Rocky Elsom at the Wallabies' captain's run today. Photo / NZPA
Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom has jumped aboard the Bob Dwyer bandwagon, suggesting the All Blacks illegally fling their bodies into rucks in a way to create maximum frustration.
Elsom wasn't as outspoken as former Australian mentor Dwyer, who described the All Blacks as the "biggest cheats in world rugby" after
their 21-point triumph at Melbourne last Saturday.
Dwyer said Wallabies halfback Will Genia had to frequently lift the ball over prone bodies, meaning he couldn't clear swiftly off the ground, hampering quick possession for the backs.
He said All Blacks forwards entered rucks from criminal angles but were ignored by referee Craig Joubert.
Elsom became exasperated with South African Joubert over his breakdown rulings and at one point was marched 10m for backchat.
The strapping flanker vowed to keep his cool in tomorrow's Bledisloe Cup test here and said the Wallabies players would take the matter into their own hands.
"You've got to move those bodies as best you can, whether they're on our side or attacking the ball, you have to clear that space for Willie (Genia)," Elsom told NZPA.
"That was definitely an issue for us, bodies around the ruck. Anything that takes the sting out of your attack is not going to help."
Australian coach Robbie Deans launched a spirited defence of his side yesterday.
Even though his side had incurred three yellow cards and two trips to the judiciary in just two tests, the penalty count showed they had been significantly more disciplined than the All Blacks at Melbourne.
"We seek consistency. To get consistency we have to have consistent opportunity to play," he said.
"... (But) we weren't consistent in our own performance either."
Elsom agreed, saying they needed to take the initiative up front and not allow the All Blacks to open an early lead, as has been their hallmark in their six test wins this season.
"This tournament (Tri-Nations) has three very different packs but whichever pack gets on top goes a long way towards winning the match," he said.
"We didn't do enough last week. There were some things that didn't go our way but ... we didn't do enough.
"It's fortunate we get another opportunity."
- NZPA
