Who will play open-side for Wallabies in 2011?
Roar Guru By Chris McKay, 25 Feb 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- David Pocock, robbie deans, Rugby Union, RWC, wallabies
It’s hard to argue that Robbie Deans is not the master of change. Seven Super rugby titles is evidence enough. Dean’s first two seasons at the Wallabies have not been as successful as we all might have hoped, but he has developed a wealth of talent that will hopefully be paying dividends come 2011 RWC.
Deans appears to be excited about the changes to the interpretations at the breakdown, which will carry on into the Tri-Nations (and hopefully the RWC).
What has been evidently clear from the opening two rounds is that the advantage is definitely on the attacking team and so far the use of genuine open-side scavengers has been limited.
I don’t think I have seen any counter-rucking in a game yet and very few penalties for players not releasing the ball.
McCaw has not played a game yet, but his all round game will keep him right at the forefront of the world’s best players.
The best coaches adapt to change and it will be interesting to see who Deans picks at 7 this year.
Pocock is clearly the front runner and is a quality player, but he is a specialist scavenger and what the game probably needs is (slightly larger) link player. Pocock is only 184cm tall and is yet to show that he has the all round skills of the likes of McCaw or George Smith.
A few years back Connolly had Heenan and Elsom on the flanks and Smith at 8. It might be time to revisit this strategy and have a bigger man at 7.
There are a few contenders who could play at open-side that would give Australia an edge in link-play, attack and set-piece (line-out and re-starts):
Ben Mowen – 195cm, 106kg: had an exceptional year last year and appears to be carrying that form into 2010. Great link player that plays his heart out.
Richard Brown – 189cm, 103kg: played 7 at Wests during his club rugby days in Brisbane. Can play 6 and 8, so probably a good bench option. Has excellent all-round game and can scavenge.
Stephen Hoiles - 1.90cm, 101kg: under-rated player who is close to the best link player in Australia. Offers plenty at set piece and has exceptional mobility.
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- Explore:
- David Pocock, robbie deans, Rugby Union, RWC, wallabies
February 25th 2010 @ 5:20pm
mattamkII said | February 25th 2010 @ 5:20pm | Report comment
interesting…why do I always get pinged then?
Could be a bit of “he’s a fat prop…surely he did something wrong to get that ball”
February 26th 2010 @ 9:32am
Mike G said | February 26th 2010 @ 9:32am | Report comment
If the powers that be do the right thing & keep Rugby a game for all body shapes, the traditional #7 (smaller, super fit), will still play a critical role in a teams performance, whether it be at the breadwon or as a link to the backs. I think yuo’ll just see more skillful #7′s, & this is where Pocock needs to improve, his left/right passing & game vision.
February 27th 2010 @ 11:27pm
ohtani's jacket said | February 27th 2010 @ 11:27pm | Report comment
A lot of simple pick and go from the Chiefs at the end of tonight’s game, though the Force missed a few opportunities for a counter ruck. The Chiefs were awfully busy moving in pods and ensuring a ruck was formed. It’s a pretty sound tactic for now and sides will make hay while the sun shines. One thing I think the Chiefs and Hurricanes have demonstrated is an increased importance on clearing the bench.