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…
Have looked at that no try to Thaiday a dozen times and every time I see he regained control before grounding. Fair enough to the ref in real time, but the video ref rushed the decision – it’s a close call but its clear. Game changer.
2014 State of Origin Game 2 full time report: NSW 6-4 Queensland
he meant “front of the lineout” ball
Wallabies team to play France for the third Test - Skelton to debut
I don’t have a tune. He gets the ball in straight to the front of the lineout without any issues. Anything further than that is a risk anyway, but he has had particular problems in his career. He throws in to a statistically poor Waratah lineout in SR as well. I don’t think its groundbreaking to suggest the Wallabies would be reluctant to risk long throws with him at the helm – their actions confirm it anyway.
Wallabies team to play France for the third Test - Skelton to debut
I agree, and I get frustrated that they go to the front so often, but as TPN cant throw straight they are unlikely to risk going to the back anyway, so may as well pick another ball runner.
Wallabies team to play France for the third Test - Skelton to debut
This is the best looking team so far in the series. The impact running of Skelton and Palu works for the Tahs and gives front foot ball to Foley to work off. We rarely use the 3rd lineout jumper anyway, and most ball goes to the front, so its worth the trade-off.
Wallabies team to play France for the third Test - Skelton to debut
Wonderful breakdown and good choice to focus on that try – it was poetry. Such a precise execution of skills and every person made the right decision at each juncture.
3D Rugby analysis - a new way to look at the game
Anthony, you know I had a very good view of the forwards from where I stood. Can you please get back to work, or I will have to tell your wife what you get up to during the day.
First Wallabies Test: Expect the unexpected
Interested if what you are saying about the Oakland GM – is he following a “Moneyball” approach like the one pioneered by the Oakland baseball franchise? I reckon the Melbourne Storm are pulling off something similar in the NRL, with the obvious exception of the Big 3 who are payed market value.
Canberra Raiders must learn from their Oakland cousins
Good point Fin. That set up was all about Ewen, not the interests of the Reds or Graham. like you, though, I don’t believe Graham has the respect of the players so we were probably headed in this direction anyway.
Cooper, Graham, O'Connor? What is the reason for the Reds downfall?
In our last match up in Paris, they cut us up with offloads in the forwards and lots of support runners, which got them in behind our defensive line almost at will. Considering that we will be trying to do something similar this week, I wonder whether they will also stick with this tactic as we would still be vulnerable to it in my opinion.
First Wallabies Test: Expect the unexpected
Agree, and I certainly don’t think they will overdo it. But White is good at it, and those two wingers will chase well, so we will see it at some stage for sure. It’s boring to watch, but it’s good to have it in the armoury and frees up running space if the defence has to cover the threat.
Ewen McKenzie's Wallaby selection mistakes
Like your logic. Have to agree pretty much across the board except I am happy with Kurindrani and AAC where they are
Ewen McKenzie's Wallaby selection mistakes
Kick offs will be high quality – Toomua lands them on a 10cent piece and Izzy unmatched as a chaser. We could recover up to half of our kicks with this combination.
22m exits will be solid – White and Toomua great clearers of the ball. This will be crucial.
Expect more box kicks in the middle 60m – White a good exponent and Honey Badger and AAC excellent chasers/competitors to support the kick.
Scrum will be under pressure. I don’t see us getting quality ball here, and could leak points through penalties.
Lineout will be a strength – Simmons, Carter, Fardy all very good, with Moore our most accurate thrower. This works well with what I expect will be a solid kicking game.
Hooper and Fardy should lead the way to a dominant breakdown performance.
Finally, I expect, and hope, to see more of the forward runners (Fardy) raiding and offloading 2 long passes wide of the ruck, like the EOYT.
Have no idea what to expect of the French.
Ewen McKenzie's Wallaby selection mistakes
Fardy seems to do it naturally. Good Rats boy!
Waratahs playing Cheika-Ball, but what is it?
Boks were brilliant last year – fair call. If that is what Springbok rugby is from now on, then sure! I think most of us would say that last years team departed from traditional Springbok rugby, hence my confusion at your comment.
Waratahs playing Cheika-Ball, but what is it?
+1. Who was last BGS old boy to be skipper?
Stephen Moore to captain the Wallabies against France
? Springboks are obviously physical, but there is a lot of subtlety underpinning the Tahs attack that the Boks are not noted for. Also, the Tahs rarely kick it. I don’t think they are playing a Springbok type game at all. Even if it was advisable to do so, the Tahs don’t have the players to pull it off anyway.
Waratahs playing Cheika-Ball, but what is it?
I bow to your knowledge of the local scene in SA. It just seems to me that the Boks are starting to play both smart and entertaining rugby as of last year, not just the old “get the win and beat them up” approach. They tactically surprised and out-thought the WBs last year, which was key in comprehensively getting on top of them for the first time in a few years. I think the mental alacrity required in preparing for such contrasting game styles and weather conditions in SR each week benefits all of us.
Ditch Super Rugby and concentrate on the Currie Cup
Come on BB. You more than anybody know that will be a negative for the development of your game styles if you retreat into your shell. And, unlike Oz, there is no real financial issue driving you to abandon SR. I don’t like the new SR format, but what you are suggesting would be a backward step for SA. At least in France, the money on offer ensures international flavour on the playing rosters, adding to the variety of play. SA would not have that, and could regress to their old conservative style with all SA players, coaches, and local derbies. Just a thought.
Ditch Super Rugby and concentrate on the Currie Cup
Oh really? I am not surprised because the leadership and coherence in how they want to play is just not there. They look half-pregnant. The whole situation last year where he was head coach in name, but assistant coach in practise was just weird, and not a great start for someone to stamp their authority on the place.
Are we ready for the third coming of JOC?
That’s too logical to argue with, Damian. Nevertheless, he got control fractionally before grounding so wrong result.
2014 State of Origin Game 2 full time report: NSW 6-4 Queensland