I never ever thought I would be pointing to a game between two South African franchises to indicate how well the game can be played. But last weekend’s Stormers v. Bulls game was a fantastic example of pace, skill, keeping the ball in hand, support play, power, accuracy – all the things you’d like to see in a game. I reckon that even though the Stormers lost at home, everyone at the tame would have enjoyed the performances.
On the other hand, compare that with the Brumbies v. Sharks game (which the Brumbies won and of course that’s a key aim). If this is Jake White’s main contribution to the rugby – his 2013 effort versus his 2014 – then we don’t need any more Jake White in the game! It reminds me of the 2007 World Cup final which must have been the worst exhibition of all the World Cup finals.
I’ve always thought the laws of the game provide ample opportunity to excite both the players and the spectators and produce something of value. It seems to me that through our passage in life we ought all want to produce something of value.
As far was the Aussie teams went, they all continue to offer something each game, with probably Queensland alone struggling most of the time (having said that, the Crusaders are playing very well). It’s possible, however, that a 30 man squad picked at the moment could contain no Reds. In my squad a few weeks ago I had four – Slipper, Genia, Davies, Simmons – but equally there could be arguments against each of them.
People question a lot of my selections (fair enough – selecting a rugby team isn’t an exact science) but I want players across the board who:
1 – understand and can implement the role of their position, and
2 – always contribute with a high work rate.
If we need any explanation of that – look at the Chiefs vs Blues match and witness at the contribution of each of the players across the pitch. There were a couple of Blues who fell short in implementation, but none fell short in contribution. Do the same for the Crusaders.
In the Aussie teams, have a look at Jones and Neville or Douglas and Skelton to see what they contribute. Indeed have a look at Matt Hodgson and his contribution. They’re the sorts of players who have to be considered and indeed if their implementation is up to requirement, included. This implementation is the reason I haven’t included Hodgson, not his contribution, which is excellent.
But I look at contribution first – can it produce the level of performance that would allow you to be part of a world cup team?
PS – Adam Coleman from Perth continues to produce. He probably carries the ball through the point of contact as well as Luke Jones. He ‘s not getting as much game time to make as much of a contribution, but if we can get that to come through he can bring us the contribution we want to get us where we want to go.
PPS – Can someone find me a back up scrum half to Nic White?
I was talking to Nick Farr-Jones about scrum half performance and he said that whenever he though his game had fallen down a notch, then he would ring John Rouen (ex Sydney University captain) and get him to come down to practice half and hour early, and spend 30 minutes with John evaluating Nick’s technique with ball off the ground and from the line out. Nick wouldn’t discuss any other part of my game because he knew if he got the fundamentals of the game right the rest would come together. Technique is paramount, it’s only when that is right that your innate talent can contribute to the performance.
