Rugby World Cup Blog | Jonah Lomu | 2007

Jonah Lomu

Lomu on Wallabies

Wed Sep 05 03:59PM

Australie

Australia boast the most experienced back line in world rugby.

There is George Gregan, who has played 130-odd Tests, Stephen Larkham, Stirling Mortlock, Lote Tuqiri out on the wing, Chris Latham - the list goes on. They have great experience and World Cup experience as well. Gregan, Mortlock and Larkham have won the World Cup, have lost the World Cup - they know the feeling of both.

What makes the Australians very dangerous is that they have nothing to lose. This is their last World Cup, their last hurrah, so they will throw everything at this World Cup to win. It is a big key to them winning matches. But the most important thing is whether their forward line can give them enough ball - if that happens their back line will cause havoc and trouble for a lot of teams.

Larkham is a playmaker. He makes something out of nothing and knows how to direct his team and keep his forward pack going forward. He has that ability to win you a game with a drop kick or run into space.

Earlier this year he showed that with a pass that put Mortlock into a hole that opened up the All Blacks to win the game. Those are the sort of big plays that make the difference with whether you win the World Cup or not.

Mortlock goes forward with the ball, builds momentum, makes the tackles and also kicks the goals. Another player to watch is George Smith because he poaches the ball very well. Matt Giteau can change the game. He's a gifted runner of the ball. This year he's shown that he has grown even more. He has added another dimension to his game. We should also watch their loose forward trio, the likes of Nathan Sharpe as well.

John Connolly's side have been competitive this year in the Tri Nations - they are a dangerous side. No one can take them lightly. They are two-times World Cup winners. When you look at that, what can you say? They are the only side who've won the World Cup twice.

I guess there's still a question mark on the forward pack, on their front row, but you don’t know until you come up against them and this year they have shown that they have grown up front. Matt Dunning has changed a lot.

However the World Cup is where you see how good you are against the best in the world.

  • Comments1 - 2 of 2

  1. This is great ! I can't wait to tell all my colleagues at work... Allez les Bleus ! ! !

    mk2espFrom mk2esp on Wed Sep 05 05:04PM

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  2. Ok....Japan aren't Italy but 91 points in the 21st Century game is impressive....nice one Aussie!

    dilly_dotFrom dilly_dot on Sat Sep 08 05:35PM

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