'He's pretty impressive': Wallabies star reveals how they plan to stop All Blacks rookie Caleb Clarke
The Wallabies have outlined their game plan to contain All Blacks weapon Caleb Clarke in Saturday night’s must-win Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney – and it’s a full-on 15-man operation.
Clarke was nigh-on unstoppable on his starting test debut two weeks ago, bumping off defenders like Jonah Lomu in his pomp as the All Blacks routed the Wallabies 27-7 in Wellington to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
“He’s obviously a pretty impressive specimen, a pretty impressive athlete,” Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge told AAP.
“I watched the Super Rugby Aotearoa and he was carving up then, carving in the North-South game and the common theme there is you can’t give him too much space.”
Hodge believes it’s not only the backline’s responsibility to keep Clarke in check, but the entire team and says defensive line speed and squaring up at the collision was critical in nullifying the 21-year-old sensation.
“We were guilty there on the edges a little bit of turning our shoulders too much towards the sidelines and giving him too much room to either step off that left foot or allow him to use his big frame,” Hodge said.
“It can have a flow-on effect from so many areas of the game. A couple of times he made breaks in Bledisloe II was when we kicked poorly and allowed him too much time and space with the ball.
“So we’ve got to be better in that regard, as well as our set-piece D. They like to use him off lineouts as well.”
Used off the bench in the first two tests, Hodge has put his hand up to mark up directly on Clarke.
“I think anyone would,” he said.
"He’s got the ability to flick the switch when it comes to game-time." #AllBlacks #AUSvNZLhttps://t.co/0DHQmuznCw
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“Any jumper and any time you’re in a Wallabies, you’d always relish the challenge of whoever you come up against and he’s obviously a class player and someone who’s in some great form.
“In saying that, we’re not just focusing on one player. They’ve got a very dangerous backline and team as a whole.”
If he doesn’t get a start on the wing, Hodge would also happily have a crack at inside centre as a replacement for the injured Matt Toomua.
The versatile 26-year-old has played every position in the backline for Australia, except halfback, during his 40-test career and feels he’s equally effective in each.
“I’ve always learned 10 to 15, whether I’m starting or on the bench, and have just always had the ability to cover any position,” Hodge said.
“I feel like the more involved I can get, the better.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments