Thursday, 25 November 2021

Ice Bags for Injury and Rehabilitation Review

Ice Bags for Injury and Rehabilitation

The aim of all ice bags and Ice Packs is to relieve your aches and pains at the same time reduce swelling and prevent further bleeding internally into the wound or bruise area . With these Elitehood Ice Packs: Ice Bag/Pack they should be treated as a first-aid essential in life, it can help you relieve from all kinds of arches and pains and recover outside of sport. Carrying one of these and the applicator should be mandatory for all contact sports players of all ages .

3 SIZE DESIGN FOR DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS - Small 6'' and medium 9'' for teens, large 11'' for adults. These are a must-have product for rugby union and rugby league especially with the injuries, pain relief, muscle aches that occur at all levels within the game.

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HANDSFREE ICE BAG PACK - A compress wrap would help to hold the ice bags, being more stable and versatile support full body.

EASY TO USE AS HOT & COLD THERAPY - For cold therapy, simply fill the ice bag two third full with ice and water to relieve discomfort from headaches, bruises, migraines, muscle aches and swelling. For heat therapy, add hot water (not boiling) to help soothe an upset stomach, migraine, sinus and joint pain.

SAFE & WATERPROOF - With Leak-resistant Design, dacron Textile ensures the water to stay cold or hot much longer. And being easy to carry and use everywhere.

RELIEVE PAIN AND SORENESS - The ice bag packs are ideal for application of cold therapy to help reduce pain and swelling from minor scrapes, bruises, muscle aches, sprains and strains,suitable for sport injury and first-aid.

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https://therugbystore.com.au/ice-bags-for-injury-and-rehabilitation-review/

Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Canterbury Men’s Phoenix Raze Soft Ground Rugby Boots

Synthetic PU upper for maximum durability; Collar with built-in 10 mm foam cushioning for comfort where you need it; Wide-fit forefoot shaping makes rugby boots more comfortable; Hybrid eight plate outsole provides heavy-duty traction that won’t get bogged down  Canterbury-mens-pheonix-8-stud-boots-300x262.png

These rugby boots are a safe option for the all round player, these rugby boots are designed for forwards playing on hard or artificial surfaces where traditional metal studs cant penetrate.

Built for adaptability and power these boots are designed with a durable PU upper to keep young rugby players feet comfortable from kick off to the final whistle.

A heavily cushioned collar with a locked in toebed moulds the boot around their foot to avoid slipping and a 9mm heel-to-toe raise reduces strain to their lower limbs, improving their attacking position by pulling the body forward.

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TPU studs help to spread pressure evenly across the foot and cushioning at the ankle improves general comfort giving your  athlete support when they're getting involved in scrums and rucks.

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  • PU upper provides durability and comfort
  • TPU studs spreads stud pressure evenly across the foot
  • 9mm heel raise reduces strain to lower limbs
  • Built for firm ground play on hard or artificial surfaces
  • Perfect for forwards
  • Cushioning at the ankle gives young players support in scrums and rucks
  • Please Note All Rugby Boot Sizing is in UK sizes.

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https://therugbystore.com.au/product/canterbury-mens-phoenix-raze-soft-ground-rugby-boots/

Friday, 8 October 2021

The Rugby Store

adidas Kakari Rugby Boot
Adidas Kakari Mens SG Rugby Boots - $121.73AUD

Canterbury  Phoenix Raze SG Rugby Boots - $104.13AUD

Canterbury Boys Speed 3.0 Rugby Boots - $86.53AUD

Thursday, 7 October 2021

Is Rugby taking control of as the Globe's most prominent sporting activity?

Is Rugby taking control of as the Globe's most prominent sporting activity? Well, this may stun numerous, yet Rugby is truly coming near change all the significant globe sporting tasks to become the globe's most popular.

Plainly checking out the sort of numbers that are appearing for Rugby matches to cheer up their much-loved Rugby Clubs, it's indubitable that Rugby remains in a quote to become one of the most adhered to sport in the world.

Going by the European Rugby Club standings, it's evident that the competition in rugby suits is similar to the type of rivalry we discover in prominent leagues such as the English Premier Organization.

Some of the prominent rugby clubs worldwide, as provided by the Rugby Union, includes some clubs from Italy, New Zealand, France, South Africa, Ireland as well as Scotland. New Zealand particularly, organizes some hard-line Rugby Clubs such as cry, the Sharks, the Stormers as well as the Crusaders.



One advantage regarding rugby, is that it has tried to include abilities from throughout the globe therefore growing its fans by significant integers. Africa, for example has had a possibility to show its potentialities in Rugby video games through the South African National Rugby union teams, along with the Kenyan Rugby groups.

The 2016 HSBC world rugby 7s series tournament is a one-off occasion that will ensure that Rugby fans follow and stay loyal to the sporting activity forever. The HSBC event was started as a festival to commemorate the fastest expanding sport in the 21st century. The competition will certainly include over 15 top world rugby clubs and also will commence on March 2016 from Vancouver.

The recent boom of rugby as a worldwide sporting activity, can be attributed to that the majority of people worldwide have actually burnt out of the typical world sporting video games as well as they absolutely require a change in the meantime.

Unlike Football, Tennis, Marathons or perhaps Car racing sports, Rugby competitions are temporary significance that they are not tedious by any means.
You could picture yourself taking a seat awaiting an entire one and a half hours awaiting a football suit to wind up into some results. Those are like 6 suits of Rugby Sevens competitions as well as this is rather like a joke.

Of course, the shorter the online game takes, the a lot more it becomes exhilarating and the more it lugs the minds of the fans. Rugby is an excellent game as well as with the price at which it's drawing followers to follow it, some day it could divert everyone's mind into ending up being a fan. https://bit.ly/3FvS4Qe

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Tuesday, 5 October 2021

The WA Rugby Union

The WA Rugby Union Rugby is a team sport which came from England in the very first half of the 19th century as well as the rugby union is governed by the International Rugby Board (IRB). Rugby union spread from Terrific Britain to countries such as Australia, New Zealand as well as France. In Australia, it arrived as a winter sport and also became very popular. The WA rugby union (RugbyWA), established in 1893, is the controling body of rugby union in Western Australia. Its inaugural competitors included 4 teams and also began in 1895. This started a long, poignant quest of rugby in Western Australia.

WA rugby union is accountable for taking care of the Premier Quality, which is the highest degree of WA rugby union competitors at the residential level. It is held every year from very early April to the middle of August. The WA rugby premiers have actually been going on because 1963. It has now gotten the name Pindan Premier Organization as a result of its enroller.

In 2006, RugbyWA entered a team in the Super 14 competition, after ending up being the Fourth Australian to secure the Super 12 permit in 2004. This group, which is exactly below full time, expert degree was called the Western Force and also is based in Perth. The Western Force did refrain from doing well in their sneak preview in 2006 where they finished with a wood spoon. Nonetheless, they subsequently boosted as well as at some point finished in 8th location in 2008.



A collection of advancement programs have additionally been established by the WA rugby union as well as the development team called Perth Spirit has competed in the Australian Rugby Champion in 2007. It likewise competes in the National Rugby Champion given that 2014.

The WA rugby union likewise maintains two top-notch advancement squads called the Western Force An as well as WA Under 20 group. The Western Force A team plays suits against worldwide and inter-state representative groups as well as consists of contracted Western Force players, Premier Quality club rugby players, as well as selected ones from elite youth clubs. The WA Under 20 group is meant to compete in the National Under 20 Rugby Champion.

RugbyWA is a non-profit company which includes both Expert and also Community rugby. It has 10 board participants with D G Redpath serving as the existing Head of state, Dr R J Perry as the existing Chairman, and also Mr Arthur Hill as the existing Customer.

One of the most fascinating component is that the WA rugby union has no private ownership and also is run by share-holding companies. These include Western Australian clubs, umpires, country rugby and more. Whatever earnings the WA rugby union makes is spent right into rugby in all levels in Western Australia. https://bit.ly/3DfIUFr

Thursday, 30 September 2021

TOP 5 RUGBY BOOTS FOR BACKS FOR 2021 - 2022

A buyers' guide featuring boots for backs, traditional forwards and everyone inbetween

Best Rugby Boots of 2021

Unlike in a sport like cycling or golf, there isn’t much equipment you need to play rugby. One thing you cannot scrimp on is a good pair of boots.

Gone are the days when your boots would be heavy by half-time and you could have any colour as long as it was black. Boot technology has made significant strides and it is probably time to trade in your old kicks for something more modern with our guide to the best rugby boots of 2020.

Looks are important but there is more to a modern pair of boots than just if they’ll stand out when you run onto the pitch on a Saturday. Most boots will be specified as either soft ground (SG) or firm ground (FG). Soft-ground boots are for the mid-season when the ground is muddy with little grip. They will have traditional studs; long, rounded, and metal. Firm-ground boots are for better surfaces where you can forgo long studs in favour of sleeker plastic pegs, shorter metal studs, or a combination of the two.

A lightweight boot will allow you to reach your top speed but it comes at the expense of protection from a stray stud. Forwards may prefer to carry a bit more weight to protect them in scrums and mauls whereas backs would be advised to head down the lightweight route to maximise their agility.

Below we run through the best rugby boots of 2021

Best Rugby Boots

Adidas Kakari Z.0 SG Boots

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The Kakari Z.0 is classy and understated enough for even the most traditional of forwards. The bootie style fit is exceptionally comfortable but an inner support strap ensures that comfort doesn’t come at the expense of performance.

The split sole is ideal for the grunt work of the tight five. You can stay low and planted in the turf and still generate power thanks to the sole flexibility.

+ A boot for forwards that doesn’t come at the expense of speed.

+ Slipper like comfort means it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a high-performance boot.

At almost $123 (aud) this really is at the top end of boot prices.

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Canterbury Phoenix 3.0 Pro SG Boots - $147.25 AU

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A do-it-all boot which looks as good as it feels. The Phoenix 3.0 is designed to be lightweight but without sacrificing durability or protection thanks to a TPU mesh skin. The foot is held in place by a neoprene tongue, which combines with internal straps to provide a comfortable but secure fit.

Finally, a mix of removable studs and molded elements gives you maximum grip in the winter and flexibility to put on some shorter studs for those spring and autumn days.

+ The classy black design is offset perfectly with some silver detail on the laces, a very good-looking boot.

+ A comfortable fit coupled with a durable upper means you will get plenty of game time out of these boots.

Designed for back-row players, these boots lack some protection for the front five and might not be agile enough for the backs.

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Gilbert Kaizen 1.0 SG Boots - $89.99

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Designed for speed and agility, these are perfect for fleet-footed outside backs. A knitted upper, brought over from football boots, hugs the foot without adding more than the bare essentials in weight. Perfect for some dazzling footwork and a sprint into the open field.

The offset laces mean that, even when your only option is to kick, you can do it with confidence thanks to an unbroken kicking zone.

+ Very lightweight but still offering a solid and secure fit.

+ A raised heel ensures you are always in the most powerful position when you need to surge by the last defender.

The knitted upper and lightweight construction means these are best avoided if you are wearing a number in single digits.

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Adidas Kakari Elite SG Boots - $158.51

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Some things can be found in all rugby clubs anywhere in the world. The first is at least one Welsh person and the second is a host of players wearing these boots.

The Kakari Elite is a boot for forwards which shuns the perceived wisdom that forwards only want to wear black boots. The upper provides protection from a misplaced size 12 but these are still lightweight despite that. An integrated cage system straps the foot firmly in meaning you can dance past the last man once you make the break.

 

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https://therugbystore.com.au/top-5-rugby-boots-for-backs-for-2021/

THE BEST RUGBY BOOTS FOR 2022

Top Class Rugby Boot Reviews

Considering all these factors, rugby boots tend to run a little more expensive than most rugby footwear, so it’s important to make the best-educated choice before purchasing. The price tag can be a hassle for some people, however, you might find that you can just as easily get away with older models that provide good quality and performance without too much of a spend. Whichever of the boots from our top 10 list you choose, you can rest assured that you will be getting a high-quality pair of rugby boots that will keep you safe while allowing you to make the best of your playing abilities.

 

IN DEPTH REVIEW TOP Class Rugby Boots 

Canterbury Stampede 2.0 SG

Adidas Kakari Force SG

Adidas Malice Control SG

Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI

Canterbury Men's Phoenix Raze SG Rugby Boot

CANTERBURY STAMPEDE

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There is nothing that can stand in the way of the Canterbury Stampede 2.0 rugby cleats. This design is built for power and explosiveness, and you will love its performance features. It is constructed on a PowerLast that has a wide fit in the forefoot for comfort and has that well-known Canterbury heel raise which reduces strain on your legs. Built for soft ground, the Stampede 2.0 comes with 8 studs with bonus TPU traction.

The upper of the Stampede 2.0 cleats is made from synthetic PU for durability, and the toe box of this option is reinforced for strength. The collar is padded with 10mm foam for added comfort, and the wide fit will be a welcome change to standard footwear of this kind. The heel raise is at 8mm, putting you in a power position on the field, and the additional TPU we mentioned in the studs is there for even more power than you can possibly imagine.

The Canterbury Stampede 2.0 rugby cleats are the one design that you shouldn’t mess with. If you’re the type of player who needs more from their boots, who likes to be strong and uncompromising on the field, then you need footwear to match, and the Stampede 2.0 is definitely it.

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ADIDAS KAKARI FORCE SG

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Right alongside Nike, there is Adidas, another powerhouse in the world of sports footwear. The Kakari Force SG rugby cleats is a design specifically created for tight five players on soft ground. It has a very precise configuration of studs, as well as a raised heel which helps you push forward. The lockdown on these rugby boots is amazing, and you can trust that its comfort levels will be up to par, as well. As the brand says, conquer the scrum in the Kakari Force!

The upper of this option is made from premium leather, and there is a synthetic lining as well as a sock-like design for security. The studs are positioned to provide you with customized traction on a soft ground outsole, and you would do well to tighten them correctly before the game. The heel raise is 10mm, to ensure the dynamic of your movements. Of course, to round up the design there is a lace-up system with which you can easily adjust the fit to your liking.

The Adidas Kakari Force SG is made according to all the standards set by World Rugby, and you can be sure that they are the best of the best currently on the market. Once you invest in these bad boys, you will not look back ever again. So what are you waiting for? Go get your new groundbreaking shoes!

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ADIDAS MALICE CONTROL SG

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The Adidas Malice Control rugby boots are designed to be the support a backline player needs. It is lightweight and breathable thanks to its synthetic mesh upper, and it has a hybrid combination of studs with molded placements in between. What sets apart the Malice from other designs of its kind is the fact that it has an asymmetrical lacing system which both looks cool and has a purpose in the game.

The Malice rugby cleats will keep your feet cool and sweat-free thanks to its porous mesh upper. The lacing closure we touched on is conceived in such a way that there is a large spot left on top of the boot so you can strike the ball without any problems. The hybrid studs mean that there are four low profile aluminum ones in the front, as well as two aluminum ones in the back. They’re divided by these placements that increase control as you run.

Overall, the Adidas Malice Control is one tough design meant for soft ground play. It offers you greater control of your movements, of the ball and consequently of the game itself, and if you are the type of player who is all about that precision and power dynamic, you will love every second you play in these sneakers!

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Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI

41AwCotpPxL.01_SL500_-300x175.jpgThe Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI, Is a Unisex Kids Rugby boot, Black/Black, and this could be a limited model of the cleat, great for soccer and rugby alike. It boasts of a barefoot feel, keeping it soft and lightweight with kangaroo leather uppers. This particular model is made in Japan, so make sure to check sizes before you order. Its technical plate allows for flexibility, enhanced stability, and durability, and is particularly suited for firm ground fields. Weighing in at only 8.1oz, it’s sure to catch your eye for an assessment.

A graded Pebax sole plate rests at the base of the Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI cleats, which not only provides enhanced support and stability but allows for the flexibility needed by wingers for quick maneuvering and dodging tackles. The plate helps with quick sprints by providing a firm base to press against for explosive power and provides durability overall to the integrity of the cleat.

Designed for firm ground, 13 PU studs line the sole in specific positions to better help alleviate pressure points. Soft kangaroo leather creates the soft supple uppers of the Morelia II, giving it a great in-shoe feel, but also making it quick and functional in terms of ball handling. For soccer, this is ideal, but for rugby, kickers will appreciate the sense of touch more so than other positioned players. A tongue overlays lace-up closure so you won’t be catching your cleats in knots!

The Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI is designed for advanced players who enjoy a barefoot feel for grip and the soft touch feel of kangaroo leather uppers. Perfectly positioned cleats alleviate pressure points during play, and the Pebax sole plate gives the performance an upgrade in flexibility, durability, and stability. Well worth the investment if you’re a long time rugby specialist!

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Canterbury Men's Phoenix Raze SG Rugby Boot, 

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When you’re on the pitch, you need a rugby boot that can adapt and the Canterbury Phoenix Raze SG is built for it.

Designed for forwards who enjoy an extra level of comfort and stability in their footwear these soft ground rugby boots in Canterbury's classic black and red colours will keep your feet comfortable game after game Built for adaptability across the pitch these boots are for soft ground play on natural grass surfaces that are wet and muddy and require the most traction

These rugby boots are comfortable and supportive they have a durable PU upper and a heavily cushioned ankle collar offering a tight and snug fit for wider feet without being uncomfortable

They come with a 9mm heel-to-toe heel raise reduces strain to your lower limbs and helps to position your foot for maximum power and drive on the pitch Moulded studs plus 8 removable metal studs mean these boots provide grip even in the depths of Winter giving you the power and lightweight agility you need to reach the breakdown first

Designed with a durable PU upper and a heavily cushioned ankle collar for maximum wearer comfort, it’s engineered on Canterbury's game-changing Power Last 1.1, which offers a more comfortable wider forefoot and a locked in toe box and collar.

An 9 mm heel raise reduces lower limb strain and promotes a power position, whilst a hybrid outsole with eight removable TPU studs gives you the traction you need when the going gets soft.

  • 8mm foam cushioning in collar for comfort
  • Wide-fitting forefoot shaping
  • Hybrid 8 plate outsole provides lightweight traction

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https://therugbystore.com.au/the-best-rugby-boots-for-2022/

Sunday, 25 July 2021

Wyn Jones returns in Lions’ tour match win over Stormers

Halfback Ali Price has staked a Test claim to help the British and Irish Lions overwhelm the Stormers 49-3 as Alun Wyn Jones made a successful comeback from injury.

Price is set to pressure tour captain Conor Murray for a starting place in the first Test against the world champion Springboks at the same venue next weekend after impressing on Saturday.

Hamish Watson was an aggressive runner with ball in hand as was excellent hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, while lock Jones returned from a dislocated shoulder three weeks ago with seemingly no ill effects.

“It was hugely physical. When you come up against South African teams you know you will be in for a physical challenge,” Lions captain Stuart Hogg said.

“At times things came off for us, at times they didn’t. But we are happy with that performance.

“We have a game plan that tries to get everybody involved, and if we execute well there will always be opportunities for points. But we still feel we left a lot out there.”

The Lions’ tries came via locks Adam Beard and Jonny Hill, Cowan-Dickie, No.8 Jack Conan, prop Zander Fagerson, wing Louis Rees-Zammit and back-rower Sam Simmonds. 

Young five-eighth Marcus Smith kicked seven conversations in an impressive debut.

The opening quarter was scoreless as the Stormers spent much of the time in the Lions’ half without unduly threatening their tryline.

The hosts drew first blood with a penalty midway through the first half but the Lions were on the board shortly after with a sweeping attack finished off by Beard, which allowed Smith to convert for his first points in a Lions jersey.

That was followed almost immediately by a second try as the gaps began to appear in the home defence. 

A maul from an attacking line-out was initially stopped by the Stormers but powerful Cowan-Dickie broke away and was able to score.

The Lions got a third on the stroke of halftime when Hill cantered over in the corner after quick hands from Beard and Hogg put him into space. 

Conan crossed for a fourth try early in the second period after a well-rehearsed midfield move put him clear, and Fagerson burrowed over from close range for the fifth.

Rees-Zammit finished off an excellent break from Smith as the Lions went the length of the field late on to score, capping a hugely promising display from the 22-year-old five-eighth, before Simmonds cantered in unopposed for the final score.

“The competition for places is ridiculous,” Hogg said.

“There will be some very tough decisions.” 

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/18/wyn-jones-returns-in-lions-tour-match-win-over-stormers/

https://therugbystore.com.au/wyn-jones-returns-in-lions-tour-match-win-over-stormers/

British and Irish Lions: Warren Gatland expects 'robust' selection debate for first Test

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland says he expects a lively discussion about selection for the first Test with South Africa.

Original source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57874720

https://therugbystore.com.au/british-and-irish-lions-warren-gatland-expects-robust-selection-debate-for-first-test/

British and Irish Lions 2021: Matt Dawson says team 'have to look at themselves' after defeat

Former British and Irish Lion Matt Dawson says the team "have to look at themselves" after their loss to South Africa A on Wednesday.

Original source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57865603

https://therugbystore.com.au/british-and-irish-lions-2021-matt-dawson-says-team-have-to-look-at-themselves-after-defeat/

Friday, 23 July 2021

Extra game for Boks before Lions Tests

South Africa have organised an extra game for their squad to prepare for the British and Irish Lions Test series, ensuring back-to-back matches at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday in yet another tweak to the tour schedule.

A South Africa A line-up will play domestic team the Bulls before the British and Irish Lions face the Stormers in what’s also their last warm-up for the first Test a week later.

The Springboks are in dire need of match practice after playing just one Test – against Georgia this month – in two years since winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Some players did get a second game in South Africa A’s victory over the Lions in a scheduled tour match on Wednesday night.

But a long lay-off because of the coronavirus pandemic, and a cancelled second Test against Georgia this month because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Springboks’ squad, has left coaching staff fretting over a lack of match fitness for the world champions.

“We want to be as well prepared as possible when we meet the British and Irish Lions,” said South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

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(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Erasmus will take over coaching duties for the squad this week while head coach Jacques Nienaber undergoes isolation protocols after being one of more than a dozen Springboks players and backroom staff to test positive for the virus.

Nienaber has now joined the squad in Cape Town.

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland this week turned down an offer from Erasmus for South Africa A and the Lions to play each other for a second time this weekend.

South Africa A won the first game 17-13.

“I don’t see it as our role to prepare them for the Test series,” Gatland said. “I think he was trying to wind us up saying we’re scared (to play South Africa A again).”

The Lions’ tour to South Africa, which comes around once every 12 years, has been constantly affected by the pandemic.

All the games were moved to the cities of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town to limit the Lions’ possible exposure to the virus while travelling.

The Lions also had one early tour match against the Bulls cancelled, with different opposition stepping in, because of positive virus tests in the Bulls squad.

Both the South Africa and Lions squads have had players and coaching staff put in isolation, either for positive virus tests or because of possible exposure.

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/17/extra-game-for-boks-before-lions-tests/

https://therugbystore.com.au/extra-game-for-boks-before-lions-tests/

‘Deserves a crack’: Everything Rennie said on Tate, tactics and his Wallabies overhaul

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie made eight changes for the decisive Test against France, including a huge gamble on youth at the base of the scrum, but played down suggestions his team would be affected by the short turn around from Melbourne’s close defeat.

Australia went with a settled 23 in the opening two matches, including just one starting team change, but head to Brisbane with a revamped line up.

Rennie, speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s third Test in Brisbane, said he and Wallabies staff had a plan in place to cope with the challenges of the short turnaround. Saturday’s decider is a third Test in 11 days.

He also seemed to shrug off the relative intensity of Test match rugby to Wallabies training camp in saying: “Some of our trainings are actually tougher than the games we’ve played so far, around the running metrics and physicality.

“We knew we would need to manage certain players and we’ve done that.”

The biggest talking points come around the base of the scrum. Tate McDermott replaces Jake Gordon at No.9 while Noah Lolesio and Hunter Paisami are joined by Len Ikitau in the centres. The four of them have 17 caps between them leaving Paisami as the leader of an inexperienced group.

Former Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia has been calling for Rennie to give McDermott a start, and was also thrilled with Ikitau’s run on debut.

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Len Ikitau celebrates with his Brumbies teammates. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

“He’s a player for the future,” Genia told The Roar. “He’s got the ability to break tackles , and there’s something about him. One on one he’s really good at beating the first up man. He’s physical, young and when you watch certain players, he’ll bring a point of difference.

“I like the idea of him in the centres with Hunter. It’s a very young set up. I love the fact he’s given Noah an opportunity to play out all three games and I’m obviously a huge Tate McDermott fan, so I can not wait to see what he does from the start.”

Rennie spoke about McDermott, Ikitau and plenty more during his press conference. Here are the highlights.

On Tate McDermott and the young backline
“He’s played well, he’s done everything we’ve asked from him off the bench. Playing in Brisbane and his home ground to get his first start, he’s worked really hard, and deserves a crack,” Rennie said.

“Jake’s played a few fair few minutes as well and we are really fortunate with the depth we’ve got there.

“Tate’s been working really hard on his core skills around the quality of his distribution and his kicking game, and he brings a lot of energy.”

Rennie was asked if a reluctance to pick him from the start earlier in the season because of weakness in core skills.

“That’s probably fair,” Rennie said. “We have other guys like Nic White, Ryan Lonergan has very good core skills and Jake obviously.

“But Tate provides a point of difference and we like that about him. He’s worked really hard on his core part of his games to see him developing quickly and we just want him to go out and play with the confidence that he does in Super Rugby.

“Hunter has had an excellent season and so has Lenny. Lenny is a bit different. For the Brumbies he’s got a great skill set and the ability to pass out of his hands under pressure, really good feet and is aggressive in the carry and in defence.

“He’s got a left foot which we like, to complement Hunter who can be dynamic with and without the ball and got a really good kicking game.”

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Tate McDermott passes during a Wallabies training session. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

On Paisami being the ‘veteran’ of the four young backs with eight Tests

“If you talk to James O’Connor, with Hunter outside him he talked about how much he’s grown, how specific his communication is so James can concentrate on his part of the field and trust the guys outside him.

“Hunter was put into our leadership group because we want more out of him and because he’s got a strong connection with the young men within the group.

“He talks well, he’s not a noisy character, and we want more out of him. When you look at that inside group he’s experienced one with 8 Tests.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to step up and help the other guys.

“We often talk about being a different creature when you cross the chalk. It’s ok to be a mild-mannered man off the field but we need to see a different side of him when he crosses the chalk and we see that in how he plays. We also want him to lead and be vocal. He’s showing those signs.”
On Taniela Tupou being pushed back to the bench after starting game two

“We are lucky we have a couple of world-class tight heads,” said Rennie. “They are quite different.

“ has a massive work ethic and is very strong around the maul, and Taniela is a beast isn’t he?
“I thought he played really well in Melbourne – he was powerful in the carry, his workrate and his ability to get back on his feet and back in the game.

“What we know is Taniela off the bench is a real weapon and a real point-of-difference in that last 30 or 40 minutes.

“History would probably tell us that he’s probably done better off the bench but I thought he was really good in the second match. He played really well in Wellington last year when he got a start.

“Those guys were always going to share the load and as it turns out they’ve been playing 50 and 30 so they’re both getting reasonable game time to make an impact.”

Taniela-Tupou-Wallabies-415x285.jpg

(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

On the Wallabies needing to improve their kicking game

“We didn’t see a lot of kicking in Melbourne – I think we kicked the ball just nine times and one of those was half-time with Marika catching it and kicking it over the sideline,” said Rennie.

“We’ve talked about getting balance to our game. We want to see opportunities to kick and turn the French around. We’re pretty confident they’ll probably give it back to us.

“We want to have a real optimistic mindset around how we play. We think we are fitter and can play up tempo.
“It comes with a bit of balance. We should have hurt them from one of the kickoffs but we didn’t, we went multiphase and then turned it over.

“We’re talking about times when we need to kick on the front foot and add balance to our game.”

On the discipline of Lachlan Swinton, who has been called up at flanker

“He’s got a bit of reputation – he got a red card at club level for having a punch up. That’s pretty standard for a forward,” Rennie said.

“He got a red card recently that wasn’t deserved and rectified and then he got a red card in his first Test.

“We looked at 35 minutes when he was devastating defensively and he got one wrong. Six months earlier that wouldn’t have been a card, let alone a red card.

“Lachy’s ready to go. There’s very little in some of those selections. We want him to be really physical and that’s his point of difference, why would you tell him not to do that?”

On the French tactic of laying on the ground and getting in the way of the cleanout

“We spoke about it after the first Test. If you get caught you have to roll east or west, they tend to get on their hands and knees.

“They’ve got no right to be there. They need to be strong around that and we felt they were able to slow a lot of our ball down.

“We want quick ball. We’re happy for refs to be tough on us. We’re not talking about this to influence referees but we’ll be sharing our views. Quick ball for us is massive.”

On James O’Connor’s injury setback
“He tweaked his groin again on gameday. Not quite as bad as first thought and hopefully he’ll be back for the All Blacks series.”

On Fraser McReight missing out

“He’s really unlucky. He’s trained superbly. He probably couldn’t have done any more to gain a jersey. But going into a decider we want our best players in the mix. It’s a Test match, we don’t rotate for the sake of giving a blokes a crack, but he’s been impressive.
“He’ll get his chance, just not this series.”

Wallabies team for third Test vs France
1. James Slipper
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Darcy Swain
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Tate McDermott
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Len Ikitau
14. Filipo Daugunu
15. Tom Banks

Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Angus Bell
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Matt Philip
20. Rob Valetini
21. Jake Gordon
22. Matt To’omua
23. Reece Hodge

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/16/some-of-our-trainings-are-tougher-than-games-rennie-declares-re-jigged-wallabies-ready/

https://therugbystore.com.au/deserves-a-crack-everything-rennie-said-on-tate-tactics-and-his-wallabies-overhaul/

Lewis Ludlow: England captain handed four-match ban for foul play during win over Canada

Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow is given a four-match ban for striking with the knee during England's victory over Canada at Twickenham.

Original source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57858884

https://therugbystore.com.au/lewis-ludlow-england-captain-handed-four-match-ban-for-foul-play-during-win-over-canada/

Wednesday, 21 July 2021

French breakdown precision must be the Wallabies’ goal in 2021

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times. And that might not be as big an exaggeration as it looks.

Even just last week and again in Tuesday’s two-up panel, plenty of us in numerous discussions were highlighting the breakdown speed and accuracy as being an ongoing concern for the Wallabies.

Here’s a quick cut and paste from my offering, which in itself was pointing to the chaotic final moments of the first Test in Brisbane last week.

“The attacking cleanout needs to be the focus for the second Test. I mentioned last week that it was outstanding to see Angus Bell and Lachie Lonergan first on the scene when Tate McDermott went to ground with the fatally loose French ball last week, and with Rob Valetini, Darcy Swain, and Taniela Tupou not far behind.

“And as I mentioned, this was great to see in the 81st minute, because there had been way too many occasions in the preceding eighty minutes where the attacking clean out was either too slow, too ineffective, or too non-existent.”

And from the first post-match question after France squared the series in Melbourne on Tuesday night, Dave Rennie was already confirming where the Wallabies let themselves down. Again.

“We didn’t get off to the fast start we wanted,” he said.

Indeed, it was quite the opposite, with Les Bleus centre Jonathan Danty first on the scene to isolate Hunter Paisami in the first minute of the game. It was 3-0 after two minutes, and 13-3 20 minutes later.

Rennie continued: “We found ourselves behind, but we fought our way back in like we did last week. I thought we’d stolen it late, but not to be.”

“You’ve got to give France credit. They are really good over the ball. I think we got penalised nine times at the breakdown and obviously that had a massive effect on our continuity and our ability to hurt them.”

Dave-Rennie-755x515.jpg

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

And this is certainly the truth.

In the end, the Wallabies conceded 12 penalties for the game. Rennie’s figure of nine breakdown penalties conceded feels about right without an itemised penalty list to cross reference, and the scoreboard tells us that fullback Melvyn Jaminet kicked seven penalties from as many attempts.

The short of it: when the Wallabies conceded a penalty at the breakdown, it cost them points most of the time.

Rennie acknowledged that the Melbourne performance was better than the first Test in Brisbane, but even then found himself coming back to a familiar theme.

“We created plenty of opportunities, but it’s probably a double-edged sword,” he said.

“We got ourselves into positions where we probably should benefit, but we didn’t, and again, I think it came down to losing the race around some of the breakdown stuff, and a lack of patience.

“We’ve got to be prepared to go through the middle and squeeze them up, to earn the right to go wide.

“But we found a bit of space down the sidelines early in the game, and maybe they lulled us into playing a bit wide too early at times. We’ve learned a lesson from that, and hopefully we see a better effort on Saturday.”

It was a double-edged sword, but for different reasons, I’d argue.

It was a double-edged sword, because the Wallabies were getting towelled up on the floor and pinged in the middle of the field, so decided to go too wide too early, which then in turn led to blokes getting isolated and pinged out there, too.

Toomua-passes-vs-France-755x515.jpg

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

So this has to be the obvious focus for the third Test in Brisbane – not that they’ll have a lot of training time in between matches – but the Wallabies actually need to use the French as a benchmark for the rest of their season and beyond.

Interestingly, neither Rennie nor Michael Hooper had any refereeing gripes to air on Tuesday night.

“I thought he was pretty clear. From the ARs and the man in the middle, I think they communicated well to us what was going on,” Hooper said.

“Look, the French were good over the ball and they beat us. They were more urgent than us to the breakdown. You’ve got to commend them on that.

“A lot of the turnover came from us actually getting the nose through and getting a little semi-line break, and the French were sharp onto that isolated man there.

“From our side of things, a bit of urgency once we do make that initial half break there, and we would have seen a different story. It’s a mindset thing and an important price that we put on that sort of thing that we need to get right.”

It’s a mindset thing.

michael-hooper-wallabies-france-755x515.jpeg

(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Both Hooper and Rennie spoke of “urgency to breakdown” being a crucial lesson for Saturday’s decider, with Rennie even suggesting that he “wants to see a reaction” from the inevitable changes he’ll have to make.

“They’ll be fresh and full of beans, and give us some key energy,” he said.

We should see what those changes are later this morning.

The mindset thing is interesting, because as much as fitness drives a player around the field, it’s their mindset and attitude that pushes them into the dark places.

Just yesterday The Roar‘s own Will Genia spoke of the biggest difference and challenge between Super Rugby and Test matches: “You have less time and space, and you have less room for error.”

I’ve referred several times in recent weeks to a chat I had with Laurie Fisher after the Brumbies returned from New Zealand, where they found out the hard way that being even half a metre behind in the race the breakdown can be the difference between holding onto the ball and watching it disappear behind you.

But the adjustments are quite achievable, Fisher told me: “A metre here, two metres there. Tighten up that bit. That’s how you make great gains, and you can be competitive all of a sudden.”

Being a metre or even just half a metre closer to the tackled teammate in possession is the difference between the arriving opposition defender having a clean shot at the ball, or having to clean out and possibly compete.

Toupou-rugby-wallabies-755x515.jpeg

(Getty Images)

This was the harsh lesson the Wallabies were dealt on Tuesday night, but it was at least heartening to hear Hooper not speaking in terms of training track form, as he often did in years gone by, but in genuine ‘this is how we do it’ terms that you’d expect from a leader.

“Yes, it sucks losing. Our change room is deathly quiet at the moment. But, the only negative will be if we take nothing from this, if we don’t take a lesson learned.

“How we can get that scrum, deliver that scrum at the end, and then backdating all the stuff that happened beforehand to try and put us in a better situation.

“We got a lot of learnings out of that. That will be the negative, if we don’t take them.”

The negative is the use of “learnings”, but the point certainly stands. And it was notable that Rennie sat there, listening intently.

The current international breakdown yardstick is wearing a Bleus jersey, and the Wallabies have to learn from this.

And quickly.

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/15/french-breakdown-precision-must-be-the-wallabies-goal-in-2021/

https://therugbystore.com.au/french-breakdown-precision-must-be-the-wallabies-goal-in-2021/

British and Irish Lions 2021: South Africa A game 'pivotal', says Ugo Monye

The British and Irish Lions' game against a high-quality South Africa A side on Wednesday will be "pivotal" in determining Test selection, says former tourist Ugo Monye.

Original source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57819677

https://therugbystore.com.au/british-and-irish-lions-2021-south-africa-a-game-pivotal-says-ugo-monye/

VOTE: Your chance to rate the Wallabies players vs France

It was almost as exciting as the first Test but, for Wallabies fans, the result was far less enjoyable.

With the Wallabies going down to France 28-26 in a thriller last night, it’s time for you – the readers – to rate each player out of ten.

If you’re not across how we do this thing on The Roar, don’t worry. We’ve got handy instructions just here.

Simply, you rate each player from 1-10 based on your assessment of how well they performed. If you don’t think they were on the field long enough, or you just didn’t catch them enough, you don’t have to rate them – you can leave them blank.

Then, we take everyone’s votes, crunch the numbers together and publish them the next day, so you can see where your opinion falls amongst your fellow Roarers.

For a guide on how scores work, check this box out.

1. Had he not played, the team would have been better off. Negatively affected the performance of the side. May God John Eales have mercy on his soul.
2. Anonymous. Was he even there?
3. Did some things that you expect a player to be able to do, but did a whole bunch of other things that sucked.
4. Was passable in patches, but not up to standard in a match of such importance.
5. Performed his role without anything really noticeable happening.
6. Good.
7. Pretty good, actually.
8. Very good.
9. Excellent.
10. Extraordinary. Calling them man of the match would be an insult.

So, what are you waiting for? Fill the ballot in now!

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Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/14/vote-wallabies-player-ratings-vs-france-2/

https://therugbystore.com.au/vote-your-chance-to-rate-the-wallabies-players-vs-france/

Tuesday, 20 July 2021

Reasons for a Detox Diet

Maybe you have read a lot of articles discussing detox diets, its efficiency as well as its drawbacks. And because of the many write ups that you have read about it, you are now confused as to whether or not you should try this regimen. Some articles may have written that it is very effective and with just a few days, you will lose several pounds. Some articles, on the other hand, may tell you that this diet is not healthy and it may have some side effects that are not worth the try. What then should you believe? Perhaps with the right motivation and purpose, the detox diet may really improve your way of living. With just the name of the diet, you are sure to be free from the toxins in your body, and these are the chemicals that are believed to be harmful for your health. Perhaps if you know why and how the detox diet should be properly performed, then you can never go wrong. body-detoxification.jpgMost professionals believe that cleansing your body is a must and this is what a detox diet offers - an overall purification of the body system. Although the body is equipped with organs that are designed to perform filtration for the cleansing of the body, the detox diet can still be performed for assistance and support. However, most professionals also believe that the detoxification should not be performed for a long period. They suggest that twice a year or once every six months is enough. This is because for them, the detox diet is not really for weight loss. Its goal should really be for the elimination of harmful substances. Another reason for a detoxification is the attainment of good quality health. A good quality health would refer to what your body can do. Its ability to keep you going and keep you active to attend to your daily activities would mean that it has good quality. However, nowadays, the value of one’s health is dependent on his lifestyle and on the opinion of others who influence his life. You should always remember that you should take care of your health. You should always keep it running in good condition, because this will take you to where you want to go. Aging can also be another motivation for you to undergo detoxification. Through a detox diet, toxins are flushed out of your system; and these toxins are the same causes of aging and deterioration. Detoxification is better than taking drugs that claim to prevent aging. Growing old is a process that everyone has to undergo, and it is an inevitable course; however, you should be able to go through it healthily and with grace. Taking in drugs may only fill your body with more toxins, thus detoxifying is a better option. You should know your priorities when it comes to your health. And urbanization and commercialization may have caused a lot of people to establish different sets of priorities, but your constant priority should always be your health. For the right reasons, a detox diet is a great way to maintain your health and keep it in good shape. You will have greater protection against illnesses and diseases because your system is purified and cleansed. With moderation and proper guidance, you can never go wrong with a detox diet.

https://dietandcooking.info/reasons-for-a-detox-diet/

British and Irish Lions 2021: Warren Gatland rejects Springboks call for fixture change

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland rejects calls from the Springboks camp for his side to play South Africa A twice in a row.

Original source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57810953

https://therugbystore.com.au/british-and-irish-lions-2021-warren-gatland-rejects-springboks-call-for-fixture-change/

The Paleo Diet

I consider this diet so important that I’ve given it its own section. In fact it’s more like a way of life than a diet. All my research and reading has led me to believe that the healthiest way to live is by following what’s known as the Paleo Diet. It is also known as the Paleolithic Diet, the caveman diet, the Stone Age diet and the hunter-gatherer diet. It represents a good way to lose weight and live healthier as it is a complete nutritional plan based on what is believed that humans ate during the Paleolithic era, a period of about 2.5 million years that ended around 10,000 years ago when man developed agriculture. It is based on the ancient diet of wild plants and animals that we humans consumed at that point in our history. paleodiet1.jpgThankfully, the Paleolithic diet does not require you to go out and kill a woolly mammoth for food. The contemporary version of this diet consists mostly of grass-fed pasture raised meats, fruit, fish, vegetables, nuts and roots. It excludes legumes, dairy products, refined sugar and processed oils. It represents not just a diet but a change in lifestyle that can help you get healthy and stay that way. What the Paleo diet is really about is eating natural foods for better health and a better physique. It is based on the idea that for more than two million years, we humans subsisted on the foods found in nature, such as vegetables, fish, wild fruits, eggs, meat and nuts. It’s a diet that's high in animal fat and proteins and low in carbohydrates The Paleolithic diet was popularized by the gastroenterologist, Walter L. Voegtlin. It has been adopted and promoted by a number of authors and researchers. The basis of Paleolithic nutrition is the idea that human genetics have not changed much since the dawn of agriculture. This suggests that the best diet for our health and well-being is one that resembles what our ancestors used to eat, a Paleo diet. Supporters of the Paleo diet believe that if we stay with a traditional diet similar to those of the Paleolithic hunter-gatherers, we will be healthier and more resistant to disease. There have been a number of studies of the Paleolithic diet that have shown some positive health outcomes but nothing compares with trying it out for yourself for 30 days to see how you feel. A hunter-gatherer diet or Paleo diet has a high level of protein. It includes a lot of meat, seafood and poultry and these foods are super nutrient dense if they have been grass-fed. Cows that feed on a grass-based diet produce significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as compared to grain-fed animals, while producing fewer trans fats and saturated fats. Anyone Can Lose Weight There is a good deal of evidence that people on high energy-density diets are more likely to over eat and are at a greater risk for gaining weight. On the other hand, low caloric density diets such as the Paleo diet, provide a greater feeling of satisfaction at the same energy intake and can help even overweight individuals lose weight without calorie restrictions. The vitamin and mineral content of the Paleo diet is very high, especially when compared to a normal diet. Fish and seafood are a particularly rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and other micronutrients, such as copper, selenium, iron, zinc and iodine that are critical for brain function and development. Another great source of these nutrients are thyroid gland, bone marrow and other organs. The staples of the Paleo diet -- the meats, seafood and fruits -- are more nutrient dense then grains, vegetable oils, refined sugar and dairy products. This means the vitamin and mineral content of the diet is very high compared with a standard diet. The Paleo Diet Food List The Paleo diet actually has a food pyramid with lean meats and fish at the bottom - or the foundation - followed by fruits, veggies and then berries and, at the top, nuts. While other foods are permitted it teaches that we should avoid dairy products, grains, legumes, starches, processed foods and processed sugars. More than anything else, you should favor raw and unprocessed foods over anything else. The Paleo diet requires you to eat only lean meat and mix up your vegetables. It teaches that the broader the color spectrum in your vegetable dishes, the better and more nutritious they will be, and the better you will start feeling after committing to this lifestyle. Following is a list of the foods used in most Paleo diet recipes… Meats Any type of animal meat including animal fats Fish All kinds of fish Vegetables Salads, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, lettuce, avocados, cucumbers. Limit intake of nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants) Nuts In moderation - Almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pecans, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts. When Getting Started When you begin on the Paleo diet or lifestyle, you may feel that you're a bit limited in terms of what you can eat. That is wrong! You’ll find you can eat almost anything except for processed foods or foods with added grains or wheat.  

https://dietandcooking.info/the-paleo-diet/

The rugby two-up: ‘It’s not rust, Australia lacks depth in every position’

Well, the Wallabies got it done last week against France, even if they did need a bit of overtime to do it.

And though most rugby fans know that a win is a win, and that you don’t have to draw a picture on the scoreboard, there’s no denying there was a fair bit of rust in the Wallabies performance.

But is that just a by-product of the professional game these days? That players are now so entrenched in domestic/club/provincial programs that national coaches have to spend time ‘un-stating’ them, to put them back on the national program?

Was there perhaps some merit in the South African need for 500 hours after all? Which they might yet get again, the way the Lions Series is looking at the moment…

Question 1: Why do you think some teams look rustier that others in their first Test of the year? And what is the biggest lesson from Brisbane that the Wallabies must get right for the 2nd Test in Melbourne?

Harry
It’s not rust, per se. It’s about depth and style.

Australia lacks depth at almost every position. To make it harder, their provincial unions have large differences in style. So, Dave Rennie has a more difficult challenge than Rassie Erasmus or Ian Foster.

The All Blacks’ challenge is pack depth. When Sam Whitelock retires, or when Cane is absent, the pack is not smart or hard enough, and the loosies are too loose. But their players are honed to a Kiwi style of tactical kicking, swift counterattack, all-court ball, speed of ruck, and precise set pieces. So their rust is simply down to form and depth.

Australia has to fight to get a real squad ready and trained and aligned. The big thing for the Wallabies to get right is to send the cleaners in hard and low and fast, after every single carry. Ball security is their Achilles heel.

Digger
It’s a difficult question to really land on anything but a handful of different reasons; new vs existing combinations, quality of the opposition, player experience.

To be frank I didn’t see a lot from any side that I didn’t really expect, all things considered. I would suggest that in the Wallabies case, they have a relatively fresh coaching team and currently do not have the same level of depth or experience to call upon as other sides, particularly in pivotal playmaking and organisational roles.

When factored in against what currently looks the best opposition thus far on the respective southern tours, it was always going to lead to some difficulties in getting cohesive game plans and combinations functioning.

Toomua-passes-vs-France-755x515.jpg

Matt To’omua of the Wallabies passes the ball. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The biggest lesson from Brisbane for the Wallabies is that they need to be more patient and effective when in possession. A quick glance of the match stats show the Wallabies had the lion’s share of possession and territory but clearly struggled through their own accuracy and decisions, and of course a committed French side to stamp their mark on the game.

When you consider the Wallabies had eight more penalties awarded, this will be key for them to turn around on Tuesday night, as more of the same and a more disciplined French effort will see the series tied up.

Geoff
It used to be customary for sides like the All Blacks in particular, to play like rusted aerosols in the first half of the first Test of the year, before gradually getting some cohesion. That doesn’t happen so much nowadays, and don’t we all remember the Pumas last year, emerging from a COVID camp and a scratch match against club players, for their greatest ever victory?

As for the Wallabies’ stuttering performance last week, I’m not so sure it was rust as much as it was some unfamiliarity around some of the combinations and a little bit of nervousness. Neither of those things should be in evidence tonight.

The biggest lesson/thing to get right? Jake Gordon to back himself and repay the faith shown in him by the selectors. The French showed him a couple of holes on the fringes that, trying to do the team thing, he ignored. You’ve got pace Jake, back yourself to use it, man!

Brett
I do agree with the depth points being made, and that’s obviously a key factor for the Wallabies, but I think fitness and conditioning plays a role in early season rust.

It was very clear that the first part of the Wallabies camp was essentially a second pre-season, and Dave Rennie even eluded early on to players from some state presenting to the national camp with significantly lower fitness and conditioning levels than others.

They knew this because the Wallabies and states have been using the same programs and software for several years now. So, for the first time in a long time, they could actually compare apples with apples.

So this extra conditioning prior to adding “a lot of detail”, as we heard regularly from the Wallabies coaches, has to have contributed to the rust; it just has to have. Hopefully, the picture will look better in Melbourne.

Speaking of which, the attacking cleanout needs to be the focus for the second Test. I mentioned last week that it was outstanding to see Angus Bell and Lachie Lonergan first on the seen when Tate McDermott went to ground with the fatally loose French ball last week, and with Rob Valetini, Darcy Swain, and Taniela Tupou not far behind.

And as I mentioned, this was great to see in the 81st minute, because there had been way too many occasions in the preceding eighty minutes where the attacking clean out was either too slow, too ineffective, or too non-existent.

But they showed when the game was on the line that they could do it. So now they need to do it.

Question 2: The Lions Series in South Africa looks to be in a really delicate position – do you think the Test matches can proceed as per the current schedule?

Harry
No, the tests will need to be in one place (Cape Town), and both camps have to stop half-measures.

The site isn’t that important if a true bio-bubble is used; it’s more about avoiding travel.

One thing not given enough attention is the Lions did not mandate vaccination (the Boks all did), and Warren Gatland has confirmed some Lions (rumoured to be as many as eight) did not get jabbed.

So, before everyone throws stones at SARU, maybe we should force the Lions to explain why they’d arrive in a developing country reeling under a third wave, with almost a dozen unvaccinated players?

Anyway, the tour must go on. The money requires it. If there are no crowds and the players and coaches are bubbled, there is a low risk to life.

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Should players be obliged to get the vaccine? (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Digger
Always hard to pick one thing as being more important than anything else, especially for the first game of the year.

I’m split between a solid and cohesive defensive effort and a stable set piece, so I won’t choose. Both of those nominated will be important for the Wallabies to get right this weekend, and the season can flow forward from that solid base.

Geoff
With the important caveat that I’m not there on the ground and don’t know exactly what’s happening, things are looking grim for the series.

We all want it, but we also want a series that is fair and genuine; a proper test of both the Lions and Boks’ true abilities. A little asterisk is ok, we all know it’s a weird time.

But if that asterisk is too big, then it almost becomes like, perhaps we shouldn’t bother.

As Bob Dylan put it so beautifully on his brilliant 1997 album, ’Time Out of Mind’… “It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there.”

Brett
It’s really hard to see how the schedule remains unchanged now, with more Springboks testing positive to COVID, including skipper Siya Kolisi as this all comes together. The total of impacted players and staff now rising above 20 is a massive concern, as is that the rest of the ‘Boks squad has only just emerged from six days of isolation.

Already, tour games have been switched, and the Sharks had to back up for a second game when the Bulls weren’t able to play just on the weekend.

I certainly agree with Harry that once the series gets to Cape Town this week, that it may not leave. And in a pure logistics sense, staying in one place would seem more logical now, with South Africa consistently recording more than twenty thousand new cases over the last few days.

Siya-Kolisi-755x515.jpg

How will Covid impact the Lions series? (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

But equally, it feels like the whole thing could have the pin pulled if the number keeps growing within the ‘Boks camp, too. There will surely be a number within the squad where training becomes difficult, and hopefully reports in the last day or so about new rounds of negative tests are a good sign.

There is already going to be a question mark or an asterisk or something applied to this series when it enters the realm of rugby history, and it would be a great shame if the last of the true rugby tours was forced to end abruptly.

Yet, it feels a long way from being out of the woods just yet.

Digger

No, I do not see how and nor should it. The priority should be to get the respective squads fit and healthy and ready to play the test matches alone.

It would seem the right way to do so would be to isolate each squad and do so at one venue, cancelling the remaining non test matches so to minimise any further exposure risk and concentrating on getting three quality test matches played.

OVER TO YOU: What’s the biggest lesson for the Wallabies from Brisbane to Melbourne?

And is more change inevitable for the Lions Series?

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/07/13/the-thursday-rugby-two-up-on-tuesday-be-gone-first-up-rustiness/

https://therugbystore.com.au/the-rugby-two-up-its-not-rust-australia-lacks-depth-in-every-position/