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In such an even competition, the Waratahs have the ability to win the 2009 Super 14. However their playing strategy is fatally flawed.
The strategy has produced a team of individuals that cannot win the 2009 Super 14, rather than a champion team that could.
They have successfully assembled a squad of players (Beale, Burgess, Tahu, Turner, Horne, Mowen, Mumm, Palu, Palmer and TPN) who individually, are blessed with significant natural skills. The young forwards, Mowen, Caldwell and Palmer, have seamlessly covered the loss of Vickerman and Elsom and more recently Baxter.
The Waratahs have a good blend of youth and experience and an inspirational captain in Phil Waugh. They have seasoned players who have lived through tough times (the 2008 Final loss) and become stronger as a result. Overall, the team is mentally strong, as demonstrated by their excellent defensive line.
However, the Waratahs have ignored these strengths and chosen a narrow, low risk playing strategy based around kicking for position, offensive defence, strong set piece play and nothing else. After 9 rounds, the strategy is clear.
This equates to buying an F1 car and trying to test its top speed around a supermarket carpark. The car will ove heat and the driver will be unhappy and frustrated.
Last night, The Waratahs flawed strategy was exposed. They:
1. lost a vital home game,
2. lost the opportunity of a home semi final,
3. lost the opportunity to go to the top of the table,
4. didn’t score a try,
5. didn’t get a bonus point and
6. further disappointed the already dwindling crowds.
The Waratahs are a spent force, physically and mentally.
Phil Waugh’s comments after the game gave it away:
“It’s probably a product of being in the ninth round and having a lot of close games,” he said.
“It’s not a lack of effort, but there was certainly a lack of spark.”
“Perhaps because we’re not making the most of our opportunities early in the game, guys subconsciously were a little bit off mentally.”
“I don’t think it’s an issue that will repeat itself. There was a huge amount of effort from the guys.”
“It felt like we never really got any momentum, no rhythm, after that first 10, 15 minutes.”
Waugh is correct on all points except that it will repeat itself again next week. He just didn’t want to go further and explain why they are so tired and lack “spark”.
There is no fuel left in the tank. The defensive efforts of the past 9 weeks have drained them physically. The grinding, low risk, unimaginative style of rugby, when they give the ball back to the opposition, has drained them mentally.
They have an England-like style, slow ruck ball, one out play and individuals trying to do something special.
Compare this to the playing strategy of the Blues. Against the Lions, they won quick ruck ball, had players running hard and straight on to this ball with support players and then moved it wide but with support. It produces tries, wins, bonus points, it is enjoyable to play and it is great to watch.
This playing strategy results in players resorting to using their skills as individuals.
Put simply, the playing strategy hasn’t worked. Despite the talk of “Look at the table” or “We prefer to win ugly than lose pretty!”, behind the scenes, the Waratahs have been progressively tiring. Their actual performance has been camouflaged by courageous play in defence, the late season bye (Round 11) and the impending three game trip to South Africa.
The playing strategy is incompatible with late season bye. Playing this strategy for 9 straight games is like pre season sand dune training all over again.
Rugby is a team game. This strategy ignores this basic principle, doesn’t produce enough tries to win the Competition, the players don’t like it, the fans don’t like it and it produce the desired and result, the Waratahs playing to their potential and winning the 2009 Super 14.
Even if they manage to make the Semi finals, it is unlikely to be in 1st or 2nd place. History tells us that teams finshing 3rd and 4th are only there to make up the numbers.
I watched the curtain raiser game before the Waratahs last night between Country and Subbies. There was lots of rugby played, sweeping ball movement, set piece moves and excellent support play. They used the ball.
Sadly, I doubt the Waratahs coaching staff were watching.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.