The weekend of rugby is over, so you know what that means: it’s time to get in some questions for this week’s instalment of Coach’s Corner.
If you haven’t come across the column yet, it’s the weekly article where, each Friday, our resident rugby analyst Nick Bishop answers your queries about what’s happening on the field.
Miss the latest issue of Coach’s Corner? Don’t worry, you can catch up right here!
The last round before the Super Rugby AU finals served up plenty of drama, with the Force snatching a famous win against the previously undefeated Reds to book their place in the post-season and the Rebels finishing their season on a high by beating the winless Tahs.
Over in New Zealand, Damian McKenzie came to the fore with yet another clutch, game-winning kick, before the Crusaders booked a home final by comfortably dealing with the Blues.
That leaves a qualifying final in Canberra between the Brumbies and Force this weekend, while the Saders will put their feet up during Round 10 of the Aotearoa competition. We’re also drawing ever closer to the announcement of the British and Irish Lions squad.
If you have any questions about those topics, or a completely different rugby-related topic, be sure to drop them in the comments section below.
Remember to err towards being nice and specific with what you’re asking, as more general questions aren’t as easy to answer in the confines of a single article.
So, leave your comments below, and come back on Friday to see what answers Nick has for you!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Prob get more response as the TT winds up C!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
There are an awful lot of categories, as you'll see Ken!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Bloody Aussies. Always need work. If Oz rugby were a car in a demolition derby it would be dented all over, as thirsty as a camel and covered in nrl and afl graffiti.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
No worries Nicholas mate. That’s totally understandable.
Choppies
Roar Rookie
I’d say hes got more raw talent and natural skill than both Len Ikitua and Pasaimi (yes HP can kick off both feet but that isn’t a skillset significantly valuable to 13), but still less than Jordy Petaia. On the other side of things I’d say his current form is worse than Pasaimi’s and maybe on par with Ikitua’s – but definitely above Petaia’s. I therefore don’t see him getting the 13 jersey ahead of Pasaimi AS THINGS STAND FOR NOW, but can easily see him eclipsing Pasaimi – and Ikitua but not Petaia – as an overall better 13 if he continues hitting his stride throughout TT and into Super AU next year… p.s Jordy Petaia is a FB anyways
TBH
Roar Rookie
Nick, Would like your views on the different "styles" of rugby that both the Force and Brumbies will bring to this weeks semi final.
Wallatahs
Guest
Coach when the tahs have a 0-13 season will Rookie Test coach Rennie still pick 7 tahs in his best 23?
numpty
Roar Rookie
Tough ask!!! :silly:
Exile In Oz
Roar Rookie
Basic game analysis. If you wanted to start analysing a game, a team or a comp how would you go about it and where would you start? What are the meaningful stats that indicate how a team is going?
Slim
Guest
Thoughts on the best centre pairing at the moment? To be honest I think the tahs have it
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Amazing Nick..
Tight-Head
Roar Rookie
Farrell doesn’t get sent off though, so he’s a special case
mused6
Roar Rookie
Based on your own observations, what (if any) obvious skills did Sitaleki Timani pick up from his time in the North that make him a better Super rugby player this time around with the Force?
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Wow
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Cheers mate!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
This Q will be in for Friday, so you'll see some diff ways of evaluating loosies... However I'll have to delay the NZ part of it for now, as just the Aussies were plenty of work!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Almost one whole pass for the attack SMI (not being facetious either!)...
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I'll leave this one until closer to the tour, if you can keep it 'in store' N...
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
This one will prob have to wait until next week, or poss the start of TT Carlin!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
As long as they are standing behind the hindmost foot of the ruck, they are free to stand wherever they like Butch :stoked: