The curious case of Lachie Swinton is there for all to see. As the saying goes ‘good things take time’
Let’s look at another player who has gone through a similar experience with discipline issues, but whose ability no one can question – Scott Barrett.
It is tough when you are one of three brothers and the other two have play making positions so get more limelight.
When Scott joined the Crusaders he made an immediate impact and impressed not only his coaches but his fellow players. He is a take no prisoners player and wears his heart on his sleeve with his love for the game apparent.
He was rewarded for his hard work and commitment by being selected for the All Blacks, which many would have expected and also expected his form to translate onto the international stage seamlessly.
His discipline became an issue with cards overtaking his game and overshadowing his skill set and ability. For any Crusaders and All Blacks fan as myself it became frustrating and apparent that he needed to pull back and concentrate on his core responsibilities for both sides.
Scott Barrett became the target of the referee as his reputation grew for the wrong reasons. He needed to take responsibility and become mature in many ways to become a genuine leader and a world class player.
Fast forward and now he has become the Crusaders captain, and his discipline has become apparent with having more experience and understanding about what is expected of him.
He is no longer living in the shadows of his brothers and has become a very good communicator, he now understands about being a mentor for younger players and being cohesive with his teammates by being better disciplined and leading by example.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Lachie Swinton is a physical threat and is a major problem when in space by running with purpose with his nostrils flaring, he could be one of the missing pieces for the Wallabies.
Like with Scott Barrett of the past Swinton unfortunately cannot pull his emotions back and has racked up the cards. He now has a not so good reputation with the referees and judiciary.
He has great skill sets with good hands and understanding of what is needed during a game, but then the inevitable brain snap happens which changes the game by putting the team on the back foot.
There surely would be no better coach than Eddie Jones to turn this around by not sugarcoating but telling it as it is – ‘if you are serious about the next step then this what is expected and required’.
Swinton has so many positives to his game and is a genuine talent. He could be among the best in his position in world rugby but it is up to the player to be honest with himself and realise that it is about his team.
Jones will have to weigh up if it is worth the risk of taking Swinton to the RWC, with the scrutiny of both the refs and media to be focusing on players, especially those with a history of ill discipline.
With Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand being great with counter attacks and feeding off opposition mistakes, the Wallabies need to be well disciplined – which is not their strong suit.
Swinton needs to lead from the front and show on the greatest stage of all just how good he really is, but that of course depends if he is there in the first place.
Jones could use him in the Bledisloe Cup to gauge if he has learnt from latest saga.
It is time for Swinton to learn from Scott Barrett and become the player that many know that he is.
Australia needs him to turn this issue around because he is the type of player that is needed, keep the mongrel but do it legally and become a better player and mentor.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I'd like to give the moderation policy some credit for that. They seem to come down quickly on the worst excesses
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Like you I appreciate the majority of Aussies being respectful and giving me positive feedback. Mr Enoka gave his time and was a positive influence when I started out when younger, he saw my potential before I did. Thank you for appreciating my contribution, the more time I have been on here the more that I have learnt in many ways. Do not underplay the importance of your contribution on here also, aside from a minor few the Roar is a great community with genuine knowledge shared.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yeah you get that sort of person, although I've had Aussie regulars supporting me in those circumstances which is appreciated. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I can well believe that Mr Enoka helped you a lot. You're a top contributor on here, keep doing what you're doing!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Hello Olly… That is definitely what he needs to understand as balance is required, you need to be a physical presence but do it with discipline as the team comes first. :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Valid points jcmasher. :thumbup:
Olly
Roar Rookie
Swinton needs to learn from Valentini. You can be an enforcer without having to try the high-risk big shot all the time.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Mate I agree. I’ve just seen nothing from Swinton to suggest he wants to learn. I went to a Force vs Tahs game and watched him and honestly he was a complete thug. Standing over every tackle yelling at the Force players on the ground, fronting players who made legitimate tackles and just trying to start a fight at every ruck. Looked like a complete fool. I think he was a good hard club player and has read all the NSW media about being an enforcer and now thinks he needs to prove it at every game. The thing is every team has got players who are as big or bigger and players who are tougher and also play better
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Because the technique requirement has changed over the years. Not so long ago his tackle technique was acceptable and he would have been lauded for it, especially on Whitelock. It’s a technique thing. One goat……….
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I was not expecting everyone to agree, but just wanted to show the comparison of two players. My article was about both being similar in their earlier developments and the similarities and a player can progress, it does require them to understand and develop plus they need the appropriate resources.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I should have stated in the article that I was meaning young in terms of International experience, I own that mistake Gus. He is 26 years old but needs to mature as a player which why I think that Eddie Jones could have come at the right time. It is up to Swinton to now self reflect and make the necessary adjustments to take the next step.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
I’m not sure I understand what this point of difference is. Swinton doesn’t carry hard and make meters in contact, his defence is no more than a lot of others and because he’s so slow it relies on the opposition running into his space, he doesn’t create space for his team mates. So apart from acting like he’s the hardest rock ever quarried and picking fights what does he actually bring to the game
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
I haven’t seen anything that demonstrates Swinton is anything more than an over grown thug. On Saturday every time he took the ball into contact the Force bent him backwards and his defence relies on players running into him as he’s so slow around the field. All a bit moot as with his 7 week ban we won’t see a lot of him this year anyway
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That is what I said to others WEST, it comes down to both the player and coach to recognise and understand the issues.
GusTee
Roar Pro
TimJ - I would agree with you if Swinton was 21: But he is 26! Ergo, he is not young in professional rugby terms. I suspect that his capacity to absorb and understand the impact of his action is such that it will take him until he is in his 40s to do so.
WEST
Roar Guru
Either not very bright or very naive.. if a guy makes it through all the ranks, plays rugby at a young age. Then representative teams, junior rugby. Then finds himself representing his state or territory, then enters first class rugby. International rugby representing his country.. doesn’t know the basic fundamentals or accuracies at a breakdown or correct tackle techniques etc that’s naive AF Ok.. let’s entertain Morsie perspective for a second.. How the fuk was this flaw in Swintons game not picked up in junior rugby!!?? Or by his SR coach.. his Wallaby coaches?? Give me a break! S Barrett.. that’s definitely not technique. I sometimes wish it was. But that’s more a case of his brutish attitude and self control. If it was technique he’d consistently and constantly be doing the wrong things. But he doesn’t, we’ve all seen he’s quiet capable of doing the correct technique.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
When you repeat the same offence Morsie, it then becomes a discipline problem. That is why both have been before the judiciary more than once! Can you honestly think that a lawyer can defend by saying it is a technique problem when it is repeated?
Tim J
Roar Rookie
It sounds positive with what Robertson said ‘We are looking at all competitions for the next All Blacks player’ It makes sense considering that he has to rebuild the team when he takes over, it also says that he is looking at looking outside of the box.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Yep! Good for goat hunting also but do not tell my wife that. :shocked: :laughing:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
It keeps coming thru Tim but the SR coaches don't use them properly at the moment. Z Sullivan was a very promising 10 but I don't think the Blues have played him there once.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
How do I respond to your post Perthstayer? This is it! Bang on mate! Adam Coleman is a great example as he went away from his core strengths under Cheika. Australian Rugby supporters need and deserve a coach that understands the flaws of each player and the team and turn them around. If Eddie Jones cannot do it then who in this galaxy can? Sorry mate, one too many wines and the passion comes out! This is when my wife runs faster than Pharlap ever did. :shocked: