Speed and skill... there's no match

The first game of the 2011 rugby union Tri-Nations saw Australia defeat South Africa 39-20 in a game in which the Springboks were completely outclassed and at times looked lost. Australia  responded to their 32-23 previous week upset loss to Samoa by displaying a style of rugby which was not only extremely effective but at times a joy to watch.


The key ingredients to the win, which could have been a much larger margin, were down to two integral ingredients of quality rugby, speed and skill. The Springboks simply could not cope with or match Australia in these two components, and the result was potentially equally as devastating for South Africa's tournament as it was promising for Australia's.


While Australia seemed to bounce back from their recent disappointing loss to Samoa and provide positive,  productive rugby, South Africa showed next to nothing in attack and their future not only in the Tri-Nations, but the World Cup looks bleak to say the least. OK, South Africa are claim that they were missing 20 potential starting candidates, but the style of rugby they produced and the way they played was such that it seemed it wouldn't have mattered if the personnel was different.

On the few occasions that south Africa were on the front foot they didn't seem to know what to do. South Africa have always been an aggressive rugby playing Nation using size and bulk to overpower opponents, but this is no longer enough. They looked unstructured, their decision making was poor. When they were  in attacking positions and the Wallabies coped with their "route one" style of play with significant ease. The Springboks may well have pace out wide, but not only did these players rarely get their hand on the ball, their footballing ability didn't match this pace in order to create any opportunities.


Australia on the other hand showed both speed and skill which surely sent out a warning to New Zealand and the rest of the World. Pace was involved in the Australian's game in every aspect, the breakdown, attack play, support and defensive pressure, and this was the platform for their success. The game has changed from 10 years ago when size and strength prevailed, and South Africa looked completely inferior.


Australia's forwards certainly did their bit. They created the platform, worked hard and kept the intensity and pace of their play of the game up for the entirety of the game. However, anyone who watched Saturday's game will agree, Australia's backs created the real spectacle.

Three player in the Australian back-line shone particularly, and for very specific reasons. James O'Connor, Digby Ioane and Quade Cooper provided performances and passages of play which were memorable. Each player, although individual in style played games which were of huge benefit to the team as a whole.


James O'Conner is essentially a playmaker, who has the pace and finishing ability to play on the wing. Equally comfortable at stand-off or full-back, Australia are at a huge advantage in being able to field such a player on the wing. O'Conner not only scored a try and kicked all his goals, but his game had touches of pure class. He took several wayward passes, including the one he scored from, in his stride and he created multiple opportunities and openings  for others, which from the wing requires unique skill.


Digby Ioane was a handful for the entire 80 minutes. From his early try his aggressive, powerful and extremely fast attacking play caused problems for the Springbok defence all game. He scored two tries, yet he was a threat every time he got the ball in his hands, and he looked as dynamic and electric as any winger in the World right now. Kurtley Beale helped his wingers out with his solid and consistant play at  full-back, and he was also a constant attacking threat, coming into the line and attacking at pace.


The back three were outstanding, and the reason they were able to be was the instrumental Quade Copper. Playing at stand-off, Cooper took the ball at pace to the opposition line, made the right decisions, and passed with precision and vision. Under pressure from the Springbok defence, Cooper provided a tap on pass which created the final try of the game for Ashley-Cooper. The pass was something few players in the World would be able to see and complete, and it was just an example of many creative moments Cooper provided. Like O'Conner, Cooper is a playmaker with speed to burn, and this was another weapon for Australia. When he wasn't controlling the game and creating skilful links and opportunities, Cooper was able to show his running skills. He was able to break or half break the line with his evasive skills and offload with precision, and in his performance he showed he is certainly a contender for the current number one stand-off in the world.


Australia played against and dismantled a poor south African team, but in doing so they sent ripples around the World. They proved they are still a top force, and they did so in a fashion which was great to watch. They did play a complete game, but the performance stood out for two main reasons. Speed and skill.