Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has responded to calls from Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander to make at least three changes to the Kangaroos side as the coach looks 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. Other than some Cameron Munster brilliance the game was calling out for a player to spark some magic.
Reece Walsh managed to escape a ban, but spent 10 minutes on the sideline for a rogue challenge. 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.
Kevin Walters (pictured right) has responded to calls from Andrew Voss to drop three players from the Kangaroos side for the final Ashes Test. (Images: Getty Images)
Voss felt Gehamat Shibasaki could make way in the backline, while Lindsay Collins and Lindsay Smith could be dropped from the forward pack. Former Kangaroos player Corey Parker didn’t disagree with the changes with Australia’s attack and ball handling described as ‘horrible’ at times. And Australian coach Walters has responded. Speaking to Voss and Alexander on SEN Radio, Walters said he understands Aussie fans want to see some more free-flowing footy, but hinted he was still happy with his side and didn’t want to tinker with a winning formula.
“I’m going to take a little bit more time to settle on the 17,” Walters said in response to calls for changes. “I know that you two boys have had some thoughts around what should and shouldn’t happen.
“I’m reading those thoughts with interest which is good. Everyone is obviously looking forward to the team being announced. I’m going to keep my cards close to my chest (but) I’ve been really impressed with the team. The whole squad. Defensively we were very good, our attack wasn’t quite where we would like it. But I’ve been impressed with their attitude.”
Walters said the slow tempo of the game took the Kangaroos by surprise with the star players struggling to get going. However, Walters feels the team can click in the final Ashes clash this weekend.
Andrew Voss calls for Kangaroos changes
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. Speaking on Monday, NRL commentator Voss called for Walters to make three key changes. One of the big calls is for Broncos favourite 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.