Cheering on the team of my adopted home from the stands of AAMI Park on Friday night, I couldn’t help but wonder: is the Rod Macqueen “structured play” formula once again the best option for Australian rugby?
The Rebels, despite being low on exceptional cattle, blew the men from Wellington off the park.
Their defence quite simply did not have an answer. This no doubt has a lot to do with deficiencies at the Canes, but the ‘Brumbies of old’ style to the Rebels demolition was unmistakeable.
The backs and forwards were working in distinct groups or “pods” – one to take the tackle, two to support or clean out. This approach has the disadvantage of being more predictable, but the advantage of ensuring a quick recycle.
It’s also more methodical in how it sucks in defenders, usually in one direction or another before a switch is made and the backs are unleashed unfettered.
To score against the better teams, the stretching of defence or the build up of pressure using this approach requires a moment of brilliance or unpredictability – something an S. Larkham or G. Gregan might have conjured up in days gone by.
However, in some cases, as with the canes on the weekend, you can just keep applying the torch until the forwards barrel over. The Rebels scored at least two tries on Friday night using just this approach.
Despite the fact that the limelight at Queensland is occupied by the eclectic play of Cooper or Genia, when they’re playing well, I notice a distinct ‘structured play’ edge to their game.
There’s less “helter skelter” about them then say, even a winning Waratahs or for that matter, Wallabies.
To put it bluntly, the structured play approach works well for Australian teams because we quite simply don’t have the talent in the forward stocks to play 15 man dynamic ‘play what’s in front of you’ rugby. Unlike New Zealand, a lot of our big boys with outstanding athletic talent play rugby league.
You need only look at the likes of Brad Thorne.
Structured play instead focuses on team work and clean phase ball. Something that can be learnt and practiced much more than feats of atheleticism and ball skills.
In the last decade structured play might have not been so affective due to improving defences. Teams could sit back, knock down the ball carrier at will and just wait. The new rule changes tilt the pendulum back in our favour.
I know I won’t be the first to say this, but I think it’s time for Deans and the Wallabies to accept some home truths about our forward pack and revert to structured play.
With the backline talent in our current stocks, the mouth waters.
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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