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It was interesting watching the Super Rugby over the weekend, knowing the Reds needed 5 points to be in with a real chance of making the finals, yet seeing them quite content to just win the game.
I don’t understand the tactics.
With that carrot in front of them, you’d think they’d be pushing a little harder to score tries.
But, like the other Australian Super Rugby teams, they don’t appear confident enough in their skills to take a few chances with the ball.
And it’s not much different in South Africa.
I called the Stormers game on the weekend, which was lackluster at best. I believe that the priority for the team this season is
defence, not to score tries.
We saw the Blue Bulls also struggle to score tries when they are behind.
How can you seriously threaten the top Super Rugby teams if you go out onto the field with a mindset to not score tries?
It’s all very strange and I think these two teams will struggle if they are faced with trying to play catch up rugby.
Contrast the performances of the Reds and the Stormers with the pulsating Chiefs vs Crusaders encounter, which was not only exciting all the way down the final minute, but was played in a positive, attacking manner, which made it entertaining to watch regardless of whether you supported the teams or not.
It was one of the best games I’ve seen all year. And the skill factor was unbelievable.
But they have so many talented players in New Zealand willing to back themselves on the field.
Speaking of which, it was very disappointing to hear the news about Sonny Bill leaving New Zealand rugby. Mind you, it was no great surprise. Every time you read the paper lately, you’d hear about his manager trying to sell him somewhere.
And while Sonny is old enough to make the right calls himself, I can’t help but feel that he has been given poor guidance along the way.
He has a great profile in rugby. So why would he want to go to Japan unless it’s all about the money?
He’s 6’3; the Japanese are 4 foot nothing. For an athlete in the prime of his career, it’s pretty bad judgement and a sad realisation that loyalty and pride for your team is a thing of the past.
Back on Super Rugby, last week’s games were chalk and cheese.
The Kiwi sides run with the ball, and they have a real go at each other. The Waratahs and Brumbies: how boring was that?
Australian teams just struggle to score tries, and to be dominant in the finals, they will need to be more agressive with the ball.
A great example was during the Brumbies vs Waratahs game.
From the 64th minute till the end of the game, there were no points scored. It demonstrates that NSW are lacking players with flare and vision to keep them out front.
Alarmingly, this seems to be a pattern that has consistently occurred in NSW rugby over the last few years and it is very frustrating to watch.
With the talented Mitchell on the wing, we have no players inside him that allow him space to move. I still believe Foley should be number 10. He would provide them the flair and vision that they so badly need.
The team that wins this tournament will be one that can score tries and turn defence into attack. My money’s on the Crusaders: skill, flair and team work, they have got it all.
Let’s hope one of the Aussie teams can prove me wrong.
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.