Polota-Nau: Bring on the Boks
5 Oct 2011
Australia aren’t spooked by the challenge of having to match the Springboks physically. They’re relishing the battle.
Nullifying the Springboks’ strike runners has always been the root of victory. The defending champions rely heavily on the space and time created by dominating the gainline to successfully employ their kick-chase approach and the Wallabies are acutely aware of the importance of denying them that platform.
While their back division gets the most press, Robbie Deans and his coaching staff have built a pack who have bested the Springboks in recent years, and one whose threat is amplified by their intelligence. Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau says how they fare in the forward exchanges will be decisive to the outcome, particularly if the torrential rain and strong winds that have lashed Wellington persist.
‘It would favour the Boks if it rains, but if it does become a forward-orientated battle our attitude is “bring it on”,’ Polota-Nau said. ‘We’ll have a tougher job getting the backs space though. On defence, we’ve had good success in stopping them behind the advantage line and we have to get that right again. If its clearer we’ll probably have the edge.’
The forecast is for clear skies and light winds, but the nation’s capital has consistently defied predictions. Star flyhalf Quade Cooper said conditions would dictate their tactics to some degree, but added that they were loathe to veer too far from their preferred expansive approach.
‘If it stays [wet and windy] it will required some tactical adaptation, particularly from 9,10 and 15,’ Cooper said. ‘It was interesting in training today, a few of the kicks went backwards and there was sideways rain around. You don’t often get these type of conditions but if they stay around we’ll have to adapt.
‘But I don’t think we’ll change our game radically. We have to work to our strengths. We don’t want to go into our shell and play a game that doesn’t suit us.’
Goal kicking is likely to be a central feature in the match. Springboks flyhalf Morne Steyn – the tournament’s most successful player in this regard – said on Tuesday that the Cake Tin was the most difficult venue for kickers because of the swirling wind. James O’Connor concurred, and added that he hadn’t enjoyed much success at training thus far.
He explained that he was working closely with former Springboks flyhalf Braam van Straaten (kicking consultant) to remedy his struggles. ‘Braam has been massively influential in my kicking. He’ll stay out there all day if you can kick that long. I’m surprised the Springboks haven’t snapped him up, but I’m just happy we got in first.’
By Ryan Vrede, in Wellington.
Follow Ryan’s World Cup coverage on Twitter
32 Comments
5 Oct 2011, 02:52 am
Been pretty cold, windy and rain here in Wellington. Back three are going to be tested. Our forwards have disappointed me thus far while our backs (bar FDP) have surprised. Time to step up boys. Sort the line out out for a starter.
5 Oct 2011, 02:58 am
….its hobbit weather here in hobbitville, no weather for playing rugby…. still, the sun and surf loving wallabies won’t like grovelling around in the hobbity mud
5 Oct 2011, 03:40 am
After the pathetic comeback he made I thought he would keep his trap shut…
5 Oct 2011, 03:44 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-3: Who are you referring to?
5 Oct 2011, 03:48 am
Polota-Nau opti, he played well below par in his comeback…
5 Oct 2011, 03:53 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-5: who would you ply at 14?It is bad news for SA that Digby is back, He is DANGEROUS.Maybe Hougaard is the best if JP cannot play.
5 Oct 2011, 03:54 am
@optiplay(optiplay)-6: Who-whom. Ai die engels is nie wat dit moet wees nie.
5 Oct 2011, 04:00 am
@optiplay(optiplay)-7:
Dis ok, ek het dit nie eers opgetel nie!
Nope, I am happy to start with Hougaard if JPP can’t play. you know you will get 100% from him.
As for Digby, he is being rushed back because he forms such an important part of their whole game plan. Suppose they had no choice but to do it but I think it is a mistake, he will not be as dangerous as usual and may even hold them back.
5 Oct 2011, 04:38 am
Digby big part of our game plan – in defense and attack. And if JP is out big loss for you guys. Everyone knows he is good with ball in hand, but his tackling has lifted massively of late. Hougaard probably your best best but you would want JP in there. Polota-Nau fairly quick round the ground and massive in defense but line-out throwing a major worry for us. Moore is a far better “direct” player which you need against you Boks.
5 Oct 2011, 04:45 am
Yip Billy and the reason he was rushed back, it is now or never though but being such an important cog I am not sure it is a good call.
You are right with JPP as well, he is a unique player that lifts a few notches in important games and I prefer to see Hougaard weave his magic on a tired defence instead…same as JS and BdP
5 Oct 2011, 04:51 am
What’s your (honest) call on the game?
5 Oct 2011, 05:04 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-11:
Billy, depends which Bok team pitches on the day. On form and playing to their potential I think they will be too strong for the Wallabies. You can however never write them off and it will be close.
5 Oct 2011, 05:15 am
Polota-nau has to be the softest player in world rugby. Every 5 minutes he is down being treated by medical staff.
5 Oct 2011, 05:22 am
I think given the weather prediction (and in NZ that’s a bit of an oxy moron) I’d say a spread bet with either team within 7 would be safe. I’ll go further and say within 4
5 Oct 2011, 05:26 am
Sheesh, only 4?!?! Some nervous moment coming up…
5 Oct 2011, 05:28 am
@ kobus. Another brlliant analysis from the sharpest mind in Christendom.
5 Oct 2011, 05:38 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-11: My money is on the Aussies but not by much(always been a heart not head better)
5 Oct 2011, 05:38 am
Interesting attitude he has – contrast that with Schalk Burger on the other thread – need i say more. Been living in Sydney for 6 years and i really need the boks to do the business. I have no doubt we will do it. The Bok is safe
5 Oct 2011, 06:40 am
Bring it on Aus!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqjzAd7gwtQ
5 Oct 2011, 08:14 am
I can’t wait for the weekend’s rugby!! Magical to see the best 8 teams in the universe to take each other on!!!
5 Oct 2011, 08:15 am
I can’t wait for the weekend’s rugby!! Magical to see the best eight teams in the universe to take each other on!!!
5 Oct 2011, 08:16 am
I can’t wait for the weekend’s rugby!! Magical to see the best eight teams in the universe to take eachother on!!!
5 Oct 2011, 08:17 am
I can’t wait for the weekend’s rugby!! Magical to see the best eight teams in the universe against one another!!!
5 Oct 2011, 08:30 am
yes, i know…you cant wait for the weekends rugby…
5 Oct 2011, 08:34 am
Isn’t this the same palooka now who was bullied by the Paddies just a few weeks ago.
5 Oct 2011, 09:27 am
you saffas are a funny lot…thanks for the laughs! you talked yourselves up for the super 15…then the tri nations…and now for the world cup! please…keep some beers for after the game…you’ll be needing them to soften the blow….
5 Oct 2011, 10:03 am
@gregars(gregars)-26: What? When did we talk ourselves up for the Tri-Nations? Neither the boks nor the ABs cared about the Tri-Nations this year. In fact we’ve complained that a null-event like this should take place in a WC year.
Only reason Wobblies was in a position to win it was because ABs decided to throw the series by sending a second-rate team to SA. Otherwise they would have been champions before the final game.
As for the S15… congrats.
5 Oct 2011, 10:46 am
Weather condition will play a big part Barney has the wool pulled over Horwell his captaincy is far superior and this is where Horwell fell short against the leppercorn
and that was all about presure being applied and they started to please them selfves HORSES FOR COURSES in heavey conditions and a lot of mongrel will
get the Bokee home .!!!!A/B supporter!!!!
5 Oct 2011, 11:45 am
@gregars(gregars)-26:
Convict. You keep convincing yourself that the Wallabies won a real Tri-Nations. Suppose it was your first major trophy in 10 years. Fok that is pathetic.
As for comments about the Wallabies winning the last 5 of 6.
Brisbane 2010. Loose trio of Burger, Kankowski and Spies. I don’t even need to go through the rest of the team.
2010 Bloem. 5 seconds away from a loss before Wayne Barnes decided he didn’t want the game to end that way.
2011 C team puts 20 points on the Wallabies.
2011 Real Bok side gets back from 6 week break, dominates game until Smit gifts 6 points by going to prop.
That puts things into perspective. Good luck to Quade the house invader or O’connor with her 35 meter kicks at goal.
5 Oct 2011, 12:48 pm
@Bouts(Bouts)-27:
when did you guys talk yourselves up??? before and during BOTH tournaments…
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-29:
I don’t need to convince myself of anything…unlike yourself…it’s in the history books…and…psst…I’m not a convict
I look forward to your posts on here next week…will it be: due to injuries – again; the cheating ref’s fault – again; Smit gifting points – again???
5 Oct 2011, 13:21 pm
@gregars(gregars)-30:
Why would we talk ourselves up when in 2009 PdV even stated he would play an experimental side in the 2011 Tri-Nations? Silly convict.
No side in history has ever gone on to win the world cup after losing a game in the pool stages. Too bad the rugby world cup isn’t knock out from the get go. The Islanders in yellow would have been gone in game 2.
5 Oct 2011, 14:20 pm
@gregars(gregars)-30: Easy on him, he has no credibility at all anyway.
Especially after quote of the year “Boks very rarely get to play a real proper minnow, unlike the ABs who “somehow” manage to play them often.”
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