Wallabies in lineout rethink
August 28, 2001

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones says the Australians need to be a little smarter in the lineouts when they meet the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations decider at Stadium Australia.

The Wallabies have struggled during the Tri-Nations in what is normally one of the stronger areas of their game. No longer is their own lineout a virtual guarantee of retaining possession with referees allowing for less space between the lines.

The All Blacks lineout was more efficient against the Springboks in Auckland with Chris Jack coming in at lock and Troy Flavell moving to blindside flanker. Jones also faces the tough decision of changing lineout personnel. David Giffin is available again after serving out a two-match suspension and Jones may call on his experience ahead of Brumbies' team-mate Justin Harrison.

"Giffin's certainly not an automatic selection but his experience could ultimately be a key factor in selection," Jones said. "The way lineouts are being played is significantly different and we've probably reacted very slowly to that.

"There's no space in the lineout any more. There's a lot of barging and taking the space across the line and sides have done that very well to us and we've probably not reacted as well as we can.

"What we've done is rethink the way we play the lineouts, rethink the strategy of winning the ball at the lineout to cope with the new way the lineout is being played."

Fullback Matt Burke eased fears when he resumed training on Tuesday after sitting out Monday's session with an ankle problem.

Jones will announce his side on Wednesday.

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