NRL great Aaron Woods has raised the alarm over the Kangaroos’ forward pack after another underwhelming performance at the Rugby League World Cup.
The tournament favourites have booked their spot in the last four with victories over New Zealand and Fiji, but neither were convincing.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie forward pack struggles against Fiji
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The performance against Fiji on Sunday night was particularly concerning given the game was in the balance midway through the second half.
Australia’s forward pack against the Fijians boasted over 300 games more of NRL experience, but they still struggled to assert their authority.
Woods highlighted the efforts of Jacob Saifiti, who set the tone for Fiji, while saying the Aussies struggled to worth together as a unit.
The experience gap between the two forward packs. Credit: Seven
“They’re not winning their first-up contact. Last night I watched Jacob Saifiti, he went after the Aussie pack, he was putting pressure on the ball carriers Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith,” Woods said on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League.
“We just haven’t had that collision for us … the only one for us when we had the ball was Cameron Murray and he could only get one carry in that first half until he got the HIA.
“They’re just not working together as a unit.”
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Woods conceded it was slightly difficult with “main man” Tino Fa’asuamaleaui starting on the bench, but wondered if the starters had one eye on the semi-finals already.
“Those games are very hard. You’ve played World Cups before, you want to get through injury free, you’re massive favourites, but you still have a standard that you want to live by,” Woods continued.
“But there is the thought that they are looking ahead, they shouldn’t be, but subconsciously it’s in your mind.
“To get rolled by a pack like Fiji. I don’t want to disrespect players … we just saw the amount of games, there were a couple of guys who had zero.
“The only well knows are Saifiti and Apisai Koroisau, and it’s just not the Australia we are used to. With all do respect, they should be beating Fiji by a lot more.”
Selection headaches
Australia coach Kevin Walters likes good selection headaches, and now he has one in the fullback position.
Kangaroos captain James Tedesco was the difference at No.1 in a clunky 36-22 win over gallant Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night.
The veteran’s three try assists and involvement in two others of the Kangaroos’ six tries was a masterclass in how one man’s brilliance can paper over other cracks.
Australia’s right-edge defence was found wanting and the pack was dominated by the Bati.
In the opening-round 24-22 win over New Zealand it was Brisbane talisman Reece Walsh who won the match with brilliance, although three-try hero Jack Bostock also had a huge say in the result.
The big talking point ahead of Australia’s semi-final at Allianz Stadium on November 8 revolves around which of Tedesco and Walsh plays fullback. The other issue is how to get both involved when they are essentially fullbacks only.
Captain James Tedesco proved the difference at No.1 in the Kangaroos’ win over Fiji in Brisbane. Credit: AAP
Australia play Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday night when one of the two will likely edge out the other.
“It is a great situation to be in to have two of the best fullbacks in the game available for us,” Walters said.
“They just keep producing. We will have a chat and there are a few decisions to made around that for next week. I am just grateful we have got both in our squad.
“I thought Reece was one of our best in game one, and James was one of our best tonight.”
Tedesco’s display against Fiji was undeniably brilliant.
“That is what you expect. He has been doing that for a long time and he was one of the differences for Australia,’‘ Walters said.
“His work in attack was very good, and defensively. He is world-class.”
Australia coach Kevin Walters is happy to have two world-class fullbacks at his disposal. (Robbie Stephenson/AAP PHOTOS)
Tedesco said he was not sure if there was a place other than fullback where he could start for Australia.
“Tonight I just wanted to do my role and play my part,” he said.
“I am enjoying being back in this jersey. It has been a while. Obviously I wanted to play fullback, but I will play anywhere Kev needs me to.”
Walters does need his team to be better all-round as the big guns await in the knockout phase.
“Our guys were good in patches,” he said.
“I think we need more from everyone. There is a lot of honesty within the group and, without going too much into it, we know we can be better.”
— With AAP
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