Interesting game.
Warburton was a fair bit better than in his previous game. Can see how that last run out was well needed for his match fitness. Still operating at a level below his best, and below the other two Sevens on tour though.
Croft was fairly good. His try was his high point but he also showed a decent work-rate and skills. Heaslip was good enough too, but slack in letting that ball out the back. He’s enough experience to know he needs to up his concentration for the tests.
AWJ was really excellent this time. Him and POC (excellent too) made the jobs so much easier for the back rowers. Youngs and Mako helped significantly there too. Still feel Hibbard offers a bit more going forward tight in around the fringes, and controlling and breaking off rolling mauls, but Youngs’ lineout throwing is probabbly gonna win him the spot.
Which means we probably need to keep Adam Jones in the starting 15 to keep the scrum on top. Apart from scrums, he didn’t do much. Almost coasted a bit this game. Expect a bit more in the tests, ‘cos Cole’s playing better in the loose.
But if he really wants to dominate Ozzy scrums, gatland should have brought in Sheridan when the others got injured.
In the backs, 10-12-13 was really working with JS, JD and JR going really well ’till the injury. JD pick of the backs in this game but all three impressed. At 9 Phillips isn’t gonna improve his passing now, but has to play better than this in the tests. He’s not done anything to earn the spot over Murray or Youngs, who’ve both played better, and they help Sexton play better (flatter) too.
Halfpee was great too: he’s looking like he’s worked hard and added a bit of nous to his attacking running. Top player, but still improving too.
Wing’s are a bit more of a concern ‘cos North and Bowe were so obviously ahead of the the rest. Maitland and Zebo both looked a little fragile in defence, but it may have been a lack of application more than a lack of skill (Cuthbert). Not seen a lot of it in the warm ups, probably deliberately held back for the tests TBH, but I expect the Wallabies to land quite a few high balls on our wingers. Maitland and Zebo can both get up and take them -both can play 15. We’ve all seen what happens when they target Cuthbert.
Seems a bit unfair on Hogg to not give him a chance to stake a claim in the back three. 1/2pee plays wing well and could switch , or maybe Hogg could do too. Seems like he’s missing his chance to cover these injuries ‘cos he’s too busy covering the other holes in the squad selection.