#360rugby: Aussies atone, Nehe just class, Lancaster's bomb

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  • Australia and Ireland turn up the heat before the Rugby World Cup.

    In our weekly round-up of all things rugby, #360Rugby takes in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship victory, Argentina’s historic win in Durban and Stuart Lancaster’s unexpected World Cup omissions.

    Welcome back Wallabies
    With a Rugby Championship title and an All Black scalp, Australia have taken a huge step towards redemption after a barren few years marked by problems both on and off the field.

    In a remarkably short space of time Michael Cheika has instilled a winning belief in his team with consecutive victories against the pre-tournament top-two rated sides in the world.

    It cannot be stressed enough how important this momentum is in boosting the confidence of a group of players about to embark on the Rugby World Cup’s “Group of Death”.

    Cheika’s back row gamble of playing two natural number 7s in Michael Hooper and David Pocock alongside each other was a huge success, with the duo proving a menace at the breakdown.

    The astute appointment of Argentinean scrum-guru Mario Ledesma also seems to have paid dividends with the Wallaby eight more than holding their own against the much-fancied Springbok, Kiwi and Puma packs. The Wallaby set-piece is not such a great joke after all.

    Milner-Skudder the real deal
    New Zealand missed out on claiming the Rugby Championship after conceding 10 late points but Nehe Milner-Skudder’s debut will still have brought a smile to Kiwi faces.

    The winger’s brace of tries was just reward for a complete performance that showcased his variety of skills. The Manawatu native demonstrated good pace and variation in attack, commitment in defense and the quality of selflessness that Steve Hansen holds so dear.

    However those who hope that the loss will damage the All Blacks’ World Cup chances will be gravely disappointed.

    Four years ago, the Wallabies claimed the Rugby Championship and defeated New Zealand shortly before the All Blacks went on to win the World Cup.

    These losses apparently motivate the team under Richie McCaw and with the Bledisloe Cup still to play for next week, the AB’s are anything but dead.

    Pumas leave Springboks scratching heads
    Los Pumas’ win was as huge moment in international rugby. Not only did Argentina beat the mighty Springboks for the first time, but they did it on South African soil.

    The South Americans out-performed their hosts in every single department from pace to passion, with Juan Imhoff set to join Milner-Skudder as one of the wingers to watch next month.

    Bok captain Jean de Villiers was ‘embarrassed’ by the performance of his team who have dropped to fifth in the world rankings and collect the Rugby Championship wooden spoon.

    To cap off a terrible evening for the Africans de Villiers is back in the sanitorium with a fractured jaw that will keep the centre out for up for four weeks.

    Whilst no fan ever wants to see a player injured (and especially such a revered character in the game), the layoff may prove a blessing in disguise for South Africa who seem to be at their potent best when Jesse Kriel joins Damian de Allende in the centres.

    Lancaster narrows England’s attacking options
    In the most controversial news of the week Stuart Lancaster announced that Chris Ashton and Kyle Eastmond would be joining the release list from England’s World Cup preparations.

    The winger’s absence leaves Jonny May, Anthony Watson, Jack Nowell and Semesa Rokoduguni to fight it out for the remaining three berths.

    Ashton touched down 13 times for his club last season and while the remaining four wings undoubtedly pose unique threats, none are consistent try-scorers and the Saracen will feel rightly aggrieved at his exile.

    While Eastmond’s exclusion also raised eyebrows, Lancaster’s thinking is more easily justifiable.

    Given England’s plethora of footballing options in the centre and the Bath man’s inability to replicate his club form at the highest level, his inclusion would have been a gamble. A gamble that Lancaster would rather take on Sam Burgess given the former Rabbitoh’s ability to break the gainline.

    Heaslip lives up to the hype
    Captain Jamie Heaslip submitted an inspired display as Ireland overcame Wales in Cardiff to moved up to second place in the World Rugby Rankings.

    The Irish attack looked direct and organised, with total domination of their hosts at the breakdown and scrum.

    The only sour note of Joe Schmidt’s afternoon being a late injury to flanker Tommy O’Donnell who now looks set to miss the World Cup after a superb match.

    A loss on home soil has no doubt left Welsh fans wondering if enough rugby was being played in their team’s much lauded World Cup training camps in Qatar and Switzerland.

    In particular Wales’ defensive deficiencies and poor set-piece will be giving Warren Gatland some sleepless nights ahead of the return fixture in Ireland.

    Extra Time
    If ever a coach was looking for the perfect demonstration of passion, leadership and commitment, then Michael Hooper’s try-saving tackle on All Black juggernaut Julian Savea might just be it. While the tackling technique left a lot to be desired, the moment of inspiration gave his team the lift they needed to win an epic match.

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