billy Vunipola (England)
9. Ben Youngs (England)
10. Aaron Cruden (New Zealand)
11. Jonny May (England)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
14. Israel Dagg (New Zealand)
15. Israel Folau (Australia)