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Foley's forwards sound warning
By Peter Jenkins
June 19, 2007
THE man who put the power in New Zealand's pack last night admitted the Kiwis have been shocked by the Australia's new-found forward muscle.
Scrum guru Mike Cron, who told The Daily Telegraph two years ago that the Wallabies' front row lacked technique and strength, was stunned by the transformation he witnessed in Australia's near-upset of South Africa in Cape Town.
As the All Blacks flew into South Africa for their Tri-Nations clash with the Springboks this Saturday, Cron said the improvement under forwards coach Michael Foley had issued a timely warning to Rugby World Cup rivals that the Wallabies are on the rise.
"They went bloody well in the tight five, and it was a big improvement in the scrum," he said.
"Their technique looked good and they looked a lot stronger.
"They've probably just put more emphasis on it and if you work hard at something it generally shows after a while. I think the Aussies have caught up a helluva lot. They are going to be a real threat in the next few months.
"I knew they'd be right for the World Cup but they did slightly surprise me how they went on the weekend.
"They'd have to be pretty disappointed they lost but very pleased with the progress they've made."
All Blacks coach Graham Henry agreed.
"I saw the game (on DVD) on the plane," Henry said.
"It was a helluva competitive Test and I thought the Australian defence was outstanding. They showed huge character and might have been a bit unlucky to lose it in the finish.
"If they had scored that try after that little grubber kick to the right corner in the first half ..."
Henry was referring to a no-try ruling by English referee Wayne Barnes, who decided that Wallabies centre Matt Giteau had knocked the ball forward before five-eighth Stephen Larkham swooped to touch down in the 34th minute.
According to Henry, the ball appeared to ricochet off a South Africa defender's legs - not the hands of Giteau.
Australia led 13-10 at the time.
"They played well," Henry said.
"They'd be a bit disappointed that they lost."