Petty predictable argument from a certain few. Same fans who say Mathers is poop, but will be cheering him when he pulls on a shirt. Stop points scoring and trying to get one over on individuals and debate rugby.
For me, I felt the Aussies played Chase out of the game. They constantly ran Thaiday and Williams at him and our defence that side didn't seem switched on enough either to back up Chase, who never took a backward step against these two man mountains. Problem is though Chase isn't big enough for one on one against them and only Wilkin seemed to back him up in the tackle. Attack wise Chase early on did his signature move of running across the line and repeated dummies. Unfortunately the Aussies were switched on and Luke Lewis ( I think can't remember) tackled the man not the ball. He took no crap and simply tackled Chase. Chase then proceeded to lay off first time for Wilkin back on the inside and I felt later on he was lining up for a dummy and go himself. Unfortunately again the Aussies defence was always spot on and he never got the chance. We did get one glimmer of hope which had the whole crowd on their feet and for a second we all hoped Chase could do something special but he couldn't make the gap.
On the game itself, for me seeing Tomkins bottle it gave the Aussies even more enthusiasm. Out wide Yeaman or Briscoe fluffed a high ball and apart from Reed our wing centre partnerships didn't seem strong enough in defence and the Aussies new this. We were too slow in the middle getting up to the tackle 60% of the time which gave them momentum and then ultimately gave them the chance to attack in numbers far too many times. The Brisbane/Queensland connection yet again outstanding and seeing them attack and defend as a unit was fantastic rugby. Sam Thaiday the biggest bloke on the pitch was the guy backing up the play when they broke through and the guy running the ball in when we'd put in a deep kick. Fantastic advert for any young kid with a bit of weight on him proving you don't have to look like a lump of lard and can still look like an athlete.
One thing I was explaining to my lad at the game was that when it comes to that level of rugby, every man on the field needs to know the bloke stood next to him will put his body on the line for him. He needs to know he'll risk his own neck to catch the ball, stop the runner or go that extra mile to be on his mates shoulder to finish the move. The Aussies all did that. They were all rough and tough and ran for each other. We had a few, and we also had a few who don't quite know what international rugby is about. The Aussies pick big rough tough hard men who can also play a bit of rugby. We pick guys who are good at scoring tries playing for top teams against bottom sides.
Looking back, it's great to see Lockyer out on a high. What a player, wish I'd. tuned into Aussie rugby sooner (only been watching it about 5 years). Proper professional and truly a great of our game. He's achieved many great things and some might even never be passed but the one thing that he has done that many won't think about is, he'll have inspired stacks of kids to play the game all with his name on their back. He's already inspired some kid in Australia to follow in his footsteps and it won't be long before we see another special player to take his place.
thats how it works you know that mate.
