Flashback to 96 .

[RugbyReg]

Have a look at this clip from the Reds v Blues in 96. I haven't seen rugby like that for some time. The depth and speed of the backline play, with width of pass and great support play. We saw glimpses of it in that Wallaby v France test, and see it in NZL, but from an Aussie side its all too rare these days:

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

You're right, we don't see footy like that from the Aussie teams any more. Defences are much better now though and that would be one of the reasons the backline play doesn't look as flashy. But you're on the money with the depth and speed, it's incredible. The other thing to note is the commitment of numbers to the breakdown and driving the opposition off the ball. We don't do that enough IMHO.

 

[kiap]

Good find.

And good rugby!

 

[Gnostic]

Ah .... Garrick "Pogo" Morgan. What a combination he formed with Eales. No that was an extremely well balanced second row. I was very saddened when he went to League.

What stands out to me from so many of these older games is the speed that the support players got to the rucks, the speed the ball was cleared and the accuracy of the execution of the skills. Also the work that all the players did off the ball. You see Morgan in the mauls and clearing out at the ruck and making lots of metres with ball in hand, all because of the accuracy of skills execution, speed of ball movement and combinations with other team members.

Great vid. thanks Reg.

 

[cyclopath]

RugbyReg a wonderful find. Great depth and speed, with terrific support play.
But we have to concede the defensive lines are far more passive than we see these days. That aside, the accuracy of the passing, and the speed of transition from defence to attack at times was just superb.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

RugbyReg a wonderful find. Great depth and speed, with terrific support play.
But we have to concede the defensive lines are far more passive than we see these days. That aside, the accuracy of the passing, and the speed of transition from defence to attack at times was just superb.

Professionalism has taken a great deal of the emphasis on skills and execution away from the game (has in League as well) and more onto the power athlete. It's quite clear when you look at the players of today and many of the issues with executing a basic catch/pass/catch.

 

[ACT Crusader]

The soft hands on that first Reds try by both backs and forwards was excellent.

Flat attacking lines seem to be the norm these because of the emphasis on getting over (or at the very least near) the gain line. It has both its positives and negaitives.

 

[Shiggins]

Wow. I haven't seen a side
Run onto the ball with so much pace and support play like that in a while. Wow

 

[Shiggins]

It's one hell of a back line though

 

[Bardon]

2 big things that stand out to me compared to Aus rugby teams today are:

1. The kicking was of a higher quality and the committed kick chase by multiple players created danger. Today kicks are often inaccurate and even good kicks are generally not chased with such commitment leading to counter attack opportunities.

2. The entire team is dangerous not just the X-factor players of today. Everyone is comfortable with ball in hand and there are multiple support runners. The aim is to get the ball to the guys who can exploit the space no matter what number is on their backs.

Today it's about getting it to X-factor player and then expecting him to do something to create a break or a try. Yes defenses are much better these days, but knowing you only have to cover a handful of players is an easier job for a defence. Compare this to trying to defend against a team that is intent on moving the ball at pace until gaps open up and then backing the guy with the ball to make the most of it and running support lines giving him numerous options.

I said in other threads that I feel Australia at test level and S15 level is very reliant on having the best 15 available. But the video posted is a great example of what a good system can do. Yes there were some legends playing there but it's the type of system where people can slot in and you'll still be dangerous. Everyone was expected to contribute and have the basic skills to ensure that moves didn't break down when the ball got to them.

That's one of the reasons why I'm looking forward to seeing Cheika and the Tahs take the next step next season.

 

[Brumbieman]

The passing is what makes it. Cooper is the only player in the current Wallaby set up, who has a pass fit to even be the toilet cleaner in that backline.

Every single pass, is perfectly in front of the man to the point where they need to accelarate to even catch the ball, let alone beat a man. That's the difference, every man is absolutely flying by the time he catches it!

 

[Scotty]

More and more am I formulating the opinion that Adam Ashley Cooper is the leading example of the deterioration of our backline plan. Yes he is good at hitting holes. Yes he as a great fend and is hard to stop near the line, however he has an appalling inability to link up with other backline members.

If he or another modern player like him was in that backline, many of those plays would have broken down.

Even Garrick Morgan has a better ability to link and pass.

 

[Dam0]

I remember that game. I was living in Auckland at the time and it was horrible to watch. I think the laws of the game in 1996-1997 were the best. They mucked everything up in 1998 by allowing less time to release the ball at a tackle which was balanced by introducing the gate at the tackle.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

You can actually see why Morgan thought he might make it in league

 

[boyo]

The passing is what makes it. Cooper is the only player in the current Wallaby set up, who has a pass fit to even be the toilet cleaner in that backline.

Every single pass, is perfectly in front of the man to the point where they need to accelarate to even catch the ball, let alone beat a man. That's the difference, every man is absolutely flying by the time he catches it!

Passing to a stationary player gives me the shits.

 

[Bowside]

Passing to a stationary player gives me the shits.

Whenever the ball got passed to a stationary player in that clip the stationary player immediately threw it someone else.

 

[Bowside]

I'd love to see compulsory full lineouts again. It gave the backs so much more space.

 

[I like to watch]

The passing is what makes it. Cooper is the only player in the current Wallaby set up, who has a pass fit to even be the toilet cleaner in that backline.

Every single pass, is perfectly in front of the man to the point where they need to accelarate to even catch the ball, let alone beat a man. That's the difference, every man is absolutely flying by the time he catches it!

Horses for courses, the improvement in defence has made that style redundant.
A

 

[nomis]

When a player has the ball he's looking to pass. When a player doesn't have the ball he's looking to support. Don't see that too often ATM from the Wallabies. Currently, players seem to be waiting for the ball player to be tackled for the next play!

 

[RugbyReg]

how many times do we see players make breaks these days and the movement dies because of a lack of support? Such a fundamental aspect of the game, which goes hand in hand issue of commitment at the ruck for clear out.