Dwyer speaks truth

[Lindommer]

How was I to know that the maker of "the YouTube clip" was such a highly respected poster, video producer, and mod on this very site?

The intro, "Scarfy here" might've been a BIG clue. For some.

 

[Muttonbird]

The intro, "Scarfy here" might've been a BIG clue. For some.

Not only a nick-name but a shortened one at that. Easy to miss for a new user don't you agree?

 

[DPK]

Not only a nick-name but a shortened one at that. Easy to miss for a new user don't you agree?

Perhaps said user should have researched the author? If you critique an article you usually take the time to find out what paper it appeared in and who wrote it.

 

[barbarian]

Not only a nick-name but a shortened one at that. Easy to miss for a new user don't you agree?

Yeah its all OK Muttonbird. Scarfy has been called much worse on other forums that's for sure. Lets take Julia Gillard's advice and move forward.

 

[Thomond78]

Speaking of Bob, Paddy not happy:

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/New-twist-in-referee-debacle-20100805



Damn! Was hoping Paddy would call me out.

Scarfie; my offer to Bob stands good for you as well.

 

[Thomond78]

Haven't seen it yet. The popular opinion is that I'm a gay South African that doesn't know the rules.

Still, I've got 20,000 hits on YouTube :thumb

Scarfie today, looking for more hits:

Skatt-ieeeeeeeee!

 

[Top Bloke]

Interesting video with Kaplan & Gary Gold asst SA coach -look at tackle / ruck / maul situations and how the change in interpretation has meant that in some situations, what was a pk for one side has changed to a pk for the other.
Kaplan makes the point that part of change is now that the refs are more lenient on "the cleaners"
In light of this - I can see why some of the ABs in Scarfman's video analysis dont get pinged. (Eg - K Read in the first segment)


http://rugbyiq.com/index.php?option...han-kaplan&catid=105:coaching-blog&Itemid=675

 

[Scarfman]

I think he means defensive cleaners. That is, more emphasis on counter-rucking, rather than sticking your hands in and pinching it.

That was my reading of it, anyway.

 

[Top Bloke]

I think he means defensive cleaners. That is, more emphasis on counter-rucking, rather than sticking your hands in and pinching it.

That was my reading of it, anyway.

I had thought they were generally referring to the team in possesion, as the point Kaplan makes is that the IRB made the change to promote more attractive rugby. Gary Gold seems to agree with that sentiment.

 

[fatprop]

He is at it again ...................

More of the Same from the Wallabies and All Blacks: Bob Dwyer Analysis
Sunday, 08 August 2010 22:26
Written by Bob Dwyer
5 Comments
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bobdwyer

Saturday’s game was really “more of thesame” from both teams. The All Blacks played well – again! – and the Wallabies played poorly – again! Certainly, there was more spirit and determination from the Wallabies and they had clearly worked on their restarts – both chasing and receiving. They probably outpointed their opponents in this aspect of the game, but that was the only win for them.

The only real difference came from the referee. Jonathan Kaplan had clearly decided, before the game had begun, that he was not going to “yellow card” anyone. “There’s been far too much of that already this season”, he appeared to be thinking, “and, anyway, that’s for the lesser referees. I can control the game without any unnecessary reference to the laws.” How else can you explain no yellow card for Tony Woodcock’s “cheap shot” and, for that matter, King Richie’s umpteenth “final warning”?

Anyway, back to the real game. In my Coaching Manual, I stress that quality attack is based on quick recycles at the tackle contest, with the ruck-ball a last resort, and urgent realignment of the attacking line to take advantage of the resulting space. Maximum pressure applied around the tackle contest – achieved with arriving numbers (mainly forwards), powerful leg drive and continuous ball movement – will draw defenders and make space available elsewhere.

The New Zealand coaching team seem to agree. Support players arrived directly behind the ball - the only accurate position to take advantage of any opportunity available – and the pop-pass or off-load were clearly the top priority option. As a result their attacking game was played at an excellent pace which the Wallabies could not contain.

The Wallabies management, on the other hand, seem determined to ignore these fundamentals. The “one pass, crash ball” style of attack continues to be our favoured option. If only they understood that this is also the favoured option for the defending team as well; it is ridiculously easy to defend. You have to tackle well, of course, but no decision making is required. McCaw praised his defence afterwards, but, more accurately, he should have praised the “tackling”. The Wallabies adopted the same inane approach against Scotland last year, with similar lack of success. “Realignment” is obviously not a word in their vocabulary.

New Zealand continue to play well, with an admirable concentration on getting the basics right, all of the time. The instinctive ability of their players can then be allowed to show. Opportunities present themselves and are then exploited. Such performances are frequently described as “clinical”, but I would prefer to say that “they are well coached in the fundamentals of the game”. All players need this and consistently – and, perhaps strangely, especially at the highest level. At this level, less than perfect technique is exposed and only consistent honing by consistent “perfect practise” will produce this. Well done New Zealand.bob_dwyer_logo_stacked

More of the same also, in terms of law breaking, this time from the New Zealand scrum. In the first half, the New Zealand scrum was dominant, generally by way of an old-fashioned “boring in” by the tight-head, Owen Franks, and some driving upwards by him in association with his hooker. The three officials had obviously forgotten about this ploy; it hasn’t been used for a while. I can’t believe that Stephen Moore would have succumbed so easily, and I was amazed that Fainga'a was not substituted. Ben Franks did not seem to achieve the same result in the second half, but perhaps the Wallabies had addressed the problem at half-time. This was, unfortunately, about 40 minutes too late, as the damage had been done. Such is the problem from selecting inexperienced front-rowers.

I was pleased, on the other hand, to see that Tony Woodcock was able, at last, to get his left hand off the ground. Maybe I’m being too kind and that this occurred only because this week’s scrum tactic was to attack from the tight-head side, not the usual “launch off the ground” from Woodcock. They like to stay one step ahead of the ref, these Kiwis, and that’s obviously not too difficult!

New Zealand are definitely playing better rugby than they have for some years. This seemed to begin on last year’s tour, with more attention to the detail of the game, and full marks to them. It is most pleasing to see, even if the rest of us are on the receiving end. Perhaps taking a leaf out of their book would be worth considering. Individual players also appear a little more trim to me. I’m not sure if they’re lighter or have reduced body fat, but they are markedly sharper. Muliaina, Mealamu and Nonu have benefited from this and Keiran Read has positively blossomed. He is a significant factor in his team’s improved performances, week in week out. Indeed, no-one is off-form and the All Blacks look to me like a genuine “work in progress” team, with progress the key word, and vision and knowledge the driving forces.

Alas, I cannot say the same about the Wallabies. They look like they have no idea of how to get where they clearly have the desire, passion and determination to go. Week by week we seem to be getting deeper and deeper into the mire, and the longer we go, the longer it will take us to extricate ourselves. Selection is a vital part, perhaps the most vital part, of the coaching role and, from where I’m sitting, we are getting it horribly wrong. We’ve got babies in the front row and each week our scrum is getting dished up. There is a reason that Laurie Weeks is preferred to James Slipper in the Reds team and Ewen McKenzie has been in a few scrums, and at tight-head. Perhaps a bit of humble pie might see the welcome return of Al Baxter, if only temporarily. Al probably had his best ever Super14 season this year, and I remember that he was a member of the scrum that demolished England at Twickenham not so long ago.

I figure that Mafu, Slipper, Mumm, Brown and both Fainga'a brothers are not up to international standard. I can’t see a winning World Cup team with even one of these players starting. O’Connor is not an international class winger. He lacks the pace required for the position and in the “kick chase”, he looks like he’s going up and down on the one spot. Surely Turner or Shepherd are much better. Anthony Fainga'a was found wanting in defence and on three occasions lined up against nobody, such was his indecision. These defensive lapses cost his team badly and, given that his attack is hardly scintillating, made his selection questionable. Ryan Cross and Will Chambers are both class players and this would enable Adam Ashley-Cooper to play fullback – and, dare I say it, contest the spot with Kurtley Beale. I’ve been trying to convince my mates for some time that Kurtley is a rare talent; I think that they’re beginning to see the light.

I have thought for some time that he could be a super outside-centre and he certainly made it clear that he has the pace for it. Scott Higgenbotham had an outstanding Super14 and has size, aggression and pace. He can “take you where you want to go” and must be in the squad. I could go on and on, but I won’t. Let me just say that “we are all sick of it!” We want to see some direction and some progress. Now!

A parting word on Will Genia. How has his performance been allowed to deteriorate from the excellent levels he produced in the Super14? I thought that he was awful on Saturday. He is slow to the tackle contest and now doesn’t arrive at all sometimes, just waddling across the pitch in the vague direction of his pass. He should be wherever the ball is. It’s as simple as that! He is far too upright and has now added a little skip step to his pass, making his clearance much slower and giving his support runners no chance at all. Attention to detail is everything and is the responsibility of the coaching staff. They are letting their players down.

Many thanks for all of last week’s comments. I certainly welcome them, but, if the Kiwi comments of “whinging” and “cry-baby” could be replaced by something a little more constructive and intelligent, I’d welcome them even more.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I read through that and have to say that he makes a lot of very salient points. His comments about Genia are bang on too: he's doing the late-model Gregan step when passing from the base and I'm not a fan of that at all.

 

[barbarian]

All good in that article until he suggests Cross or Chambers as a replacement for Fainga'a. One is injured and one is proven not to be up to international standard.

 

[fatprop]

and I thought it was Woodcock boring in ...............

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

All good in that article until he suggests Cross or Chambers as a replacement for Fainga'a. One is injured and one is proven not to be up to international standard.

Tend to agree there. I was a bit surprised about the Cross call. I don't think he's screaming to be picked and I most certainly wouldn't have him over AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at outside centre.

 

[naza]

I read through that and have to say that he makes a lot of very salient points. His comments about Genia are bang on too: he's doing the late-model Gregan step when passing from the base and I'm not a fan of that at all.

I find the Genia backlash hilarious. The Burgess critics have been out in force on this site non stop. I gave up fighting that battle. And their precious little hero, Genia, who they proclaimed the next Fourie Du Preez, has been shit. The Genia fans are nowhere to be seen (much like Genia's defence) other than apparently labelling the backline problems at Giteau's door. Ah, so when Burgess plays, its his fault. When Genia plays, its Giteau's fault. Gotchya !! Such is the fickle nature of the G&GR lightweights.

Dwyer is spot on in his analysis of the Finger brothers. They are absolutely fucking hopeless. That we have sunk so low as to pick fringe club rugby reserve graders as test starters is a fucking embarassment. We should forego playing test rugby if we have to resort to picking such mediocrities.

On the other hand, Dwyer advocating Beale at 13 is the stupidest fucking idea of all time and puts Bob 'Move Luke Inman into the forward pack' Dwyer back into the Zavos loony bin.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Naza, I'm a huge fan of Genia, but it is possible to like the bloke's play and *also* point out areas where he is not great. The bloke is not FdP yet. I think he will reach those heights, but his last couple of weeks have been below par by the standards he has set this season. He is still a substantial step up from Burgess, who has a pass that IMHO is well below the required standard of an international halfback. The rest of his game is actually very good, but his pass is most certainly not.

Very harsh on the Faainga brothers. They as much as anyone contributed to the great season the Reds had. Saia has been in opinion very good in the loose in his tests so far. Less so in the scrum, but he also has a couple of mates there who should be helping him. Anthony did not disgrace himself last week and will get better from this point onwards. It's not like either bloke competing for the 12 jumper have played that much better this season. To call them fringe club reserve graders is drawing a very long bow indeed.

The bottom line is that we have a bit of an injury problem right now, necessitating picking a few young blokes who may not be the finished article yet. It's not the first time this has happened and neither will it be the last.

 

[naza]

That reply is far too fair and balanced. You have me at a loss for words (for now, enjoy the silence).

 

[Richo]

I'm with you, BaaBaa. Bob had me until Cross. He's not even going to start for the Tahs so I don't see how he's even close to the right choice for the Wallabies.

I thought A. Finger was decent after a very bad start. His second half was A LOT better than his first 30 minutes. I've said it elsewhere, but wouldn't it have been nice if he'd gotten a longer run the week before. Sometimes I think Deans doesn't realise he can sub his backs -- why A. Finger didn't get 20 minutes in Melbourne and Barnes 20 minutes in Christchurch is just beyond me. Our back line clearly was not performing in either match and he was content to watch the same rubbish phase after phase.

Anyway -- what I like about Dwyer's article is that he gives full credit to the ABs without giving an inch on what they're doing wrong, including illegal play. If Kiwis can't read that and recognise the balance then there's no bloody hope for them.

 

[Scotty]

All good in that article until he suggests Cross or Chambers as a replacement for Fainga'a. One is injured and one is proven not to be up to international standard.

Not to mention Higginbotham as an outside centre. Please.

 

[Scotty]

I find the Genia backlash hilarious. The Burgess critics have been out in force on this site non stop. I gave up fighting that battle. And their precious little hero, Genia, who they proclaimed the next Fourie Du Preez, has been shit. The Genia fans are nowhere to be seen (much like Genia's defence) other than apparently labelling the backline problems at Giteau's door. Ah, so when Burgess plays, its his fault. When Genia plays, its Giteau's fault. Gotchya !! Such is the fickle nature of the G&GR lightweights.

Dwyer is spot on in his analysis of the Finger brothers. They are absolutely fucking hopeless. That we have sunk so low as to pick fringe club rugby reserve graders as test starters is a fucking embarassment. We should forego playing test rugby if we have to resort to picking such mediocrities.

On the other hand, Dwyer advocating Beale at 13 is the stupidest fucking idea of all time and puts Bob 'Move Luke Inman into the forward pack' Dwyer back into the Zavos loony bin.

Some points Naza,

1. I severely criticised Genia's performance as his worst ever. You are reading selectively.
2. The Fa'aingas have deserved their chance, and Moore hasn't looked any better than S Finger when he started last week
3. Your reading is quite poor. Dwyer talks about Beale competing with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) for the fullback spot. His insane comment was about Higginbotham at 13.