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Schmidt’s picks backfire in Scotland loss, big-name backs battle


The Wallabies have been left to select up the items after stumbling on their quest to win their first Grand Slam in 40 years.

A 27-13 loss at Murrayfield to Scotland meant Joe Schmidt’s males fell in week three of their four-Check tour of the British Isles.

Three straight tries within the second-half, together with two in 4 minutes, left the Wallabies shattered and ruing what might need been after failing to take advantage of early territory and an enormous counter-attacking second halfway by the second half.

In the end, the Wallabies solely had themselves responsible after lacking 34 tackles and squandering a number of lineouts.

It was a tricky night significantly for Andrew Kellaway, whereas Joe Schmidt’s resolution to make a number of modifications to his aspect, together with within the pack, got here again to chew him.

So how did the gamers charge?

Tom Wright – 5

After dazzling throughout the primary two Checks on tour, Wright was barely sighted. He didn’t do a lot fallacious however given he went unnoticed in a backline with a number of modifications, the Wallabies wanted to see extra of their attacking ace on the again. One of many few occasions the 27-year-old was seen was when he stood his floor and performed rooster with Ben White. Neither gained out, together with the TMO who did his finest to make his presence felt.

Andrew Kellaway – 3

Defensively uncovered. Kellaway had been a part of a powerful again three in opposition to England and Wales, however in opposition to Scotland he was brutally made to look second-rate. Kellaway fell off two tackles, and each led to tries. The primary he did not convey down Sione Tuipulotu near his line and, later, he slipped off Darcy Graham, who waltzed away and moments later Finn Russell dived over. One to overlook for Kellaway.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 5

Made his presence felt on the kick restart, and carried strongly a couple of times. Sadly, Suaalii’s largest shot in defence got here on Tuipulotu when he got here off second finest. It compelled the Wallabies’ prized recruit off after half-hour. Curiously, the Wallabies struggled on either side of the ball with out him on the sector.

Len Ikitau – 5

With little clear ball to work with and house onerous to purchase, Ikitau was one other who struggled to have the identical impression on the sport. The Wallabies missed the punch of Samu Kerevi or Hunter Paisami in opposition to Scotland to get them some front-foot ball. Neither shall be there in Dublin, so on the Brumbies midfielder may have one other likelihood to develop within the No.12 jersey. Defensively Ikitau struggled, too. He couldn’t cease Tuipulotu after which he held off Josh Bayliss out broad.

Harry Potter – 6.5

The Wallabies’ finest again. Potter made a fantastic begin to his worldwide profession. He was calm and composed and efficient when he received the ball and quietly went about his enterprise.

Noah Lolesio – 5.5

Took the ball to the road extra in opposition to Scotland, however regarded a degree beneath Russell, who at 32 has age, expertise and probably the greatest talent units on the planet to attract on. Lolesio tried onerous however his knock-on within the sixty fourth minute proved to be the start of the tip for the Wallabies’ Grand Slam hopes.

Jake Gordon – 5

Composed and within the struggle, however Schmidt will need extra from his halfback. One of the best halfbacks on the planet personal the present and probe across the ruck, however at present Gordon isn’t partaking the defence sufficient. Extra, please.

Harry Wilson – 6

Toiled onerous and often offered himself as a ball-carrier. How about that hoof down area after calling ‘mark’ from Russell’s missed penalty. It was an efficient play and showcased Wilson’s talent. Defensively ran out of a little bit of puff by the tip.

Carlo Tizzano – 5

Didn’t do loads fallacious. Tizzano made his tackles, carried and managed to win a penalty early within the second half to assist the Wallabies slim the margin to 10-6, however Fraser McReight’s absence was felt.

Rob Valetini – 6.5

The Wallabies’ finest ahead as soon as once more, Valetini supplied loads of physicality and his hack down area nearly led to a match-turning attempt. Ultimately, the Wallabies blew the prospect and it proved telling.

Will Skelton proved his value on either side of the ball, however the lineout struggled. (Photograph by Stu Forster/Getty Pictures)

Will Skelton – 6.5

Very good within the first half, Skelton was bodily and his work-rate was robust. It was the kind of efficiency Schmidt would have wished to see forward of subsequent 12 months’s Lions collection the place his meat and maul presence shall be wanted.  The lineout did, nonetheless, battle and the shortage of one other tall, leaping lineout jumper confirmed. In spite of everything, Skelton was the one participant within the Wallabies’ beginning aspect who was over two metres tall.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 5

Handed a begin within the absence of Jeremy Williams, Salakaia-Loto struggled on the lineout with out one other real lineout possibility. Whereas within the free Schmidt would have wished extra from his skilled lock.

Allan Alaalatoa – 5

Held his personal on the scrum, however not often sighted within the free. Given Scotland’s strain across the ruck, the Wallabies missed Taniela Tupou’s means to interrupt the road and get some fast front-foot ball.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 4

Though he was robust on the scrum and efficient across the fringe of the ruck, Paenga-Amosa’s lineout was picked aside by the Scottish. He wasn’t helped by a shorter back-rower.

Angus Bell – 5

Changed alongside his front-row teammates on the 50-minute mark, Bell missed one other teammate who may bend the road and march by the Scots up entrance. The 23-year-old had a greater night on the scrum.

The Wallabies react following their loss to Scotland at Murrayfield. (Photograph by Andrew Milligan/PA Pictures through Getty Pictures)

Reserves

Billy Pollard – 4.5

Known as up rather than the injured Matt Faessler, Pollard wasn’t capable of show his working sport as a result of the Wallabies have been on the back-foot from the second he arrived.

Isaac Kailea – 5

A participant with a really promising future. Kailea’s a ball-runner and his scrum is enhancing. The Waratahs recruit is somebody to lock up past 2025.

Zane Nonggorr – 4.5

Overwhelmed within the scrum a couple of times, Nonggorr tried onerous however wasn’t capable of affect the sport.

Nick Frost – 5

Ought to have began the Check to supply the Wallabies some extra top on the lineout.

Langi Gleeson – 6

One fantastic turnover after approaching for Valetini. Gleeson’s proving himself as an efficient finisher.

Tate McDermott – 5.5

Blew a golden alternative when he kicked the ball away after the Wallabies discovered their approach into the attacking 22 zone. McDermott introduced some tempo into the Wallabies’ sport after approaching within the last quarter-hour however was taking part in behind a pack on the retreat. His intelligent grubber from a lineout noticed Potter burn the Scots to attain.

Ben Donaldson – N/A

Got here on late for Noah Lolesio within the last 10 minutes.

Max Jorgensen – 6

One or two fantastic moments with ball-in-hand after changing the injured Suaalii. Jorgensen additionally held up one of many Scots late within the first half to win the Wallabies a scrum.



Jamal Ahmed
Jamal Ahmedhttps://usdailysports.com
Jamal Ahmed is a dedicated sports journalist covering baseball and rugby. Jamal’s player profiles and game analyses are widely appreciated by readers. He enjoys playing rugby with his local club and organizing community baseball events.

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