VIDEO: Wallabies to employ 'new' weapon against Boks
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: An Australian team in need of new attacking weapons without Israel Folau won’t rule out introducing a Brumbies-style rolling maul to their World Cup arsenal.
Brumbies lock Rory Arnold said the Wallabies have devoted time and attention to their lineout play and drives during a two-week build-up in South Africa ahead of this weekend’s Test against the Springboks.
The towering second-rower won’t say whether the visitors will fully lean on the bludgeoning approach in the Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg or deploy it sporadically.
Lineout drives were a predictable but highly effective tactic for the Brumbies on their way to the Super Rugby semi-finals.
Hooker Folau Fainga’a’s 12 tries for the season nearly all stemmed from rolling mauls and he could be the beneficiary again if coach Michael Cheika adopts a forward-based approach.
Folau’s absence robs the Wallabies of prolific try-scorer but his output could be matched in less spectacular fashion by a pack working in harmony.
Cheika has access to the first-choice Brumbies tight five, aside from lock Sam Carter.
However, Arnold warned there were other proven forwards in the Wallabies squad capable of splintering opposition packs.
“It’d be nice to keep that together but it’s whoever is playing the best footy,” he told journalists.
“You’re not just going to play that group of players because they play Super Rugby together.
“I won’t give away a whole lot but we’ve been doing a bit of work around the maul and the lineouts so I think we’ll have a solid platform to play off this year.”
Arnold has struggled to hold down a consistent Wallabies berth since his 2016 debut and isn’t assured of World Cup selection, with Adam Coleman to potentially enter the frame when he overcomes a shoulder injury.
The towering 29-year-old, who will leave for Toulouse at year’s end, enjoyed a stellar season with the Brumbies but said that counts for little in the competitive Test environment.
“Obviously it is disappointing missing out on selections over the last few years but you’ve got to put your head down and work hard. That just makes you a better player,” he said.
AAP
