RedsHappy
Tony Shaw (54)
Yes, and maybe, at long last put some arse-biting pressure on the other mediocre coaching we see in the Australian S14. Let's face it, we are struggling to get into the top 4, a Final win was long-ago, and the Tahs are the only team _just_ able to get over the top 4 bar. This is nowhere near acceptable or good enough. And let's recall, aside from the Reds, 2010's gate numbers/$s continued to decline over a prior 5 year period. The economics of the Australian S14 are not in great shape as a result.
I understand that GAGR is a place where the general preference for debate is, largely, tactical player selection, who's good, who's not, etc. Commenting on recent wins and losses, etc.
Absolutely fair enough. But rugby team coaching, and what it is all about in some detail (and the many dimensions of excellence in elite coaching that go way, way, beyond just selection of a 22) is too little raised and debated here IMO. One almost feels no one's that interested in it (aside from the obvious Deans crisis, but even then, where he's really failing in detail - as distinct from general selection beefs - is not much discussed).
MacQueen's arrival and Link's renaissance may start to enforce a hard-edged debate about the real capabilities and track records of the other S15 lot. That prospect excites me too. I sense I may be in a small minority for saying this, but I believe major coaching upgrades are needed in many parts of our S15 system if we are going to start playing the type of rugby people want to see (even if we the tiny band of mad passionates have different views), and we can credibly aim to get 2 teams every year into the top 4 and win a Final every 3 years (which absolutely should be our objectives if rugby is to rebuild in Australia).
