Rebels 2017

[KevinO]

I recall that game (not just for the win). Jason Woodward kept kicking the ball back to the dismay of the crowd (there were boos). He seemed to take that on board and ran instead and subsequently ended up with a record points haul for a single game.

If I remember correctly we had been kicking the ball away the previous two games as well, was some of the worst rugby the Rebels played to watch as a supporter.

Thinking about the amount of attacking players we have lost makes me depressed. The last time a forward scored for the Rebels was the final round last year.

 

[Rock Lobster]

I was alluding to the fact the players ARE "scared to go outside the game plan lest they incur TT's wrath"

 

[amirite]

To suggest the Rebels' issues are associated with a fear to go wide or keep the ball in hand is ridiculous.

To me, their issues are entirely around an inability to go forward ball in hand, particularly early in a possession. I'd say the amount they pass per phase would be pretty high, and the amount they kick per possession would match many more successful sides.

 

[Rock Lobster]

That's not the suggestion Amirite, the fear is in doing anything outside the very restrictive game plans. You are right about their inability to maintain possession

 

[Baldric]

As far as I can see the game plan is to keep hitting it up even when there is no opportunity. Then get slow ball back and try again. Unfortunately what happens is that we cock it up and lose possession.
On the good side the scrum is performing better but the line-outs are still sub-par but better than last year.
I suppose for me it comes down to playing a slow predictable brand of rugby.
I would like to see the players given free reign to play their own game.

 

[Mr Wobbly]

It's in his bio on the Melbourne Rebels website

In fairness, he probably didn't write that himself. More likely the media person was searching for something positive to say.

 

[Mr Wobbly]

As far as I can see the game plan is to keep hitting it up even when there is no opportunity. Then get slow ball back and try again. Unfortunately what happens is that we cock it up and lose possession.
On the good side the scrum is performing better but the line-outs are still sub-par but better than last year.
I suppose for me it comes down to playing a slow predictable brand of rugby.
I would like to see the players given free reign to play their own game.

Maybe Dingo Deans was on to something when he said "just play what's in front of you".

 

[Rock Lobster]

Mick Byrne is reported as saying that Aussie coaching is stuck in a time warp and I think he is 100% correct. Our coaches are still playing these highly structured game plans that were successful in 10-15 years ago but the game has moved on. Until we change we will continue to get toweled up by the kiwi sides.

 

[Gnostic]

Maybe Dingo Deans was on to something when he said "just play what's in front of you".

Indeed he was but his solution was to select coaches such as Richard Graham and Tony McGahan as to fix the problems around skill execution and structures which have been the anchor to the Macqueen & Jones eras. Such highly skilled individuals have achieved great things as head coaches.

 

[Tex]

Kiwis seem to have it down pat. Stable and reliable ball from the set piece, tight forwards hitting it up at the fringe and midfield have support to secure the breakdown, loose forwards and backs go into contact looking to offload to the trailing runners in support.

Armchair expert view: surely that's not too hard?

 

[amirite]

Armchair expert view: surely that's not too hard?

 

[Rebels3]

F me, McMahon has been ruled out for another 6 weeks, reinjured ankle during rehab. Also to compound things, turns out jordy has been playing injured with a fractured back. Plus mafi is in doubt for next week, will require a fitness test. Who is the clown running the s & c? The club has sustained 16 different injuries this year that has ruled players out. That's more than a whole team

 

[Mr Wobbly]

Amanaki Mafi (ankle): test
Sefa Naivalu (shoulder): test
Toby Smith (hamstring): 2-4 weeks
Tim Metcher (foot): 2-4 weeks
Jack Maddocks (shoulder): 3-4 weeks
Cruze Ah-Nau (knee): 3-4 weeks
Semisi Tupou (knee): 3-4 weeks
Sean McMahon (ankle/knee): 4-6 weeks
Jordy Reid (back) – 4-6 weeks
Murray Douglas (foot): 10-12 weeks
Harley Fox (ankle): 10-12 weeks
Sam Jeffries (ankle): indefinitely
Rob Leota (knee): season
Alex Toolis (neck): season
Pama Fou (knee): season
Dominic Shipperley (knee): season

 

[Rebels3]

Yeh I should rephrase that to 16 player out atm.

 

[Mr Wobbly]

I would say at least 6 or 7 of those would definitely be in our best 23 and quite a few would be first choice starters.

 

[Highlander35]

Urgh.

 

[GoMelbRebels]

I think I'll just wait till next season.

 

[Scooter]

According to Iain Payten and Jamie Pandaram article the Rebels have signed Aussie 7s young gun Henry Hutchison for next season. So signing players despite the uncertainty.

 

[stoff]

According to Iain Payten and Jamie Pandaram article the Rebels have signed Aussie 7s young gun Henry Hutchison for next season. So signing players despite the uncertainty.

Or not uncertain? Equally may have just decided he is running a business and he will do what it takes to make it succesful.


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[oztimmay]

The only solace I take from the long Mad Dog Layoff; the debt he may feel he needs to pay back. Might entice him to stick around fro a little while longer.

Digging for positive here, very hard after reading that list. Fark me.