Roar Rookie
Joined August 2016
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Nerd. Never played top level rugby but do love the game.
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And so here we are again, moping on the couch on a Saturday night after watching our Wallabies get trounced in yet another Blendisloe…
You could be right Zack, I know Rod MacQueen had a massive influence on the professionalism of his squad and I believe that was the most successful era in Australia Rugby. I’ve got to say though, I think it goes beyond the top team. All the NZ super rugby sides are also so impressive with their offloading ability (even those that aren’t doing as well). And the stats show here too, they absolutely dominated super rugby this year. I think the Aussies managed 3 wins from 26 matches with Kiwi teams? There seems to be an additional skill set there. It’s also noticeable in Australian club rugby, if you see a team stacked with kiwis you can be sure there’ll be some offloads flowing.
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
Yes, the forwards skills are unbelievable. I’m so impressed with the ability to link up in traffic. Forward to forward, forward to back, back to forward, back to back, it doesn’t matter, the support is there and the passes stick.
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
Yeah, I agree, there’s numerous factors. Very interesting anecdote about Byrne. I really hope the ARU’s new found financial security (relatively speaking) will somewhat be directed to the grass roots. And I really hope the Aussie girl’s seven’s gold will help rugby recruit more grass roots players.
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
Fair points, I trivialised it. No doubt the wallabies can improve in other areas. I do think though, that this is the single biggest difference in the NZ and Australian game though. To execute the offload is a massive shift in not just the skill set but the mindset. Must be aware of your support, must be in support. You even have to change your body height to allow yourself to offload (usually hit higher unless you can bunt and then offload). For those reasons this is definitely not a “shortcut” because to get your player base offloading is a paradigm shift from where Australian rugby is at the moment.
Yes, it is a restart. What makes the offload “restart” so dangerous is it’s so quick. Leaves no time for defence to regroup.
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
No doubt the NRL sucks some talent. But if it was just about your talent pool, surely England would be dominating. They have 600,000 teens playing rugby verse NZ’s 40,000 (And Australia’s 20,000). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rugby_union_playing_countries
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
Agree that the All Blacks are a pleasure to watch. Absolutely sensational spectator rugby. And so are the NZ super rugby derbies. I think Bob Dwyer would beg to disagree with you on the three phases max though.
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
Spot on Nate, I agree, it’s not just the offload but the catch and pass like you say. And the associated running in support.
The offload, and how to produce Australian rugby at the level of NZ
Perth is definitely a rugby incubator breeding Australia doesn’t want to lose. Players at club level over here are encouraged to pass, and consequently the games are exciting for players and spectators. You also get players with great skills emerging.
Thank goodness for the Force, all is forgiven for now