The Waratahs are well on the mend, but Brendan McKibbin’s service is holding them back. They’ve been playing some enterprising football of late, only to be let down at the death by poor execution.
They’ve arguably got the best backline in the competition, featuring the likes of Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne, Israel Folau and Peter Betham.
Even Foley is starting to fire with darting runs up the middle – finding some of the form that bore him the fruits of success last year.
But unfortunately, our halfback still isn’t delivering.
And it’s specifically his delivery that’s the problem.
The slow ball and inaccurate passing are debilitating the entire backline. Players that should be in space are stopped the wrong side of the advantage line instead of benefiting from scrambling defence.
It’s obvious that if the Waratahs want to start winning consistently they need a new halfback, and Matt Lucas fits the mould perfectly.
Cheika constantly speaks of performance over reputation. So why is Lucas still on the bench?
Every time he’s injected into the game, the backline starts to click. And the Waratahs diehards start to cheer.
He clears the ruck quickly, gives players ball to run onto, and keeps defences guessing with sniping runs around the fringes.
By keeping opposition in tight honest, and clearing the breakdown quickly, the outside backs are getting room to move.
Finally!
And when the Waratahs backline starts to get some space, there won’t be many in the competition that can stop them.
So please Cheika, have a hard look at McKibbin. Give Lucas the chance he’s earned.
The Waratahs faithful deserve it!
The TMF
Guest
Can someone find McKibbin's goal kicking percentage? It has been very average all year. His kicks have a weird trajectory that he doesn't adjust for it seems. Foley has been much more reliable that's for sure. As for his service, he does tend to be slow at times, but the biggest problem is the shape of his passing. It is not flat or straight and tends to curve back towards the tah's goal line which means it is hard for the outside players to run onto the ball. He needs to fix it or he will eventually find himself on the outer. I have been hoping for Lucas to get a starting role for a while now as he has provided a higher quality of service when he has come on. Either way Phipps will be here next year and make it a mute point.
linz22
Guest
agreed, it's a very low percentage play that usually ends in an easy turnover. Might as well just walk up to them and pass them the ball.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Obviously you've never caught a fullback or winger just as he's received one.
Brendan Bradford
Roar Pro
Cheika said in the post-match press conference last night that it was the best he's seen McKibbin play all year. Distribution was good and he's linking well with Foley outside him and releasing the backline. It takes time, but it's starting to come together.
Billy Bob
Guest
Well it's all settled then. Someone ring through the changes to Cheiks. Now on to the brums and reds.
Selector
Guest
Yeah good player, good boot, strong. The commentators kept mentioning a strong work ethic, which I didn't know of before. When he was down at the Brumbies I asked someone why he wasn't in contention and they said "they didn't think he had what it took (I think around ticker) to be a professional rugby player. I think and hope they may be wrong.
Stanley Grella
Guest
You never take kicking out of the play book. It's part of rugby. Conversions of try's and penalties goals areneededelements and deserve consideration. I don't think McKibbon is a safe selection or that playing Lucas will automatically lead to more try's. McKibbons main problem is his decision making, he doesn't seem to have the natural instinct of a footballer (especially In a playmaking role) the few seconds it takes him to decide the option cause him to panick which affects his pass. Lucas is performing and has a great pass but his also ony playing 15-20 minutes when he comes onandyou would hope any player playing a quarter of the game would have impact on the speed of play. Idontthink he has done anything outstanding to deserve praise far and above. Heis a decent footballer he isn't a long term option. With Phipps tah bound next year I wouldn't be surprised if McKibbon or Lucas moved on to get game time elsewhere and I would be happy for the to do so. (not that I'm over the moon abut Phipps signing)
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Both have some upside, but it's amazing how both are professional rugby players, and how they've gotten further than 99.99% of rugby players in this country with such glaring deficiencies in their game.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Matt Lucas has to start no question. Foley can kick goals. The Tahs have the makings of a very good backline with Lucas in and VolaVola off the bench.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Blinky as an ex pig I believe that every box kick is dumbass .....
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yes, I think you guys are right, my bad.
Adam Smith
Guest
Agreed! All last season, and every game this season I've been asking why he's in the team.
Adam Smith
Guest
You seem to be missing my point. I'm not saying they are now, I actually wrote this article before last night's game. I'm saying that they could be with a good halfback. Reds and Brumbies players are all getting mentioned as better players, but they're all benefiting from good service. The Reds had a slow start to the season, didn't look promising at all. And now Genia's back, they're all of sudden firing again. It's no coincidence. I know you can't really compare Genia to anyone, but Nic White has the same effect at the Brumbies. If the Waratahs had the same level of service from the half, I think they would surprise you.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah, that one could have been held half a second passed to someone standing deep and kicked, did not have to go to Folau in tight. It was squeaky bum time for both that last pass and that messed up kick.
Patrick Effeney
Editor
I think you're right Twickers. The bum chin gives it away.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Lol, probably both.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Come on, you've had one good game. Don't go getting all weak at the knees. AAC may be the best 13, Mitchel now looks to be injury prone, unbalanced Foley has had some ok games but is daylight away from the best. And Barnes? Looks best in a suit?
PeterK
Guest
The posting was cut Kudriani less than AAC and Tomane is better than Betham
PeterK
Guest
agree, that should of been '=' not '<', I made an error.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Calling Betham better than Davies is a big call. Betham needs to learn how to catch and hold a ball... Both have massive frailties to their game that's for sure.