5 THINGS WE LEARNED
1FINN RUSSELL’S sleight of hand remains so subtle, so quick, that it’s often impossible to follow the ball. As both spectators and opponents will testify. Where did it go? Oh, of course. Straight to a team-mate in full stride, at an angle designed to disrupt the defensive line. As the best stand-off in world rugby reminded everyone yesterday, he also possesses a mighty right boot. And no little nerve.
2ALLAN ALAALATOA was very lucky not to have incurred a heavier sanction for his cowardly pop at Matt Fagerson. The Scotland back row was in a completely defenceless position when the Aussie prop came in swinging a meaty big right arm at his opponent’s head. If rugby is genuinely serious about protecting players from the risk of brain injury, these are the sorts of incidents that need to be eradicated. Zander Fagerson might end up in trouble for reacting. But big brothers have to step in for their younger siblings, right?
3THE WALLABIES were every bit as dangerous as their reputation promised. And twice as sneaky. A seat right in front of the Scotland coaching box means being able to hear every gripe and complaint. One of the home team yesterday kept complaining about one repeat offender, declaring: ‘Come on, ref, Australia 7 is offside all the time.’ As our Aussie mates might say: ‘Ye reckon? He’s Michael Hooper, mate. Born offside…’
4EWAN ASHMAN shouldn’t be able to move like that. The Toronto-born hooker’s NFL-style dive for the corner, a truly spectacular way to mark an international debut, almost defied the laws of physics. Thrown into the fray after just 12 minutes, with George Turner unable to continue, Ashman looked as if he’d been playing at this level for some time. The entire Scotland bench contributed, too. Witness Josh Bayliss making a crucial strip tackle to destroy an Aussie attack inside the closing five minutes.
5THE Television Match Official will never be popular with everyone and it occasionally feels as if they spend too much time looking for minor infringements. But the fact that the TMO and ref are in constant communication means very little serious foul play is missed. Still, it’s impossible to watch the system working in rugby without considering the fun coming our way when VAR is introduced to Scottish football. The frontline combatants there aren’t quite so respectful of officials as their rugby brethren.