Wallaby playing Style

[It is what it is]

The most concerning aspect of our playing style is the lack of productivity when in possession against quality teams.
The longer we have the ball the less likely we are to;
- penetrate the defensive line
- gain territory
- score points
- gain a penalty
- kick effectively

The longer we have the ball the more likely we are to;
- exhaust ourselves before the opposition tire
- turn it over or lose the feed for a scrum
- lose territory
- concede a penalty
- kick ineffectively

NZ and SA thrive on building pressure through retained possession and England and France also play their best with multiple phases.
Why can't Australia?

 

[Dave Beat]

Pocock is far superior to Hooper as a fetcher and providing physicality at the breakdown.. Pocock also plays the very critical role of protecting the wallaby ball.. This can't be underestimated especially when RD plays guys like Palu who are more impact style players rather then workmanlike. Look at the French game where the Wallabies lose numerous turnovers for a perfect example of not protecting your own ball.

Hooper is far superior in the attacking role, he has tremendous leg drive and acceleration unmatched in the wallaby forwards. This provides the Wallabies with greater attacking threat around the breakdown especially when Genia isn't playing..


Soo. They are both distinctly different players in the same position, who starts will depend on the opposition and availability of players in other positions..

TOCC - agree on the above, and your thoughts a bit further back in regards to dominance of forward pack and mitigating this. Spot on. As I mentioned just above we appear to have the same game plan whether playing # 1, or # 12 in the world rankings.
As for choice in 7, I'd go for Hoops for the attacking qualities he brings. As I agreed Pocock is supperior in D as a fetcher and being strong over the ball, I just wish we didnt kick as much, it's like going to the park and sending a dog to go out and fetch the ball.

 

[Dave Beat]

The most concerning aspect of our playing style is the lack of productivity when in possession against quality teams.


NZ and SA thrive on building pressure through retained possession and England and France also play their best with multiple phases.
Why can't Australia?

Why - game plan, as TOCC said above mitigant foward dominance, or lack of, know the oposition and structure a suitable game, have 1 - 22 know that game, by playing the right angles, and position on the park, the team can go forward and build the required pressure.

I've seen stats posted with regards to # of tries.
I'd love to see stats with regards to number of phases
7 phases.
10 phases.
15 phases.
I would be curious.

 

[Quick Hands]

Soo. They are both distinctly different players in the same position, who starts will depend on the opposition and availability of players in other positions..

Assuming that the coach/selectors take such matters into consideration. Or perhaps even a coherent game plan. It it what it is, has provided correct and damning analysis of Wallabies in possession.