Opinion

Congratulations, Western Force, but there are huge problems with Australian rugby

Roar Guru

26th October, 2019

2302 Reads

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gatesy

Roar Guru

26th October, 2019

2302 Reads

Congratulations to the Western Force from a rusted-on Canberra Vikings supporter.

You outplayed us in every department in your thoroughly deserved 41-3 victory in Saturday’s final of the NRC. You forced us into schoolboy errors.

That’s not to take anything away from the Vikings – they put their hearts into it, but hearts don’t win games.

Having said all of that, there is a general malaise in Australian rugby. There are just so many basic handling errors, pushed passes, and 50-50 balls.

We have to get around or over that.

In the old days, we did no-mistakes drills ad nauseum – the players hated them because they were repetitive and boring, but they work.

In Australia, we think it’s all about catch-pass. What a load of rubbish if the third or fourth pass floats aimlessly over the sideline.

How many intercepts are we seeing in the modern game? How many no-look passes and Sydney Harbour Bridge passes floated over the top?

Wingers and centres are being coached to lie in wait for intercepts.

Come on, Australia, we are better than this. That is why we are sixth in the world. That is why we are not RWC finalists.

But, again, huge congratulations to the Force. Is Tim Sampson in the frame for Wallabies coach?

If not, why not?

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Congratulations, Western Force, but there are huge problems with Australian rugby

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