Tahs attack (& other oxymorons)

[naza]

Fantastic piece by the legendary Geoff Mould http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/news/waratahs-hard-to-watch/2009/04/17/1239475061157.html on the Tahs' attacking play

If schoolboys can play the game at a high level, why can't the supposed professionals?

It makes me wonder what the Waratahs do at training. Perhaps too much gymnasium work and photo and media attention? The standard of handling and ball retention is diabolical. Aimless kicking and virtually no attempt to counterattack exists, coupled with an apparent lack of back-line imagination exacerbated by cross-field running and stationary ball receivers.

This is pretty much the question all of us have been asking. The cricket practice story rang alarm bells. Then again the Brumbies backs under Larkham essentially coached themselves. And the schoolkids/1980s Wallabies arguements don't hold water - players can defend now. And we're in a defense rules era.

I respectfully suggest the players and coaches put aside their mania for "field position" and negative tactics and cease the meaningless excuses and the erroneous platitudes that are offered. By the way, whatever happened to tap-penalty moves? Perhaps reconnection with the following might be relevant.

1. Insist that the ball carriers stay on their feet, make the ball available and that a ripper secures the ball and the other forwards drive from directly behind the ball. Take the ball to ground only when possession is assured. Perhaps this might assist in maintaining continuity and avoid turnovers and penalties.

2. Have all players receive short, soft passes at the gain line having approached from depth at top pace running parallel to the side line. It is the straight-running approach that causes defenders the greatest difficulty.

3. Have all players, particularly the backs, play closer together to enhance support, avoid isolation and assure the maintenance of possession.

4. Recognise no matter where positioned geographically on the field, utilise available space through counterattack, stressing the significance of swift realignment and close support.

The adage remains true: "Never speculate and pass to a player in a lesser position than oneself but never fail to pass to one in better position and then support him in turn." Adroit handling, contrary to common belief, is not a simple matter, and its skills need constant attention, particularly when under pressure. No team can play adequately until they master passing in front of support players who are moving at pace from depth.

#1 & #2 are the key for me. I don't understand why players are so determined to collapse to the ground. And I don't understand why nobody in the backs hits the advantage line at pace. It makes no sense. It doesn't help matters that our best back, Luke Burgess, has been demoted. Probably because he doesn't play the slow, deliberate, slow-it-down style !

 

[fatprop]

Collapsing to the ground protects the ball and limits turnovers as the blockers at the moment are generally allowed to close off.

 

[TOCC]

well staying on there feet would lessen the chance of a quick turnover but collapsing to the ball provides quicker ball, staying on your feet also means there is the chance you can be held up

 

[Pfitzy]

If you look at all levels of rugby, ripping the ball off a player on his feet is the quickest way for defenders to gain possession. Particularly with the use-or-lose rule at the maul, if you stay on your feet and support doesn't get to you instantly you're at a much higher risk of losing if compared to going to deck, taking your defender(s) with you, and having guys clear out.

 

[naza]

Collapsing to the ground protects the ball and limits turnovers as the blockers at the moment are generally allowed to close off.

The Tahs gave away 30 turnovers in their last game. Hard to top that !

Slow ball is useless ball. Staying on your feet gives support time to arrive and it gets you quick ball over the advantage line. What's the point of getting go forward when you have to start all over again when you take the ball to ground ?

 

[Pfitzy]

What's the point of staying on your feet when the opposition can get their hands on it, form a maul, and take the ball under use-or-lose?

The key thing here is support play: the Tahs don't have it either on the deck or in the air.