So John Drake says the Wallabies are cheating!?

Question

"Former New Zealand prop-turned-television commentator John Drake has accused Australia's forwards of cheating ...". See http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/22/2310741.htm

This should put a bit more spark in the contest, as if it didn't some more. I watched the game but didn't see what Drakey saw. There were some collapsed scrums but not ALL.

So how do ya reckon the scrums are going to go on Sat night?

Answer 1

The Walabies aren't cheating. As much as I hate them and I don't want them to win I repect there Rugby and there plays. As for the scrums. Australian scrums are one of the best if not the best in the world.

Answer 2

I bet he said that to get the All Blacks fired up! There was no cheating, he ought to stick to his commentary & leave match analysis to the experts.

Answer 3

Hansen has thrown his lot in as well, accusing halfback Luke Burgess of putting a spin on things - particularly at the put in? Methinks the 'spin' is coming from the AB camp. They are psychologically fragile after their loss to the Boks and genuinely worried about Deans and the Wallaby's deserved win over the World Champs. But they should at least have the decency to wait until after the game to start finding excuses?

Additional: Interestingly, when Woodcock was forced to scrum straight against SA it negated the AB pack from wheeling & fewer collapses / resets. The Aus scrum looked solid against the Boks and should stand up well to the AB's. No wonder Hansen & Drake are nervous.

Answer 4

I'm a staunch Kiwi but I didn't see what Drakey saw either. But saying that I've never played in the front row either so could easily miss something.

I think the scrums will go fine on Sat especially now the ABs have their two locks back. ABs to dominate the scrums but Australia to dominate the lineout.

Answer 5

i wasnt paying attention to how they engaged.

i dont see how them "packing higher" gives them an advantage.

i was always under the impression that the team that is lower can drive the other team up, as its harder to push down than up. pushing down you can only use your weight. pushing up you can use your strength.

i say its mindgames.

Answer 6

Dont they always

Answer 7

My cynicism is showing, but could it be a ploy to put pressure on the referee?  No, surely the AB's wouldn't stoop to that.