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Video - Cheika makes some remarkable claims in post-match press conference

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika insisted Australia should have been able to see off Scotland, despite Sekope Kepu’s red card.

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Kepu was sent off as hosts Scotland ran riot at Murrayfield on Saturday, embarrassing the Wallabies 53-24.

A moment of madness from Kepu proved costly for Australia, who led 12-10 at the time of the lock’s dismissal following a shoulder into the head of Hamish Watson in the 39th minute.

Scotland capitalised on their numerical advantage but Australia boss Cheika refused to use it as an excuse after the Wallabies’ European tour ended in horror fashion.

“I thought we still could have won with 14, to be honest,” Cheika said. “We came back and started off the second half very well.

“We just had to keep believing in what we wanted to do and instead we didn’t. We threw away the ball.

“We had less players and if you throw away the ball that is sort of what is going to happen. It’s definitely unfortunate but definitely not the red card – that happens in matches.

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“I don’t think it was a turning point.”

It was not the farewell Stephen Moore had hoped for as the 129-cap star made his final appearance.

Speaking about Moore, a veteran of three Rugby World Cups and Australia’s second-most capped player behind George Gregan, Cheika added: “I don’t think a player’s career is summarised by one match, any match or a moment in the game.

“His attitude and character will be imprinted on this squad going forward. I’ve been lucky to have him involved from 2015 and beyond.

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“Considering our situations over the last few years he has been an outstanding help to me. We’ve had a lot of battles, on and off the field, and he’s kept the team up and hungry all the time.”

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SC 2 hours ago
New All Blacks locks squeezing captain Barrett out of contention

As a former lock, it’s frustrating that most media and supporters do not know that there is a significant difference in the roles and duties (even body types) of a 4 power tight lock and 5 aerial loose lock.


The 4 lock is an enforcer who is very physical and carries hard in tight, a very effective nasty ruck cleaner, a very powerful scrummager behind the tighthead, and hard hitting defender. Often the are the second lineout option at the back. This is the spot Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu, Isaiah Walker- Leawere play. Big tough hard men. Think Bakkies Botha and Brodie Retallick.


The 5 lock is almost always taller and leaner as their primary responsibility is winning the ball in the air on lineouts and restarts. Height is essential. They clean a ton of rucks and make a lot of tackles but their carries tend to be out wider in space and which requires more athleticism than tight lock. This is where Holland, Va’ai, and Darry play. Think Victor Matfield and Sam Whitelock.


My point is Holland is way too lean in his body shape at this point, and too inexperienced, and not quite enough mongrel to play 4. Give him time to physically mature and harden up. He is playing great at 5 and Va’ai looks very good at 6.


And if Hamish believes that Tuipulotu has suddenly become a better tight lock at test level over Barrett based on two performances vs France B god bless him but I’ll base my decision over their career test form, which Barrett has clearly been superior. I do like Tuipulotu as a bench lock playing the last 20-25 minutes for Barrett with a 6-2 bench.

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