SYDNEY, 24 June 2003 — Wallaby loosehead prop Bill Young said on Monday Australia’s forwards were closing the gap on England’s outstanding pack despite being pushed around in their latest encounter in Melbourne.
The English forwards outmuscled and outmaneuvered their Wallaby opposition at Docklands stadium last Saturday on their way to a comprehensive 24-15 for their first victory in 40 years in Australia.
They dominated the line-outs, winning their own as well as the Australians’ throws early in the match, when the Wallabies turned over four throws to put excruciating pressure on their defense.
While the Wallaby scrum held up, an awesome 35-metre rolling maul, which almost resulted in a try late in the first half, crowned the English dominance of the world champions’ pack.
Australia’s forwards have four Tri-Nations internationals to close the leeway on England before the October-November World Cup.
However, Young felt the Australian pack turned in a better showing in Melbourne than during last November’s 32-31 loss at Twickenham.
“If you go back and look individually at guys who played against England last year there’s definitely been improvement there,” he said yesterday.
“Our line-out was disappointing, mauling-wise, they put one big maul on us which was successful for them but apart from that one I think we defended quite well.
“Last year they probably dominated the tackle-ruck area a lot more, I think guys are stepping up in that area. We made a number of breaks, we just didn’t capitalize.”
While hooker Jeremy Paul is under the pressure to retain his starting place ahead of Brendan Cannon for next month’s Tri-Nations against New Zealand and South Africa, Australian coach Eddie Jones is not expected to make wholesale changes to the pack, lacking obvious options.
Jones will demand his tight five steps up for their opening showdown with South Africa in Cape Town on July 12.
Injured lock Nathan Sharpe was an exception against England, making 10 tackles — one more than the rest — despite leaving the field four minutes into the second half.
George Smith, who missed the England Test after suffering nerve damage in his neck and shoulder, will be checked today and is likely to replace Phil Waugh at open-side flanker.
