How Wallabies’ bruisers boosted attack

ALOT has been made of the Wallabies’ newfound hard edge since the return to the starting lineup of players such as star forwards Will Skelton, Rob Valetini and Taniela Tupou.

- JOHN GOLIATH

All three had a massive impact on the Wallabies’ performance in the second and third Tests against the British and Irish Lions, bringing much-needed physicality to their efforts in the collisions and at set-piece time.

Springbok defence coach Jerry Flannery suggests this has also elevated their attacking game, as their ruck speed improved with these powerful ball-carriers getting over the advantage line and giving their cleaners the best chance to secure possession.

Australia scored some fantastic tries in those Tests, as they managed to bring their young but extremely dangerous outside backs into the game.

Overall, the Springboks’ defence has been solid against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia, conceding just 41 points across those four matches. However, the majority of those points came in the first Test against Italy, where the visitors managed to score some excellent tries — particularly in the second half, when they dominated the home side.