James O’Connor is a centre
I am hopeful of a discussion on an idea that I think is worth an airing. James O’Connor would profit the Wallabies better at…
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Joined October 2015
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60+ rugby tragic with some experience as prop/hooker in the A grade scrum and then privileged to have coached grade rugby teams in a number of clubs around the country.
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Thank you, everyone, for your contributions to this discussion. It was interesting and informative.
Of course what the forwards get up to demonstrably impacts on the course of a match.
And that’s a whole other set of discussions!
James O’Connor is a centre
Indulge me please, gentlemen.
I remain convinced that O’Connor is currently our best and most experienced rugby brain, least ways in the backs. I agree that he was the best available to the Reds at 10 but for me he was never convincing and less so when the TT series began.
The comments indicate that he is favoured by one or the other writer to be capable in every back position except halfback. And given this, he has a practical insight into the requirements of each.
So play him at inside centre, a central position where he can function as a dual playmaker with whomever is selected at 5/8. He can also marshal up outside backs for set piece moves and direct traffic in broken play with marginally more time and space than usually afforded a 5/8.
I see O’Connor, the team man, as crucial to the development of the other less experienced backs around him in the next few years. This development is going to have to happen off field but importantly in games, some of which we may lose. And, I think he can best do this from inside centre.
James O’Connor is a centre
I think the Reds need to improve their defence in all facets across the park. Their deficiencies are not in courage or commitment but in technique and organisation
My impression, I don’t keep stats, is that the reds kicking game is inept. Too much ball kicked away fruitlessly inviting the inevitable counter attack most NZ teams favour.
Secondly the Reds often try to get too much out of a movement and turn over the ball which is then used in counter attack or to establish a series of deliberate phases which require sustained tackling effort.
If you don’t retain possession you have to tackle more. The more you have to make the more will be missed.
And given the speed with which your opponents can punish a single error so the points mount and the psychological factors multiply.
It can be fixed.
For what it’s worth.
Five talking points from Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, Round 5
Do our blokes really try? A NZ boy is just flesh and blood too.
Bledi hell! Wallabies walloped by brilliant All Blacks
A lot has been written, understandably about the RWC final. For me the only statistic suitable for analysis is the win by Australia in Sydney several weeks ago. Tackles made, turnovers, line breaks etc, etc, all occurring within different contexts I feel are largely irrelevant. The teams that will play this weekend are, I think, with the exception of Tony Woodcock, identical.
It would be foolish however to simply assume on this basis that this match will be a repeat. Like any rugby game this final will develop its own dynamic. The team which establishes and maintains dominance for the duration will win. Equally that team must counter more efficiently when it loses dominance.
I agree with John that neither team will leave anything in the tank and we will see something new from coaches and the teams.
I think this match is a 50/50 proposition. The better team will win.
I am an Aussie. You know the result I hope for.
This is a Wallabies team that New Zealanders should respect
Agree, MaxP, TMO intervention should be solely at the request of the referee who may or may not have been alerted by an assistant.
The Wrap: Wallabies are on their way home - can they please take the TMOs with them?