By Andrew Logan
June 29th 2008 @ 10:03am
Wallabies locked in a prison of the mind
“These walls are funny. First you hate ‘em, then you get used to ‘em. After long enough, you get so you depend on ‘em. That’s “institutionalized.” Red talking about Brooks Hatlen in The Shawshank Redemption.
Last night’s Test match against the French revealed just how institutionalised the Wallabies have become under their last two coaches, and how far they have to go under new coach Robbie Deans.
If you take an animal, or a man, and lock them up for long enough, eventually they forget how things work on the outside. Everything looks faster, more modern, more daunting. And often, even after you remove the walls, they’ll still stay within the boundaries because they don’t know anything else any more.
Perhaps the most worrying thing about this tedious victory was the stark difference between approach of the experienced players, and their rookie counterparts. No-one was perfect, or even very good, but at least the rookies had a go. Peter Hynes continued to play with energy and enterprise, chancing his arm and running the ball back at the visitors. Luke Burgess (although his service was slow) had a couple of valuable snipes at the line. James Horwill supported well and ran hard with ball in hand.
By contrast, others looked lost. Nathan Sharp was caught twice receiving the ball flat-footed and on one occasion was driven back several metres. George Smith wasn’t sighted, as wasn’t Wycliffe Palu. Giteau drifted across field, away from his halfback, crowding his outside backs. Tuqiri fielded a kick in the first half directly in front of a large hole in the French line, but by the time he had finished looking around and deciding what to do, it was closed. Had he just gassed it, things might have been different, but he seems incapable of spontaneity these days.
Cameron Shepherd did not run a ball back at the opposition until the 30th minute, which must have been driving Deans to distraction, given he is used to having Leon McDonald as his custodian. The less said about Shepherds pre half-time non-touch-finder (eventually resulting in 3 points to the French), the better.
In general, the home team looked lost with the ball in hand, as though they just weren’t sure what to do with it. Three main tactics emerged – the hopeful midfield kick, the tired old short ball to trundling forwards close to the ruck; and the all purpose give-it-to-Gits-and-see-what-he-can-do.
This was the unequivocal sign of a team who, when the structure is removed, has forgotten how to operate without it. If further proof was needed that a structured environment is the Wallabies “safe place”, it came when the French pressed the Wallaby line. All of a sudden the urgency, the talk and the zing that was missing in attack, bubbled to the surface in defence. Here was a team who suddenly looked relieved that they knew what to do, and they did it exceptionally well.
Which suggests that as much as the Wallabies, their fans and their coach might like to see some flair and width in their game, it could be some time before that happens, and that for now at least, any hope of salvation lies in their rock solid defensive patterns. The Wallabies may not be much in attack right now, but it is a good side that gets through their defensive line without either a hefty dose of luck, or being forced to go to the air.
Where to from here? There were signs that Robbie Deans is also keen to get things moving (and put some pressure on the institutionalised Wallabies) by giving all of his rookies some serious time. Unlike the Eddie Jones era, where players were given farcical 3 minute cameos, most reserves were given upwards of 20 minutes to show their wares. It looks like Deans knows the direction he is going, and that several established Wallabies may not figure in his long term plans.
If the Wallabies are to succeed in their new strategy of minimal structure rugby, they need a few things to change. First, they need a five-eighth who will direct play, create opportunities, kick when required and back up relentlessly. Matt Giteau is tremendously skilful (as shown by his almost solo try), but just not that effective as a five-eighth. There is no doubt he can create chances, but his tactical kicking is only average and his backline direction is poor. He is drifting badly across field and was doing so for the Western Force during the Super 14. Until he starts fixing defenders and looping, the Wallabies will struggle to create gaps.
Also for this style, we need a fullback who is not only capable of running a ball back in broken play, but who lives for that opportunity. Oh for a Chris Latham at the beginning of his career! Shepherd is not this type of fullback and is just too conservative to develop that way. Hynes could actually be exactly the man we need. He loves running in broken play, can clean up well and tackles hard. Ashley-Cooper would fill Hynes’ wing spot nicely.
Our forwards (memo Nathan Sharp) can no longer exist to do little leaguie style hit ups one or two off the ruck. They need to either get wide as genuine support players and ball handlers, or get in behind their runners ready to clean out hard and keep the fast ball coming. We no longer need to build 18 phases, so unless Sharpe can change his modus operandi, he may suddenly find his services are no longer required.
Of course, Robbie Deans knows all this, which is why he is fixing to get rid of the institutionalised sooner rather than later. His only hope, in the absence of any world rated stars, is to create a team that knows only his way, and doesn’t remember the old ways.
For those who have the old ways burned into their brains, and who are incapable of change, the end of the road is fast approaching.
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(19)
Ben C said | June 29th 2008 @ 11:34am | Report comment
Two lessons from last night’s match:
(1) Playing what is in front of you won’t work with player’s whose instincts are atrophied from years of Eddie Jones’ style regimented coaching and play. Rookies who have not been brainwashed (braindead?) are needed urgently.
(2) ANZ Stadium is truly a soulless dump.
John said | June 29th 2008 @ 1:12pm | Report comment
Deans will struggle for a long time because he is choosing from a player base that has been moulded by others who were disciples of the Jones era. That Jones philosophy has been passed down to even schoolboy and junior level because to gain your coaching certificate you had to pass assessments based on Jones’ theories. It has seeped into all levels of coaching and selections.Deans will not succeed until he gets out into the ” sticks ” of NSW and QLD and into the club comps.so that he can find his own raw talent to work with. Even the ” up and coming ” players from the academies etc have been selected by Jones cronies. Robbie, get out into the ‘ burbs and see what is on offer there. Many of the so called stars of the future that we are seeing are really second rate and have only got there because of the political push behind them so when and if they come up against quality they will be seen for what they are.
Harry said | June 29th 2008 @ 2:27pm | Report comment
I have little to add to this excellent and accurate analysis except to ask was Lote being replaced due to injury or was he dragged? I hope the latter, certainly Mortlock and Shepherd looked to gain a bit of urgency after that.
Modern test match rugby heh. Here we are (rightfully) moaning about a 20 point win by the Wallabies against one of the world’s supposed rugby superpowers.
Agree, the atmosphere was non-existent out at the Olympic stadium.
Justin said | June 29th 2008 @ 5:38pm | Report comment
Humorous stuff John, where do you get your info from? Do you think there are 15-20 Wallabies playing club football that we have decided not to pick for political reasons? Also the ARU has a coaching director and it has been the same guy from pre Jones to now. Quit making stuff up, Jones has changed nothing in the lower levels of the game.
chas said | June 29th 2008 @ 6:32pm | Report comment
A chap wrote to the SMH a couple of weeks ago and stated that anyone who thinks that RU is a better game than RL should pull his head out of his arse. I was surprised that this letter was published but I’m beginning to agree with him. The recent round of RL showed more skill and enterprise than I’ve ever seen in a RU match. The Wallabies are pretenders if their performance against France C is any measure. They’ve seen the last of many of my mates.
Russ said | June 29th 2008 @ 7:48pm | Report comment
I had a few mates over for the rugby last night but it wasn’t long before we got bored with the match and had a few quick flicks onto the league.
The many stoppages in the test match provided us with ample opportunities to do so and then sneak back to the Wallabies without seemingly missing a thing.
But I’m sad to report that we didn’t return from one of our channel changes as we became enthralled with the Cowboys v Souths match.
That’s right.
A Souths match became more interesting to four diehard rugby fans than a Wallabies test and none of us are even Souths fans - I can’t stand them.
Even sadder is the fact they were playing the North Queensland Cowboys.
The bottom line is that the two worst teams in the NRL provided a better spectacle than the Wallabies, or “Qantas Wallabies” as they are known on Fox.
Top yarn Andrew.
Mart said | June 29th 2008 @ 7:48pm | Report comment
Went to the Ireland game (which we should have lost, let’s face it) and was not impressed, watched this and switched off after about 70 mins (and I’m a rusted on rugger bugger). Just boring, especially when numerous replacements reduce the contest to training game level. France with a B or C team frustrated to Wallabies far too well. The only positive is we are winning poor games, didn’t do that under Eddie.
As someone who has visited Stadium Australia ion around 10 occassions for rugby I think it s truly dire for atmosphere. Then again the fans don’t exactly help - the Irish fans got several choruses of Fields of Athenry going in Melbourne to no Aussie response. Ditto Saturday in Sydney where I could discern some vibrant Marsellaise / Allez Lez Blues on the TV but not much else. I recall being at the 2003 RWC semi between Aus / NZ and about 10 mins in the Poms in the crowd got Swing Low going (to be met by the predictable round of booing). Turned out to be the loudest sung song of the night despite a heck of a contest. For my money the redeveloped Suncorp in Brizzy is by far the best Aussie rugby stadium….
Seriously, you’d have to worry if you were JON - reduced to virtually giving tix away and then those that paid good money get served up that fare….
mtngry said | June 29th 2008 @ 10:28pm | Report comment
I would rather go to the SFS ( which I may on Sunday for Aus A v NZ MAORI)
but to get back to the topic… can anyone see the Wallabies winning a single 3N match this year?
mcxd said | June 30th 2008 @ 5:31am | Report comment
Even though he did score the intial try Matt Giteau had a very ordinary game at fly half. People have talked about Luke Burgess having an off night, I would not blame him at all. How is Burgess supposed to find his man when he has split second decisions to make and Giteau was all over the place, he was deep, he was wide, he was swapping with Barnes, he was sometimes not there at all. The backline was a mess. In my opinion Giteaus wallaby fly half experiment should end now.
At the tahs Brugess was always able to find Kurtley Beale. Even though young KB looks to be more and more suitable each day.
Number3 said | June 30th 2008 @ 8:05am | Report comment
The important thing to me, from Sat night ,is that I really hope the ELV’s will be adopted for the long run. Outside of one obvious Cameron Shepherd head explosion we mostly managed to find touch when required ( a great result under the old rules). This would explain the feeling and reality of many stoppages. We have been spoilt with more ball in play over the S14 series. While not excusing the Wallabies totally for their efforts I believe that the change in rules are having more impact than some would believe.
Can’t wait to the Tri Nations.
Also agree with Justin above. Coaching levels 1through to 3 are in no way associated with any individual ideology. They are building blocks of coaching that allow baic skills to be developed at grass roots rugby. Good coaches take these and apply their own interpretations.
GB said | June 30th 2008 @ 8:48am | Report comment
I went to test on Saturday night at Homebush and have to admit it was laclustre, soulless and disappointing. The best part was having a couple of beers with some mates in the Wallabies Bar after the game. I saw better Rugby being played in a 4th grade subbies match earlier in the day. Robbie Deans will not be able to change some of the entrenched play in the Wallabies overnight so perhaps we should be a little more patient with the team. That said though, the first 30 minutes was dire, the game was over by the 60th minute and it was all France in the last 20. Was good to see their diminutive winger Monsieur Palisson score a try at least. Even though the game was lost the French kept at the Wallabies until the final whistle. Of more of a concern is ANZ as a venue. Even the RL guys admit it is a terrible place to watch a game of footy. A few thousand fans scattered around a cavernous stadium makes for no atmosphere. Even the 50k on Saturday night made barely a whimper. There was more noise from the small but parochial French supporters. Sadly though, it seems we are locked in their untill 2011 under contractual arrangements. It seems the best option is to watch it on the TV and if it becomes dull then switch over to something else more exciting. Give me a packed SFS any day. And bring back daytime tests!
Terry Kidd said | June 30th 2008 @ 10:32am | Report comment
I agree that we still have fly half problems, for all his other skills Giteau cannot direct a backline. Contrast that with SNK against Tonga, and even Halangahu yesterday aginst Fiji …. although the backline direction improved even more when Gerard and SNK came on for the last 20. Mitchell was no good at fullback, his kicking was next to uselessand his runs came to bonecrushing halts as soon as he met a defender.
Some changes that I believe need to be made to the Wallabies bearing in mind that Tuqiri will be out injured ….. Barnes to the bench, Giteau to 12, Shepherd dropped, Ione replaces Tuqiri, SNK replaces Shepherd.
In the pack …. Kepu to replace Baxter, Sharpe out McMenimen in, Palu out injured, Hoiles in, Waugh starts, Smith to bench.
stillmissit said | June 30th 2008 @ 10:59am | Report comment
Great article Andrew and right on the money. Institutionalised players with all the imagination driven out of them. All the blather about the quality of the Australian backs if only the forwards would give them the ball. Well they had 70% of it on Sat.and didnt know what to do with it. Giteau is a great inside centre and Barnes is a better 5/8 than Giteau will ever be in my book. Lote covered himself in anonymity and fumbledom but at least he has been playing better lately just not on Saturday night. I thought the backs went better after he left.
John - I agree with you and think Justin has left his white stick in the corner. In all jnr grades all I see is one off drive it ups ad infinitum and then kick it. The defence is everything the attack predictable, whilst the scrum almost non existent, if they scrum at all. He could do worse than have a look around at grade etc and see whats around.
Was there Sat night and the anthem was ’silent night’ weak, although my group of 4 did try. It is not the stuff to sing about. There was a group of Islander boys on the train home singing it and they did a better job amongst the 8 of them than 49k did at the stadium.
My mate who got me a ticket remarked that the French were predictable picking the blonde singing stunner.
Blinky Bill - Bellingen said | June 30th 2008 @ 1:47pm | Report comment
Terry Kid - Enjoyed reading your observations & thoughts. I too am a SNK fan and wish that the guy would have got a decent shot at the 5/8 spot for the Tahs.
Not too sure with your thoughts of Gits at IC & Barnes to the bench with who is to be 5/8. You reckon SNK at full back but why not at 5/8? Your thoughts?
Justin said | June 30th 2008 @ 2:06pm | Report comment
Stillmissit - are you serious? Anyone who believes this rubbish - “Jones philosophy has been passed down to even schoolboy and junior level because to gain your coaching certificate you had to pass assessments based on Jones’ theories. It has seeped into all levels of coaching and selections.Deans will not succeed until he gets out into the ” sticks ” of NSW and QLD and into the club comps.so that he can find his own raw talent to work with. Even the ” up and coming ” players from the academies etc have been selected by Jones cronies” should do a little research.
It is factually wrong, plain and simple. I suggest you check who writes the coaching manuals because it aint Eddie Jones. Can you also tell me who his cronies are?
cosmos forever said | June 30th 2008 @ 10:12pm | Report comment
I think Ingliss should start at 5/8, then you could move Isreal to LT’s wing and have the fast running and skilful Slater hitting the holes these two spontaneous athletes create. That would make the 82,000 go crazy.
Whoops, sorry - wrong thread…
Jameswm said | June 30th 2008 @ 10:42pm | Report comment
Just a comment on the Jones philosophies being passed down the levels.
It is a natural phenomenon that the style and philosophies of the national team will be copied by players and coaches at lower levels. I coach U9s and already we’ve renewed our focus on ball handling and practising 2 on 1s and 3 on 2s, as has my son’s school coach.
So Justin the comment about it being institutionalised was tongue-in-cheek - but there is truth in the methods being indirectly institutionalised.
All those calling on SNK going to 15 in front of Shepherd - the rest of them obviously failed to notice the difference to the tahs when SNk came in. He is skilled and gutsy and plays what’s in front of him.
Those dismissing Giteau at 10 obviously didn’t watch too many Force games - he ran the show and won them a couple of games almost single handedly. I recall the Kiwi commentators remarking how he destroyed opponents almost on his own.
It’s his natural position. so give him time to blossom.
Justin said | July 1st 2008 @ 9:04am | Report comment
Jameswm - I realise that some coaches will try and copy what the national team is doing straight away. I think it is a flawed strategy though particularly in junior teams as they should be playing as much game based activities as possible to make training enjoyable while incorporating correct technique.
Re Gits - I watched many of his matches with the Force and he certainly did win or heavily influence the result a number of times. Was it as a 5/8 or was it just his undoubted genius with ball in hand though? I would argue he could have been just as effective at 12. I have not given up on him as a 5/8 and think he deserves much more time there but he does have some fundamental flaws in his game as a 10 at present, namely a shocking habit of running across field. Carter is the best, lets hope Deans had a lot to do with that!
stillmissit said | July 1st 2008 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Justin I think you have your bloggers mixed. I am at a loss to tell you who Jones cronies are or answer any of your garbled message. I just accused you of having a white stick which, I agree was childish and purile but as an ex forward it is what we are known for.
I stand by my point about jnr rugby reflecting the national team for the last 5 (felt like 50) years. The damage done is widespread and not confined to the Wallabies. If you also add into the mix the lowest point in rugby parlance the UNCONTESTED SCRUM then the damage was almost terminal. Rugby is a game to turn boys into men (regardless of my aside above) and uncontested scrums is not going to help. If you cant scrum you cant play in the forwards, depart to the backs if you are quick enough, or just depart to soccer.