Hougaard's tackle changed the game
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:09
Try-saving tackle hero: Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard. (c) Gallo
Wallaby centre Adam Ashley-Cooper has blamed himself for Saturday's 31-44 loss to the Springboks, after scrumhalf Francois Hougaard prevented him from scoring a crucial try.
Hougaard made the crucial try-saving tackle on Ashley-Cooper and dislodged the ball, when it looked to be an almost certain try for the Wallabies.
The incident was one of many opportunities that went begging as the Boks held on for an important victory to end their four-game losing streak in this year's Tri-Nations.
The 26-year-old believes his error had a major impact on the match and may have ultimately cost his side the victory they so desperately craved, after a 47-year drought at altitude.
"I can safely say that had a direct result on the match and that just comes down to doing the basics well and I didn't do it at the time," Ashley-Cooper told the media.
"It was probably a wrong-sided ball carry and it probably would have been a different result if I'd carried it in my right hand."
The Brumbies back continued: "I obviously give respect to Hougaard, he did very well to make that tackle.
"It popped out of my hand and I was very disappointed with that because I know that that's a non-negotiable for me and the other nine times out of ten I would have kept that ball."
However, Ashley-Cooper believes that Australia can bounce back from the defeat and claim a victory in Bloemfontein, stating that the mood in the camp is still good.
"There s always more determination after a loss, especially under the circumstances [that we lost] last weekend," he said.
Ashley-Cooper also came out in defence of underfire Springbok wing Bryan Habana, who he rates as a dangerous opponent - even if he has not been in the best form of late.
"Every guy is entitled to a shocker now and then," he said.
"Bryan has had five or six years of pure quality and is also just human. From what I saw he dropped one ball from a kick-off and that is what everybody is losing the plot about. I don't think he did badly.
"Bryan is one of the best wings in the world. If you don't show him respect, he's going to make you look very silly."
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