By DAVID LEGGATT at the World Cup
STORY SO FAR: Reasonable but uninspiring against a nervy Argentina in the tournament opener and fortunate to edge out the Irish by a point. Forget the ton against Namibia and near-ton against Romania. The team have failed to capture their public's imagination, there are
rumours of grumblings in the camp and disquiet over backline selections.
STRENGTHS: You can't believe a team of talented footballers can go on so long without finding their touch. Phil Waugh and George Smith, although not the standard flank forward combination, are smart, feisty operators. Elton Flatley is a reliable goalkicker, George Gregan and Stephen Larkham are due to click, while Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri offer power and speed respectively out wide.
WEAKNESSES: The lineout has been distinctly ordinary and Smith and Waugh mean one less jumping option. Handling has been terrible, fullback Mat Rogers and Sailor among the worst culprits. Inability to put decent opponents away does not bode well.
KEY PLAYER: Centre Stirling Mortlock, just back from a lengthy injury layoff, is a tackle-busting runner. That's why he's there and if he manages even half gaps it will give Sailor and particularly Tuqiri the chance to do damage.
WINNERS OR LOSERS: Losers. They rate themselves as knowing how to beat the All Blacks, as coach Eddie Jones has been stressing. But they'll need to improve out of sight tomorrow night. They won't.
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