Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander have called for changes to the Kangaroos side with Kevin Walters under pressure to get the team playing better footy. The Australian national side will be looking for a clean sweep next week after the Kangaroos won 14-4 against England to seal the first Ashes series in 22 years.
Despite frustration over the field’s preparation, Walters’ side hardly inspired fans with their performance with the scores locked at 4-4 heading into half-time. Only some Cameron Munster magic broke open the game, before Reece Walsh being sent to the sin bin added to the drama. Walsh is facing the prospect of being banned, which could force a change.
Andrew Voss has called for Kevin Walters (pictured left) to drop the likes of Gehamat Shibasaki (pictured middle right) for the final Ashes Test after a poor performance from the team. (Images: AAP/Getty Images)
And NRL commentator Voss has called for Walters to make at least three changes to the side after the Kangaroos just battered the English into submission. The English have been poor across the first two Test matches having only scored one try in 160 minutes of footy.
While few expected England to offer much of a challenge, Australia’s performance in Game 2 in Everton was a concern. Australia made 15 errors throughout the contest, which was four more than their opponents. They also conceded nine penalties and copped two sin bins. “Their ball control was horrible, both teams. Errors, errors, errors. Both looked clunky with the ball,” Alexander said on SEN Radio on Monday morning.
And Australia’s attack never got going. This has prompted NRL commentator Voss to call for Walters makes changes. One of the big calls is for Broncos favourite Gehamat Shibasaki to make way in the centres for Bradman Best. Voss feels the Kangaroos have lacked potency in attack and need Best to light up the outside backs.
“Their attack went south…I am making changes to make the team better. Not to just give blokes a run,” Voss said. “I think Bradman Best has now gone on a couple of tours for Australia. I think there was a moment in commentary I said, ‘Oh, there is Shibasaki.’ I hadn’t realised he played. He only had two runs in the first half. For whatever reason he couldn’t get in the game. I don’t think Lindsay Smith gave much off the bench, I don’t think Lindsay Collins gave much in the starting side. I think both of those players would give way to a Jacob Preston.”
Penrith legend Alexander agreed changes needed to be made and would bring in just about everyone in the squad who hasn’t played into the third and final Test. Broncos and Kangaroos great Corey Parker said he couldn’t argue with Voss and claimed the performance wasn’t up to standard.
When asked if Walters would tell the three players if they were dropped, Voss was adamant. “I would drop players after a very poor Australian performance. Yeah, I would say I think we can do better…Kevvie needs to look them in the eye and say, ‘there is an expectation we play better than that.’ So boys, you have been rewarded, trained hard.”
Andrew Voss feels Gehamat Shibasaki (pictured far right) should make way for the third Ashes Test.
Could Mitchell Moses play over Nathan Cleary?
When pushed about the changes, Voss even suggested Mitchell Moses should come in for Nathan Cleary to rejuvenate the side. “I would give Mitchell Moses a run over Nathan Cleary. I would say, ‘Nathan you’ve had a big year, you’ve played OK, but I’m giving Moses the Test.'”
Queensland stars struggle in Ashes game
Shibasaki only had six runs in the second game against England for 66 metres. He didn’t record a tackle break and missed four tackles. Shibasaki made his State of Origin debut in Game 3 for Queensland with Billy Slater rewarding him for his defensive efforts at club level. Although he has appeared to struggle in England across the two games. Collins was also largely anonymous in attack having only played 22 minutes and running for 16 metres. Penrith star Smith only made two runs during his 14 minute effort.
There are calls for Lindsay Collins (pictured left) to be dropped for the final Ashes Test.
Kevin Walters facing pressure in coaching role
While Australia could go on to win the Test series 3-0, Walters could be under pressure to retain his place as coach. The Kangaroos have done what is expected of them across the first two Test matches, without being spectacular. And the performances haven’t lived-up to the lofty expectations expected of the best team in the world. And there are question marks over whether Walters will lead Australia into the World Cup next year. As leading journo Michael Carayannis pointed out last month, Walters might need an emphatic 3-0 series victory to guarantee he retains the job for next year’s World Cup.
But Alexander feels Walters can’t make way if the side wins 3-0. “I reckon it would (secure him the job for the World Cup) if he wants it. Who else are we picking? He’s just won an Ashes series,” Greg Alexander said on Ashes AM after the game. Walters remained coy on the changes and suggested he would wait to see how the team pulls up after a physical game.
Australia head coach Kevin Walters (pictured) is under pressure to get the Kangaroos playing better footy.