It’s 65 minutes into a tight encounter between the All Black’s and the Wallabies in the 2011 Tri-Nations. The Wallabies, as always, have come out of the blocks fast but the All Blacks have dragged them back and the game is evenly placed. Dean’s turns to his bench.
In a response to an earlier article I posted, I mentioned that maybe it wouldn’t be bad thing if Matt Giteau played off the bench, exposing tired defenders from the 65th minute onwards. In this post, I want to briefly investigate the Wallabies possible bench for the upcoming Tri-Nations and RWC 11.
I think this is very important, because I believe under these new rules, and the new pace of the game, the bench plays a more vital role than perhaps ever.
A power bench, mutton dressed as lamb?
In the 65th minute of both of the past Tests between the All Blacks and Wallabies, there have been some marked trends. The game opens up, line speed of both teams in defense drops and missed tackles increase.
With the Wallabies especially we have seen a denigration in execution of set-pieces and crucial plays. How can the bench of the Wallabies address this?
Perhaps controversially, I believe that Robbie Deans should employ all his young chargers in key positions right up until the 65th minute, and then be prepared to throw on the seasoned, experienced fresh leg players to finish games – the “power bench”.
So equipping this theory to personnel, Deans would use Genia/Burgess in much the way he does now. Burgess plays a LOT better without the pressure of starting a game, and his intensity and sniping runs genuinely lifts the pace from Genia post 65th minute.
This was evident in South Africa and again in Hong Kong.
When TPN returns, there is argument both ways for who should start the game. I personally believe TPN to be the best impact hooker available in the game.
Bring him on in the 50th minute to really spark the Wallabies right through to the end of the game. However, at the same time, I would prefer Moore to throw into a defensive 5m line with 10 minutes to go…
Palu/McCalman
I believe that McCalman needs to start, and big Cliffy needs to be given license to get out there and hit hard for 30 odd minutes. With a real injection of pace, I think Palu cannot provide the link between backs and forwards (and the rest of the backrow) that McCalman promises.
Later in the game perhaps Palu’s ball running will become even more problematic with weakened defenders and bigger holes/less line-speed.
Giteau/Barnes
Many Roarers have sensed the inevitability that is the switch from Giteau to Barnes in the run on team. This does not mean that Giteau has no place in the Wallabies.
He is still fleet of foot and has great feet/stepping abilities, with tired defenders and his experience, he seems a great candidate to have on the field in the last 15 minutes (a reversal to his role now).
I just want to stress that this does not always mean that players will not play 80 (which would be silly because ultimately you want players to learn how to win a whole game of footy).
Instead, it is viewing a game of footy in a “temporal” way different to the traditional 40/40. I believe that the first half under these new rules finishes at the 60 minute mark, and then the game really opens up.
Having watched Piri Weepu do it for the All Blacks on numerous occasions and Jerome Kaino particularly in Sydney, I would be interested to see what Roarers think about how the bench should be used, should it be used in an all out switch, or should only a couple of players be used in this manner?
Do people agree with my bench/starters distinction for these players?
Either way, for the Wallabies getting the use of the bench just right has been a critical talking point in some Tests under Deans, it is imperative that his use of the bench in the future makes the best use of the troops he has.
Essentially can we train a team of players just to play from the bench?
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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