Schmidt Counters Allegations of Illegal Tactics in England vs Australia Match
Following Australia’s 25-7 defeat to England, coach Joe Schmidt responded to allegations regarding the team’s use of illegal tactics at the breakdown. The accusations were highlighted in a report by The Telegraph, where England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, pointed out that Australia allegedly entered rucks from the side. Schmidt and his captain, Harry Wilson, both dismissed these claims ahead of the match.
Schmidt Defends Australia’s Tactics
In a post-match press conference, Schmidt shared statistics to refute the claims. He stated, “We’ve had, up until today, 1,256 attacking rucks. There are at least two players in each, meaning approximately 25,000 ruck entries. We received one yellow card, and no players have suffered injuries from our cleanouts.”
He continued, “We haven’t been excessively penalized for side entry. Such allegations are disappointing but do not distract us. We focus on our game and strive to execute it well.”
Impacts on Team Performance
Despite the heavy travel schedule, Schmidt emphasized that it should not serve as an excuse for their loss. Australia recently traveled from their home country to face Japan, followed by the match against England in Twickenham. He noted, “We aim to freshen our players week by week, although this comes with the risk of injuries and player unavailability.”
- Upcoming match: Australia vs. Italy in Udine next week
- Player attrition observed after consecutive matches
- England showcased impressive strength and depth
Focus on Future Matches
Schmidt recognized England’s intense performance, citing their aerial chase, breakdown intensity, and effective bench players. He noted the challenge of building similar strength in depth within the Australian squad. “This process takes time,” Schmidt remarked, stressing the importance of continuous improvement as they prepare for their next encounter.
