Irish ploy of blocking frustrates Wallabies

THE Wallabies want answers from officials about whether Ireland’s “blocking lines”, which prevent Israel Folau a clean run to catch high balls, are legal heading into Saturday’s series decider.

Ireland squared the threeTest encounter 1-1 by winning in Melbourne last weekend, shutting down Folau’s aerial threat by impeding his runs for attacking high kicks.

“If I look at some of the escorting lines or blocking lines that Ireland put in on the weekend, they used two or three players and it seemed quite specific that they were out there trying to impede Israel’s run,” Wallabies attack coach Stephen Larkham said.

“So when you’re starting to put two players in one position it obviously opens up space elsewhere on the field, so I’m not too concerned.”

Larkham said Ireland’s tactics would be raised at the meeting with the referees before Saturday’s finale at Allianz Stadium.

“It’s in our head so it’s something we’re going to have to sit down with the referees and discuss,” he said. “They might have a different opinion.

“Every team in world rugby uses it; every team in Super Rugby uses it as well.

“But for us it’s, one, getting the kicks accurate so our chasers aren’t running between two or three guys, and then, two, bringing it to the referee’s attention just to make sure everything is legal there.”

The Wallabies are also unhappy after being warned before the Melbourne Test about taking players out off the ball, only to have Will Genia hit behind play by Cian Healy and suffer a broken arm that will sideline him until August.

“It was a little bit disappointing that the referees as a group of four missed some of the off-the-ball stuff which was quite significant,” Larkham said.