Australia survived a huge scare from Scotland in weekend’s concluding World Cup quarterfinal clash. They eventually prevailed 35-34 thanks to a last minute Bernard Foley penalty (apparently some people aren’t too happy about that… Don’t know if you heard anything about that) following one of the more erratic performances in recent Wallaby memory; and there’s no shortage of contenders for that crown! Here are five takeaways from a compelling contest:
Individual mistakes marred an impressive attacking display: While the record books will show that the Australian defence leaked a record 34 points to a Scotland outfit that had only ever scored more than 20 against them once coming into Sunday’s game, 19 of that total came by way of bizarre individual errors. The perpetrators were Rob Simmons, Foley and James Slipper, the last of which was particularly spectacular; Slipper dummying twice before opting for a looping double miss pass that sent Mark Bennett scurrying under Australia’s sticks.
Those errors, albeit in part caused by Scottish pressure (though both Foley and Slipper had ample time to make better decisions), effectively marred what was a very impressive attacking display from the Aussie, bouncing back from an underwhelming attacking performance against Wales. Unlike their more prudent opponents, Australia didn’t receive any gift-wrapped five pointers, with all their five scores coming as a result of well constructed pressure and often some individual touches of class. In fact, such was the potency of their attack, they survived a bombed try from Drew Mitchell and an overturned Adam Ashley-Cooper try, as well as three missed conversions, on their way to 35 points.
Pocock proves worth in absence: After three imperious performances in pool play, David Pocock was always going to be a big loss when it was announced late in the week that both he and Israel Folau failed late fitness tests. However, his absence was felt almost more keenly than anyone could have predicted, particularly during Scotland’s period of supremacy in the middle of the first half. They managed 13 unanswered points on the back of phase play that both England and Wales had found difficult to replicate with the talismanic fetcher in the lineup, with his ability to slow down play as well as produce penalties and turnovers sorely missed.
In fact, it’s not even that usual partner in crime Michael Hooper had a bad game; he carried superbly and was typically active in defence, he just doesn’t have the ability Pocock possesses at the breakdown. Michael Cheika said after the game that both Folau and Pocock would more than likely be fit to face Argentina; and given the tempo Argentina played at in dismantling Ireland, Wallaby fans will be praying the player of the tournament candidate can return in time.
Kurtley Beale impresses: The reason the loss of fellow superstar Folau was felt less keenly was because of the play of his replacement Kurtley Beale. While Southern Hemisphere sides schooled their Northern rivals in the rugby of the future over the weekend, Beale reached into the past to produce an enactment more reminiscent of his 2011 form. He popped up everywhere in the backline, giving a lovely miss pass for Drew Mitchell’s first try while also looking menacing when lined up at first receiver. However, since those heady day of World Player of the Year nominations, his overall game has also improved, as evidenced by a vital one-on-one tackle on rampaging number eight David Denton out wide in 36th minute as Scotland threatened. He was also rock solid under high ball and recovered several Australian kickoffs (including at start of the second half which helped shift momentum), as well as kicking well with ball in hand. If fit, Folau will almost certainly still start, though Beale’s performance could see him start on the wing against Argentina even if Folau does play.
Foley’s up and down day: After perhaps the best individual display of the World Cup so far, Bernard Foley has come back down to earth with back to back uneven performances. While his penalty in the dying seconds reaffirmed his heralded status as the iceman of Australian rugby, he was a big part of the reason the game was so close at that point anyway. Three missed first half conversions (albeit from difficult angles… These Aussies do love a swan dive by the corner post) reflected the inconsistencies that have plagued him from the tee this year. Additionally, though he wasn’t poor from open play, the chargedown try highlighted a hesitancy that tends to creep into his game from time to time when he gets out of synch with those around him. Having said all that though, he was 4/4 off the tee in the second half, could have had a try assist inside the opening minutes if not for Mitchell’s drop.
Sio had off day, but injury could be huge: Like Foley, prop Scott Sio came into Sunday’s game on a high following his ability to, almost singlehandedly, shift the balance of power in Australia’s favour against both England and Wales. Against Scotland though, Sio saw that power torn from his grasp by WP Nel, conceding three penalties, all of which ended in points for the Scots. Additionally, he only made it to the 51st minute before caving in at another scrum a damaging his elbow. While the scrum steadied with Slipper and The Best Scrummager in the Known Universe Greg Holmes rekindling their dynamic Queensland-flavoured partnership, Sio would still be an enormous loss if couldn’t lineup against a surging Argentina. Initial prognostications on his condition create an uncertain picture, with Cheika perhaps keeping the full extent of the damage close to the vest.
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