This was published 11 months ago
Why Radradra’s bombed try against Wales could be good news for Wallabies
By Tom Decent
Saint-Etienne: In the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup, Eddie Jones told reporters, in a matter-of-fact manner, that he hadn’t had a day off since he was reappointed head coach of Australia in January.
The workaholic has not slowed down during the past seven months as he plots a hit-and-run mission at this year’s tournament in France.
There was a different kind of hit-and-run mission for Jones on Sunday as the Wallabies coach made the three-hour train ride from Paris to Bordeaux to watch two of Australia’s pool rivals, Wales and Fiji, square off.
In the aftermath of a 35-15 win over Georgia a day earlier in the country’s capital, Jones joked he might even treat himself to a glass of wine while sitting in the stands in one of the world’s most famous regions for merlot and cabernet sauvignon blends.
This was hardly a relaxing evening off for Jones, whose preference is always to watch rugby live, so he can observe things like players’ work-rate off the ball and other subtle hints that are not always captured by television cameras.
Wales prevailed 32-26 but only after two late tries from Fiji almost ignited one of the great comebacks in World Cup history. Had Semi Radradra not spilled a pass out wide when free on the left after the 80-minute mark, it could have been Fiji celebrating at full-time.
Semi Radradra (right) after the match.Credit: AP
It is likely Jones would not have cared who won, but there is an argument that Fiji losing is slightly more helpful for Australia’s hopes of progressing to a quarter-final.
Australia and Wales both earned bonus points and are equal on five points at the top of Pool C, while Fiji’s late surge meant they picked up two valuable bonus points as well.
If the Wallabies beat Fiji on Sunday (Monday 1.45am AEST), they will have all but booked themselves another World Cup quarter-final.
In that scenario, even if Australia lost to Wales on September 24, the Wallabies are odds on to make the last eight because they would have three wins and Fiji would have a maximum of two.
Only a loss to Portugal in the final pool match could kill Australia’s campaign.
Bonus points are a slight complication for pool stage machinations – teams get one for coming within seven points of their opponents or scoring four or more tries – but three wins for the Wallabies, including a Fiji victory, should be enough to get through.
Jones will want to have a quarter-final locked up as soon as possible and that can be all but achieved – barring a disaster – on Sunday.
Starting with Fiji, Jones would have noted that Simon Raiwalui’s side struggled with scrums against Wales. The Pacific Islanders had only a 70 per cent success record on Sunday night in this area.
Australia are beginning to learn how to use their scrum as a weapon – they were terrific against France and Georgia – and Fiji are the perfect team to target.
Fiji’s midfield, featuring former NRL star Semi Radradra and captain Waisea Nayacalevu, play very direct and will ask questions of Wallabies No.13 Jordan Petaia’s defence.
Radradra (108 metres), Ilaisa Droasese (125 metres) and Selestino Ravutaumada (100 metres) were difficult to stop in a Fiji back line that threw the ball around like we’ve seen so often.
“They’re a very different challenge to Georgia,” Wallabies assistant coach Dan Palmer said on Sunday. “They’re going to put different pictures in front of us. I think it’s going to be a slightly looser game.
“They’ve got threats across the park. They’re reasonably unique in world rugby in the way they play.”
Meanwhile, Wales were happy to play without the ball. Warren Gatland’s men had just 39 per cent of possession and 35 per cent territory, but that was not the statistic that will catch Jones’ eye.
According to World Rugby’s website, Wales made 248 tackles to Fiji’s 70, which is a huge difference rarely seen at Test level.
Dan Biggar had a polished game at No.10 for Wales and is an experienced playmaker Jones tried to nullify during his time as England boss.
Wales kicked more than Fiji (24 to 16) but their discipline was worse as the men in red conceded 17 penalties to nine.
The Wallabies will benefit from at least seeing Fiji and Wales play once at this World Cup before running into them.
When Jones arrives back in Saint-Etienne, where the Wallabies are based this week, his assistants will have him well briefed for two tournament-defining matches.
Palmer was asked if he and other assistants got to treat themselves, in a similar way to Jones, following the Georgia victory.
“I’ve got a coffee here mate, so I’ve been a lucky boy this morning,” Palmer said with a grin.
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