I have previously preached the gospel of the 2-4-2 attacking system used by the New Zealand teams, and now I’m going to reminisce on the three vital cogs without which it just couldn’t work and ask: “Do the Wallabies have those same cogs?”.
The 2
Dane Coles and Codie Taylor, with Nathan Harris in the waiting – not too big, not too small but with plenty of skill and agility. The bit of skill and agility they do lack are being worked on over time to help them fit into the 2-4-2 structure.
This side of the ditch we marvel at Dane Coles’s running and handling exploits – he runs around like a second open side flanker, and this is exactly how New Zealand hookers are used. The 2-4-2 makes him look good and gives him the opportunity to make himself look good.
Codie Taylor is being baptised in these ways at the moment and is doing a better job of it at every outing. When is the last time you saw Dane Coles or Codie Taylor making a front-on hit on the defensive line and make significant brute metres? Never, and this is because they aren’t used in this way and it is not expected of them.
Do we have hookers who rival them? Think about the persistent selections of Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau, who offer only slow, immobile diesel engines as opposed to the more efficient turbocharged petrol engines of the New Zealand hookers.
I will admit Jordan Uelese is an exciting prospect, but will his engine match those of the smaller, more mobile and agile New Zealand hookers? I for one hope Uelese is an exception to the rule in the Malcolm Marx mould.
I’m also a big fan of Damien Fitzpatrick now that he has returned to our shores. He would fit nicely into the New Zealand hooker mould, especially given his last name.
(AAP Image/David Moir)
The 9
Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara provide excellent service with electric decision-making. With them rest the keys to the All Blacks attack. Most of the time it’s their split-second decision-making and quick vision that allows the All Blacks attack to function.
After the 2009 All Black debacle against the Springboks kick and contest game their scrum halves have also now been upgraded to include a deadly kicking game a la Fourie du Preez. They are slight of frame because they are so fit, excellent low tacklers behind the defensive line, excellent kickers and always in support of the ball runner or not far off it – again, because they are so fit.
Do we have scrum halves who rival them? Think the persistent selections of Will Genia and Nick Phipps – slow service, poor kicking games and poor split-second decision-making and vision. Plus they’re much slower, heavier framed and less energetic than their New Zealand counterparts.
Joe Powell does not inspire me with confidence but, then again, he is not even allowed to get decent game time at the Brumbies. In my mind Jake Gordon is the future, but he too will be wasted if the current attacking structure used by the Wallabies is persisted with.
Ryan Louwrens and Michael Ruru are also reminiscent of the New Zealand scrum half mould – good energy, good speed, good kicking and good intuition.
(Gabriel Rossi/Getty Images)
The 15
Ben Smith, Jordie Barret, Damien MacKenzie and David Havili are in the waiting. As much as the public raves about Beauden Barrett, it is from here that the attack is informed – true rugby instincts reside here.
These guys stand back and see the play and gaps unfold in front of them and have the ‘rugby knowledge’ to take advantage of it. They are constantly roaming with perfect positioning because of their understanding of the game. Roam, identify, call and attack unselfishly is the modus operandi here.
Do we have fullbacks to rival them? Think Israel Folau’s persistent selection with Kurtley Beale as a recent back-up. Folau is physically gifted with talent to burn almost anyone one-on-one but he is no ‘rugby brain’. His positional play is not up to scratch and he cannot for the life of him put someone through a gap, create that gap or see a gap develop.
In my mind he’s an out-and-out left wing cross-field kick option in the mould of Rieko Ioane. Beale is a man on his own mission. He plays on his own, thinks on his own and almost always keeps the ball for that second too long.
He does not possess the unselfish trademarks of the New Zealand fullbacks who accept that their role is to roam, identify, call and attack and in almost all instances give the ball to a teammate to make the break or right after a break is made.
I also personally think Beale is a bit lazy in his positional play. I suspect he is also constricted at fullback due the attacking structure used by the Wallabies – and you have to feel for a bloke who is playing 12 the whole year and then moved to 15.
Tom Banks seems to be the future here, along with Jack Maddocks. Dane Haylett-Petty should just be left at fullback – he is not a wing. Even Reece Hodge can be given a crack here – in my mind, given some freedom, he’s a player in the mould of Jordie Barrett.
It’s also a pity that Jesse Mogg was not given a proper crack; he’s Ben Smith’s twin in terms of playing style if I ever saw one – given the proper attacking structure of course.
I didn’t mind Luke Morahan either. He’s a very smart, deceptively dynamic and unselfish player. We could’ve called him ‘Luke from accounts’.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Hi DB, I agree with your sentiments on the 1-3-3-1 attack and the 'arrow head' pods of three. My suspicion is that the "Australian Way/Cheika Ball" is largely influenced by, amongst other things, Rod McQueen's game plan of ball retention, phases, structure and predictability for the attackers. That was very successfully used with the Brumbies and Wallabies in the late 1990's and early 2000's but the game has moved on and evolved. Totally agree with the rubbish call on structure. If you want predictability and no critical thinking from the players then you should go coach/play league. It is also sad that some coaches genuinely think that way - it shows that this problem runs into the grass roots as well. Unfortunately it's a catch 22, unless the 2-4-2 gets used the players won't develop and if the players aren't developed the 2-4-2 can't/won't get used. Selections are always a debating fire starter. Reckon my next article will be on selections and the issues surrounding it and open it up for public comment/opinion...
DB
Guest
Tipsy, Some really valid points, that I largely agree with. I am not sure I subscribe to some of your selections but I I think that if we were to adopt your approach, which is one I use with my teams, we could reap some great rewards. The one things that continually astounds me is the stupidity of the Wallabies play. The 1-3-3-1 system is so unbelievably easy to defend against. When you set up that arrow formation there are only two real options, considering our forwards skill level, the tip can either run the ball or pass in behind. I have been told by other coaches that its a great system because its easy for players to understand, nice structured and removes the "thought process" for the players. The criticism I consistently hear with respect the 2-4-2 is that it requires players to identify space and its hard to do that under pressure and on the run. I say rubbish to that and I think "structure" is a horrible term! In terms of players, if I was picking a Wallabies team to play in the nominated 2-4-2 I would pick as follows: Keep fighting the good fight, eventually smart operators will break through!
Hoy
Roar Guru
I fear that Larkham has been anointed, and like most things rugby in Aus, the results just aren't there to support this...
ethan
Guest
Yeah I'm more optimistic about the Reds chances than some, especially if they employ the 2-4-2. They were very limited under Graham and that didn't appear to change a great deal under Stiles. There is plenty of firepower with the likes of Paia'aua, Kerevi, F-Sautia, Perese and Daugunu. It just depends if the structure can overcome the lack of playmaking qualities at 10 and 15. Defence has been an even bigger problem in the past, but if anyone can over come that its Thorn. As you say, that old fashioned Thorn gumption is exactly what we need. On Cheika, I've given up trying to understand the logic in some of his decisions. It mostly seems to be based around fitness and attitude, which is all well and good, but I fear we've lost too much tactically in the process.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Hey Sweaty Prop, sorry I missed you in my replies earlier. I share your concerns re the coaches thinking outside the box. I am almost sure that Larkham, Grey and Cheika are so insularly and arrogantly focused on their own methods to the exclusion of anyone and everything else that they purposefully will not look elsewhere. It makes me chuckle that they got Mick Byrne in to work on the player's skills but they refuse to implement the game plan which allows the players to use, practice and showcase them - what a contradiction.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Jimbo, mate, it is the epitome of stupidity and arrogance - let's keep trying to do the same thing over and over and try to get a different result. I have also heard from some contacts in the NSW Rugby Union that Cheika is a protected species at the ARU so it doesn't look like us poor supporters will be given any relief any time soon.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
You are preaching to the converted here Hoy. Mate, I am dumbfounded by the selections and the game plan. These people are supposed to be professionals. The 'all out attack" you rightly mentioned should've been given the knock on the head after the disastrous England tour down under in 2016. It is energy sapping, predictable and stupid. Eddie would've just loved it. I am seriously concerned if Larkham takes the reigns after 2019 because I don't think much will change. As I said before, he just picked up the Jake White play book left at the Brumbies and has changed very little - anyone watching the Brumbies, and Wallabies, knows how boring, laborious and 'league like' they are. It is clear that Larkham, and the Wallabies, are also trying to implement aspects of the very successful Rod McQueen game plan (phases, ball control and predictability), under which he thrived, but the rugby world has evolved and moved on - it doesn't work anymore.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Agreed Ethan, can't understand the persistence with two small open sides in the back row if he's going to persist with his "Cheika Ball" - it's a contradiction. I have heard him rumble about it being more of a defensive ploy - but playing a 7 at 8 to get turnovers gets very easily negated, as the AB's showed in the 2015 WC final. I am certain Thorn will be running the 2-4-2 at QLD - he was using it with the QLD Country team. His selections will be interesting to watch because he hasn't got much to choose from. But then again, QLD Country weren't full of superstars, their attacking structure took them to the title, along with good old fashioned Brad Thorn instilled gumption.
Jimbo81
Guest
totally agree - but Cheika will never NOT select Phipps on the bench or starting (good grief!), Folau at FB (he can't see the problems in cover defence and kicking), the biggest and slowest hooker he can get (TPN, Ulese, Latu). Ready is the answer here IMO. You understand the situation but Cheika doesn't and is contracted until 2019's end.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Touching on a few things, and a very good article, and pretty much spot on... Our problem is the absolute inability to think outside our current selections... I mean Phipps has long been a terrible halfback. We all know it. He is guaranteed 1 point costing brain fart each game... yet we haven't selected anyone else to see if they could be better... In his defence, Phipps is very fit, very good in cover, and very willing. But his passes are terrible, and the only reason his cover defence is so important is because our defensive system sucks, meaning he is often required behind the line to cover breaks made. Beale? This bloke is also guaranteed a spot somewhere, despite having massive deficiencies that are enabled. He is the so called "playmaker" cover for Foley's inability to do anything creative with players outside him, but honestly, Beale can only create play for himself. He is a runner as well... so we have Foley who is a runner, and Beale an individual runner... there is still no playmaking going on from either 10 or 12. Beale has a much better tactical kicking game than Foley, so there is that... but his defence is even worse... People who want him shifted to fullback to cover his defensive frailties? That's a possibility, except he drops 8/10 high balls kicked to him (stats are anecdotal, but it is a crazy high amount... to high for international fullback to be dropping cold), and I think he would have an even worse defensive record at fullback... it's just hidden by whatever lame step the attacking player puts on him... fact, he is worse tackling out the back than he is in tight, but he is enabled to hide his terrible tackling through our terrible defensive system that shuffles 4 of the 6 backs in set play. That is ridiculous. So what to do with Beale? Too much talent to drop, not really enough to keep in... Bench? He won't be happy with that. Moore was held too long out of respect. Who is next? Ready was on the out in QLD, but that was possible because of Moore as well (unsubstantiated and possibly unfair rumours). The year before, he had a blinder, and was easily second best hooker in Aus. Hanson was good before that, and he was the Coles mould. Ulese? See how he goes this year I guess. I think we have the cattle, because we have shown what we can do in parts... it is our coaching that is too rigid, to stuck, that prevents us from potential. Cheika, like all coaches, picks favourites... but the favourites aren't suiting what he is trying to do, and what he is trying to do, is not working most of the time... The all out attack at times this year was just stupid rugby. There was no excuse for such brain dead rugby really. We need a coach who can recognize talent and also accept that some just don't have what is required. His game plan needs to evolve, his defensive system stinks... there is a lot that needs addressing.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I don't think SBW and Barrett gel that well... Barrett is a run first bloke, however SBW to be super effective needs early ball so he can pick his line, and poke his head through. With Barrett running, he isn't getting early ball, but is getting ball too close to the line. That's just the impression I get and I think they have had teething problems early on in their relationship. It's why SBW isn't playing as well as he should be.
Highlander
Guest
Lima is here for this year TM Maybe we will get Mitch Hunt...that would be a nice touch
taylorman
Guest
Yes Hansen will have been very busy trying to replace these guys but the problem going forward is there wont be the time to develop them. They'll start getting scooped up before they're anywhere near ready, so Hansen doesnt have the luxury of time to develop and experiment. In fact with the number of midfielders and hookers around it wouldn't surprise me if any day one or more from those positions announces a move. Sapoagas is really bad timing and suddenly the Highlanders look vulnerable. And if players can just up and go...I dont know when he leaves...whats stopping others.
ethan
Guest
The difference is that at SR level he had his big blokes in the forwards, whereas now he persists with little guys in the backrow. Be interesting to see if Thorn brings the 2-4-2 to QLD. Paia'aua is not a big 12 and with Hunt and Cooper on the outer we may not have anyone that could perform as a "visionary" style fullback. But Kerevi at 12 with Paia'aua 15 (can he take a high ball?) would suit the system. Ready, Manu and Thor are all pretty athletic, so could perhaps mimic the Coles role.
Jameswm
Guest
Not a lot of pace though
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Thanks Akari. Mate, I honestly don't know. Domestic coaches, even the ones overseas, aren't exactly lining up to take up the "poisoned chalice" that is the Wallabies coaching job at the moment - it's starting to resemble South African rugby. If I was miraculously asked to take the reins - I would immediately introduce the 2-4-2 attack structure across the board and I would do whatever it took to get someone in charge who is willing to coach it. If it were up to me, I would have given Dave Rennie or Chris Boyd the keys to the Argyle Diamond Mine to coach the 2-4-2 into the Wallabies. Eddie is a very intelligent and meticulous coach and the England v AB's match will be my most anticipated match next year.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
I'm with you StuM - the Wallabies are slow, laborious and robotic - especially from the 60 min mark onwards. The 1-3-3-1 (and even the 1-2-2-2-1) they use make the players look much worse than what they really are. My heart goes out to the players - and not a bit to the the "brains trust"
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Cheers. It so simple yet so effective. It's a bit of a catch 22, if the system don't get used the players won't develop and vice versa. At 108/110 kegs, the AB's hooker aren't all that "small" - they are supremely conditioned though. The fact that a hooker and a loose head basically scrum together against the opposition tight head may explain why the AB's are prepared to give away a few kegs in that position. Taniela Tupou was used in that general play hooker role by Brad Thorn at QLD Country this year - he had some damaging runs down the sidelines. Fifteen is a problem, but Cheika's game plan reflects his persistence with Folau: "let's select big blokes, get them to run at the opposition and try to intimidate them and then get front foot ball for more big blokes to run at their backs - a la Waratahs in Super Rugby". Problem is, this works for the one season in Super Rugby (and only just if you remember the final) but the physical playing field is levelled out at international level.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
Agreed. Blaming players and their lack of, well, basically everything from what I heard out of the Wallabies "brains trust", is a very poor excuse to deflect from the real problem - stupid game plan and stupid selections.
Tipsy McStagger
Guest
I am almost sure that the AB's brains trust are scouting the next potential players to fit into their systems at school level already. Jordie Barret seems to me to be next logical back-up to his brother but I also like what I see from Richie Moaunga - he is being brought along nice and slow by the AB's. I see Sonny-Bill as being a massive cog in the AB's team at the moment. Although I have not rated him as much as Nonu, he has significantly changed the way he plays since it has now become obvious that he is the only 12 capable of filling that particular role in the AB's attacking structure - I think the game he played against the Boks in Cape Town last year was his best to date. I am sure the AB's brains trust are working overtime on Laumape, as they did with Nonu, to fit into the structure. Ditto for Ryan Crotty, are real smart player and Anton Lienert-Brown seems to be the back-up, with noise being made about Jack Goodhue. Lienert-Brown is a very good player but not in the Crotty spheres yet. But again, he is being brought along nice and slow by the AB's brains trust. Life after Read will be tough but I like what I see from Liam Squire. The other new blindside from the Hurricanes (his name escapes me) is obviously being groomed to fill the 6 void with Squire moving in to the 8 void that will one day be left by Read. As far as the Wallabies selections go, I can only scratch my head. The players are there, even at Club level, but they aren't getting given any attention. It's a very clicky rugby crowd on this side of the ditch....