Contrary to Michael Foley’s spin, I think there are more than just little mistakes apparent at the Waratahs.
From the stands, it appeared to me that if the Waratahs have a game plan – something which did not seem apparent to me – then it is almost a league-style bash-it-up.
They hope for the best and, when all else fails, do an aimless kick. Foley seems clueless.
Barnes is a game individual but he is not a five-eight. He sits in the pocket from set plays (and most other plays) so even when he takes the line-on his percentages are not good.
The lack of support play was woeful. As the stats reveal New South Wales made many more metres than the Brumbies. Yet on most occasions, when there was a break, it was noticeable there was no backing up.
Once again, it’s basic stuff.
As previously noted the passing was woeful. Barnes was regularly taking the ball behind him or high.
From the outset the body language of New South Wales was poor.
There is clearly a malaise there and the skeptic in me senses the Rocky Elsom factor. As most people are aware he is aloof, arrogant, disengaged and selfish.
Given the bizarre decision to appoint him captain it is hard not to wonder if his personal style and behaviour isn’t contributing to the team’s lack of commitment and enthusiasm.
Which leads to the main point – there is a profound lack of the basics.
Catch, pass, back up.
As I recall Mark Ella’s four tries in 84 all resulted from flat-line running and passing, relatively uncomplicated loops, good lines and continuous backing up.
It’s not that hard to execute, one would have thought, particularly for a well-coached team.
That being the case, what the hell is Alan Gaffney doing given his Randwick credentials?
As much as it is depressing for a supporter it is equally puzzling that the administration blunders on, apparently unaccountable to preside over the demise of the game in New South Wales.
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