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Joined June 2017
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While I think individual players are increasingly focusing on becoming total players, no. 8’s are probably the best example of this (Naholo with his ruck work is another good example), I think in terms of game plan, teams aren’t necessarily focusing on total rugby but focusing on being incredibly aggressive in one or two areas of the game and tend to revolve their game plan around these one or two areas. I wouldn’t say that even the All Blacks play total rugby in terms of game plan. Typically the All Blacks focus on counter attack, waiting for a team to make a mistake and then pouncing on that mistake. Lately, the focus seems to have shifted towards set piece. Interestingly, the All Blacks have scored very little of counter attack in the last 12 months and have scored a fast majority of their tries from set piece play (two-four phases later). While the defence has been quite aggressive lately, I think all teams have adopted that style of defence. I think the perception of total rugby from the All Blacks often mistakes total rugby (in terms of game plan) to pieces of individual skill and brilliance.
Look at England, now ranked 2nd in the world, their game is far from total rugby. It is built on a resolute defence, tactical kicking, and essentially, the ability to turn the other teams mistakes into points. Whether that be in 7’s or 3’s. The recent series in Australia shows this. A vast majority of England’s points came from Wallabies mistakes. Either dropped ball or penalties. Ireland are very similar. They have a few flashy backline plays but their entire game plan is focused on a very aggressive defence and breakdown work. Their points come from that applied pressure and the resulting mistakes.
Personally, I think total rugby is a bit of a myth.
Is there a limit to 'total rugby'?
If I had a dollar for every time Randwick rugby was needlessly mentioned…
Buckle up for the England-Wallabies clash in a fortnight
Oh my apologies, I think I got Lance and Banks mixed up!
Wallabies vs Barbarians: Rugby Union live scores, blog
Excellent. Banks is playing for the rebels next year? The rebels will have a very good backline if so
Wallabies vs Barbarians: Rugby Union live scores, blog
I honestly can’t fathom how you could possibly justify not picking Sam Whitelock in your side. He’s the best lock in the world along with Brodie Retallick and a more superior all round lock to Itoje
The best of the best: My world XV
I don’t think I can take Justin Marshall anymore
All Blacks vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby Third Test live scores, blog
I can’t understand why the All Blacks keep pushing these dumb passes in contact
All Blacks vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby Third Test live scores, blog
While the Lions played v. well in respect to their territory and set piece game, one thing that they need to be concerned about is that lack of variation and attack in multi-phase play. There have been numerous occasions during the tour where they have had 10+ attacking phases in the oppositions half and have gone no where. They gained ascendancy last night mainly due to the Maori’s AB’s inability to cope with the high ball and ill discipline at the breakdown (TKB was awful in this respect). The AB’s will be far more disciplined in the breakdown and their back three should be able to negate the high ball, which is why I think Dagg will start on the wing instead of Naholo despite the latters form superior super rugby form. If the Lions aren’t able to break the AB’s down during phase play I doubt they will be able to score apart from the odd penalty. Also, the Lions show no variation or ambition of set play apart from the driving maul from the line out. While one may be tempted to say they’re saving it for the AB’s, considering Gatland’s coaching history, I seriously doubt they have anything up their sleeve in terms of attacking play.
The High Five: Maori All Blacks vs British and Irish Lions
I guarantee that Randwick rugby has nothing to do with either coaches playing style. They really weren’t that flash, all of this chatter about Randwick rugby is just retrospective drivel. If that old Randwick team played today they’d be at the bottom or close to the bottom of any 2nd or 3rd tier rugby competition. Rugby has changed way to much in the past 10-15 years for an old Sydney based club competition to have any relevance what so ever.
Why Eddie Jones is winning his duel with Michael Cheika