Roar Pro
Joined August 2013
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The Waratahs have created an entertaining attacking game style with a twist - it's built on blue-collar grunt work. It doesn't rely on trick…
The kicking strategy did not work. Many are calling for a return to the ball in hand game plan. It's plain to see now…
There is a healthy debate in Australian rugby about playing with style versus playing for results, but is it really important how the Wallabies…
There has been some excellent analysis of the Wallaby/Springbok game during the week from Scott Allen, Brett McKay and other Roarers. Two particular issues…
There are a number of Wallabies who are making the step up from Super Rugby simultaneously, and we are paying for this lack of…
"We are in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me. And we can stay here and get the shit kicked out of us, or we…
From Bledisloe 1 to Bledisloe 2, New Zealand went from scoring 6 tries, to scoring 2. Australia went from scoring 2 tries, to scoring…
Looking at the first Bledisloe, the two teams played contrasting styles. Considering the few changes made to the teams, and the quick turn-around, it's…
I wrote an article last week on five KPIs that needed to be met for a Wallaby victory. They concerned technical aspects of the…
Ewen McKenzie has said attacking, running rugby will be back with his Wallabies. It's easier said than done. Test matches typically aren't won by…
I have been stewing on this article for a couple of years now, since about the time it dawned on me our national sporting…
We are on the same page. He did not invent pick and drive. I could have gone on indefinitely, but yes, he had players in motion at different angles, etc. His innovation in thinking was doing away with the idea that backs attacked and defended, while forwards fought for possession constantly. In his system, everyone attacked, defended, and committed to breakdowns with equal ability and responsibility. We now take that for granted.
NRC coaches need to be bold and go for it
The greatest innovator in the modern era – Rod Macqueen. Revolutionised lineouts by splitting them into two jumping pods – get yourself some video of Saffa Super sides in the 90s trying to work out what the hell is going on with the Brumbies leaving a huge gap in the middle of the lineout, it’s gold. Revolutionised kick offs spreading backs and forwards equally across the field so the opposition didn’t know where to place their catchers. Introduced the idea of the field being in vertical corridors, split forwards into attacking pods, and confounded everyone by showing how to play a fast game with width, but where you retained possession almost indefinitely. The modern game we watch now is largely his brainchild.
NRC coaches need to be bold and go for it
I’m in Brisbane today for work – getting myself onto XXXX Hill tonight for sure. Cracking weather up here too!
National Rugby Championship: Round 1 preview
Test match rugby is different to Super Rugby, and you need different players to succeed at that level. So, no, the Waratahs would not beat the Wallabies. They would not win a single lineout, for a start.
The Waratahs are better than the Wallabies
Harry, that was so good. Can’t believe I only just read that now! Genuinely funny stuff.
Jakeball, by (the fake) Jake White
Brisbane city look really light on. Hiiginbotham is obviously needed to bolster Malbourne, but is Toomua needed for NSW country? They have plenty, and he is a BSHS boy. Seems as though the Brumbies are there to support the NSW teams after Vikings get their fill?
NRC rolls on: Wallabies allocations well on the mark
Brisbane City ripped off on these allocations.
NRC franchise Wallaby alignments announced
The problem with making any rule changes in this competition, is that it won’t properly prepare players for the next step along the professional ladder. The higher you go in rugby, the more technical it is in terms of exploiting the laws, so the players need to experience that.
Particularly any changes to the scrum – test matches against NH opponents can often descend into cynical exercises in drawing scrum penalties and yellow cards against the opposition. Our rising forwards need to experience that sort of pressure as they go up through the levels, so selectors can determine who has the goods to handle it.
Purely as a fan, though, all of the rules except for 3, 7 and 10 would make for great footy.
NRC: The law variations the ARU are looking to trial
Any insight on what pattern they are using to decide which way to align from the breakdown?
3D Analysis: Waratahs show structure in attack creates opportunities
Get on a plane down here for Rams vs Rays Jez!
NRC update, part 2: NSW Country and the Sydney teams
Yes it’s weird. Seems Randwick ruined any notion of detente in the east? Either way, it’s a big hole in the comp for sure.
NRC update, part 2: NSW Country and the Sydney teams
Will, I reckon the need for TV standard lighting narrowed it down to Brooky or NS Oval.
NS Oval is not a central location for the catchment that NH represents, and is not a rectangular ground making spectating a bit weird, for mine.
On purely fit for purpose, Rat Park is spot on for capacity and facilities (and I can ride my bike there!), but it’s a bit far for the lower north shore supporters and the lighting is not TV standard.
Upper North Shore has nothing appropriate, and Manly Oval is club standard only, so Brooky is probably the best compromise.
Don’t be so sure about short beer cues either – the catering at Brooky is notoriously bad.
See you there buddy!
NRC update, part 2: NSW Country and the Sydney teams
This is great, Scott. We take for granted the fitness and discipline required by the forwards to keep getting into that shape and presenting those options phase after phase. These guys are the real deal this year.
3D Analysis: Waratahs show structure in attack creates opportunities
Thanks Brett, this is invaluable information at the moment. I notice that the Rays have their non televised home games at 3pm and 5pm, which is a good move for getting the families along. Really hope we get a good amount of our locally produced super players back for this tournament, but if not I am excited to see our Shute stars take the step up.
NRC update, part 2: NSW Country and the Sydney teams
KT – impressive maths, like it. Darryl Gibson (NSW assistant coach) said that 25-28m was what the Crusaders and Tahs worked with as the ideal retrievable attacking kick. You’ve just proved why it is!
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
“these boys are really hammering their opposition (admittedly French not AB or Bok) on a regular basis & make it a lot easier for the other guys to “bend the line””
Toby – Absolutely right. That was the difference between game 2 and 3. Two extra big units who can move and offload, teamed up with TPN and Kepu. They provide the power, Slipper, Fardy, Simmons and hooper the workrate. Besides the lineout imbalance, it’s the most exciting pack we have fielded in years.
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
You’re right, Justin, he did crab. Have not noticed him do it before, though.
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
Rugbyfan, KB runs in front of his centres, screwing up their attack lines. It’s OK if he slips through himself, which he can do, but you can’t build a game plan around it. Impact off the bench is the right place for him for now. If Foley stuffs up badly in the RC, then you would consider it, but the back line is humming pretty well as is.
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
Cant agree with you totally on this one Bunyip. Foley had some lapses in that game with dropped ball and misdirected passing, but I have not seen evidence of that being a recurring problem with him. I was sitting almost end on at the stadium and it is obvious that he straightens the back line time and again to leave space for his outside runners, giving them the opportunities they need. His own running was also a constant threat, and he kicked well out of hand. He is developing really well at the moment, though not in the top echelon of international 10s at this point, granted.
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
Yes I would like to know where 40m comes from? It’s far too long to chase. White kicks his box kicks about that distance and our chasers never have a hope of pressuring the catch, let alone contesting. The ABs box kicks last year in the RC averaged closer to 20m, and they regathered or turned over a frightening amount of them.
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
Spiro,agree with your point about the best coaches being the best selectors. That’s the best combination we have selected in a long time and the result followed.
SPIRO: Good Will (Skelton) hunting for new Wallaby star
He hardly got a single judgement right in this article.
Toomua and Kuridrani don't cut the mustard
So, before he has even started, Cheika has prominent voices in the media either trying to undermine his authority (Smith), or have him walking on water (Spiro), based on their state allegiances. Neither helps. Rugby in this country is stuck in the 70’s with its attitude to selections, agendas and bias. From experienced grown men who should know better. For e golden decade in the 90’s, we were able to move past this anchor around our neck, and look what we achieved. It’s so obvious that we are a house divided and need a statesman-like CEO who has the coach’s back and can unite the warring tribes (and scribes).
SPIRO: It's time for Wallabies to walk the talk on the field