Once upon a time, the wallabies were the envy of the rugby world for such carefully constructed attacking moves
The wallaby backs were renouned for attacking flare and daring
Now they play like they just met each other even though they are full time professionals. Too many weights and not enough speed work bro
Back in the day, they played as a team, they actually had 'backline' moves. There is one word I hold almost wholly fucking responsible for the demise of the great attacking Wallaby backline and that word is "x-factor".
What the hell is it anyway? We seem to want these supposed genius individuals in every position. A pre-requisite is that they must have x-factor. Like it's all you need. You have enough x-factor and you'll win. Why didn't we win? Mustn't have enough x-factor! Drives me insane!
We need quality rugby players that are specialists in their position. They know it inside and out. I don't think you would describe any one of the AB backs as having this x-factor. They are simply brilliant at their position.
DC - best flyhalf in the world
SBW - strong running inside centre with a great offload and good lines.
Dagg - excellent counter attacking fullback. Solid under the high ball and great clearing kick.
Jane & Gear - Brilliant wingers
etc
When you describe them you use their position. And in that move, every player played their part. It was a true backline move. It did not rely on the individual brilliance of one or two x-factor players.
Prime example is JOC (James O'Connor). Supposedly tons of x-factor so we must have him in our backline. But what position does he play? 10? 11? 12? 14? 15?
X-factor is a myth. Rugby's a team sport - we need to stop relying on individuals and start developing a backline. Only then can we start working on backline moves like the one we see here.
Sorry - end rant.
