There has been a lot of grumbling and whining of late when it comes to the latest Tri-Nations Series. These grumblings range from complaints about the referees to the style of rugby being played on the park.
Rugby is a simple game and I think sometimes people try to over complicate it.
The style of rugby played by the Springboks is great. Remember, this is not rugby league. In rugby union, every aspect of the game focuses on the contest for the ball.
Every breakdown, the ‘Boks are there, hitting it hard. They play a raw-boned aggressive style of rugby that tests the heart of any team that comes up against them.
The contest is the most important part of the game for them – they want to win the ball and put themselves in a better position to capitalize on the mistakes of their opponents. Which, unluckily for the All Blacks, were far too frequent.
The All Blacks work hard at the breakdown, but do not have the aggression and intensity levels of the Springboks. They have gone to some hybrid style of rugby, similar touch football. It reminds me of the muck around time before training when we were warming up and throwing the ball everywhere whilst having a good time.
Meanwhile the Wallabies are halfway between the Springboks and All Blacks. They have to find some mongrel and commit more flying bodies at the breakdown.
The Wallabies want to play with a bit of flair, but their forwards, not Burgess, are letting them down.
We need to win the contest. Remember it is a simple game. Once we start winning the ball with aggression and speed at every contest, then the rest of our game will come together.
We also need to take the referee out of the game. The best teams do not need to talk about the referee. They win the game no matter what.
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.
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