The Red Baron
Chilla Wilson (44)
The Brumbies vs Rebels game tonight has underlined an issue that has been niggling me for quite some time now. Before I begin to fully dissect, I must add the disclaimer that I am venting.
Time and time again we see Australian encounters as 'dour'. Common themes present in Australian derbies include:
To me, the disparity of skill execution between NZ and Australian games is a direct result of our acceptance of mediocrity. This is not a conscious acceptance, rather a cultural acceptance. We admit to ourselves that NZ is better than us in rugby. And so the wheel turns.
Basic skill execution is a plague on Australian rugby. All of the above points listed are a direct result of attitude and execution. The problem is, Australian rugby players don't lack skill, relative to their counterparts (again I will use NZ, as they are a benchmark, and a point of convenience). Individual skills one for one are par. Where Australia lacks is in the execution of these skills. Although I have not checked the statistics, I would bet that Australian handling errors would far outweigh the tallies of our NZ and SA counterparts in the super 15. If correlated, I am sure that this would indicate that our collective skills are not up to standard. I define collective skills as the skill and execution of basic rugby on a team level. Additionally, our lack of execution in indirect skills (tactical kicking, gain line, decisions made in certain territorial positions, cleanout effectiveness) results in poorly executed rugby.
I would argue that Australian rugbys' lack of skill execution goes beyond coaching mechanisms. Collective skill execution is a result of an institutional problem. The institutional problem has not arisen from a single issue. Mass exposure, grass roots, internal politics and acceptance of mediocrity have all contributed to the institutional problem now faced by Australian rugby. The execution of skills is a direct result.
This has not always been the case. Australian rugby has always been marginalised in the wider community. However, the coping mechanisms coupled with generational players contributed to an increase of collective skills. How many times have a number of us (who are old enough) yearn for the Larkham pass, the Gregan spirit, the Eales lineout dominance, the Kearns tenacity, the Ella brothers ingenuity and the Campese brilliance? Yes, these, and many more, were generational players. The key difference is that that calibre of player also possessed collective skills. They executed their individual skillsets in a team environment.
Many of Australias' current players possess similar skill sets. However, as a result of institutional problems, they do not execute their individual skills. How many of us have rued a player kicking the ball when he should have run, the poor pass from the back of the ruck, the kick out on the full, the knock on at the ruck, ruck turnovers, passing the ball in an overlap, etc?
Australian players lack the agency to execute their individual skills nowadays, as they lack collective skills. The passive acceptance of mediocrity facilitates an untenable situation. We like to compare ourselves to the worlds best (NZ), yet fail to heed the lessons that they, and our own past, throw at us.
Well, that's my vent. It could be a combination of alcohol (caused by a elation of finally not having to study for a week!) and my indifference to the ongoing mediocre Australian derby encounters. I will accept any and all critiques and insights, as I know my rantings are not perfect.
Time and time again we see Australian encounters as 'dour'. Common themes present in Australian derbies include:
- Poor tactical kicking
- Poor Accuracy at the breakdown
- Limited use of width
- Inability or unwillingness to back your abilities
- Constant infringement
- Lack of continuity
- Poor decision making
To me, the disparity of skill execution between NZ and Australian games is a direct result of our acceptance of mediocrity. This is not a conscious acceptance, rather a cultural acceptance. We admit to ourselves that NZ is better than us in rugby. And so the wheel turns.
Basic skill execution is a plague on Australian rugby. All of the above points listed are a direct result of attitude and execution. The problem is, Australian rugby players don't lack skill, relative to their counterparts (again I will use NZ, as they are a benchmark, and a point of convenience). Individual skills one for one are par. Where Australia lacks is in the execution of these skills. Although I have not checked the statistics, I would bet that Australian handling errors would far outweigh the tallies of our NZ and SA counterparts in the super 15. If correlated, I am sure that this would indicate that our collective skills are not up to standard. I define collective skills as the skill and execution of basic rugby on a team level. Additionally, our lack of execution in indirect skills (tactical kicking, gain line, decisions made in certain territorial positions, cleanout effectiveness) results in poorly executed rugby.
I would argue that Australian rugbys' lack of skill execution goes beyond coaching mechanisms. Collective skill execution is a result of an institutional problem. The institutional problem has not arisen from a single issue. Mass exposure, grass roots, internal politics and acceptance of mediocrity have all contributed to the institutional problem now faced by Australian rugby. The execution of skills is a direct result.
This has not always been the case. Australian rugby has always been marginalised in the wider community. However, the coping mechanisms coupled with generational players contributed to an increase of collective skills. How many times have a number of us (who are old enough) yearn for the Larkham pass, the Gregan spirit, the Eales lineout dominance, the Kearns tenacity, the Ella brothers ingenuity and the Campese brilliance? Yes, these, and many more, were generational players. The key difference is that that calibre of player also possessed collective skills. They executed their individual skillsets in a team environment.
Many of Australias' current players possess similar skill sets. However, as a result of institutional problems, they do not execute their individual skills. How many of us have rued a player kicking the ball when he should have run, the poor pass from the back of the ruck, the kick out on the full, the knock on at the ruck, ruck turnovers, passing the ball in an overlap, etc?
Australian players lack the agency to execute their individual skills nowadays, as they lack collective skills. The passive acceptance of mediocrity facilitates an untenable situation. We like to compare ourselves to the worlds best (NZ), yet fail to heed the lessons that they, and our own past, throw at us.
Well, that's my vent. It could be a combination of alcohol (caused by a elation of finally not having to study for a week!) and my indifference to the ongoing mediocre Australian derby encounters. I will accept any and all critiques and insights, as I know my rantings are not perfect.
