Ackermann: Rugby Union has 'lost empathy'

Despite their 2-0 advantage and the concerns as recently as a few months ago that the series wouldn’t be competitive, it’s only 56-45 on aggregate.

I’d the Lions of the first game, Wallabies for the next two. My views on Keenan and Furlong were before and after the first test and I feel accurate. I’m pretty sure you didn’t call the loss to Argentina on match day one? I did because of Albornoz - the best test 10 currently in the game.

If the Wallabies win on Saturday and by 12 PTS or more is that a moral victory?

01. Reckless attempted clear out and head contact as targeted above the shoulders.

02. Morgan goes first, Genge just after and both drive through the ruck off their feet.

03. Both commit clear and obvious sealing - Morgan’s left hand on the ground as he

makes the hit - not supporting his bodyweight.

04. Morgan plays him on the ground by pinning his legs for around 3 seconds during

‘Oscar theatrics’ - the ball is live. He has played a player off the ball.

You’ve mentioned WR - funny how often they have to come out and clean up after Piardi. It was every other game at one stage in the URC this season.

Do you have predictions, Ed? You must have opinions surely? Or is your bum numb from sitting on the fence constantly?

Too afraid to join in?

Very unusual, for Matt.

75% of those test series wins have been against Australia. I very much doubt they’d ever want to stop touring there every 12 years.

Morgan hits him hard and drives him out of the ruck, that part wasn't a dive. Midway through his recoil he decides to milk it, flops sideways and grabs his head.

Morgan did not come at speed from a distance, he was always close to the action, coming in a fraction after Tizzano. His cleanout was as good as it can ever be in that situation. I thought the contact was more on the back than the neck. That could easily lead to injury, but unlikely to be spinal cord. So I feel the officials decision was a fair one.

But on another day, another referee and TMO, the result could easily go the other way. Luck plays a big part in all games, wins, losses. Lions were lucky, WB’s were not, in this specific case. Sadly for us , that is the series gone.

I’m starting to strongly believe that Sua’ali’i needs to be in the back 3 until he improves defensively and understands the legalities at ruck time. Ray Charles saw the side entry he was penalised for. He painted a bad picture for the ref.

Laurie Fisher can be valuable as a breakdown coach but Australian rugby must explore whether a more aggressive, blitz/rush defence is the way forward.