Wallabies: off-loading or oft spinning?

Quade Cooper made a comment this week about the Wallabies ability to be patient, which led to the wins against Italy and France on the recent Spring Tour.

He said that the Wallabies learned some lessons against the Azzurri:

“Like holding on to passes rather than going for the extra offload. We held on to the pill because we believed we could score in the next phase. And that was what happened against the French, those type of things really clicked in”.

His quote is interesting because when you examine the Wallaby stats for off-loads, there is no dramatic difference between these two matches.

Maybe it’s a perception thing and each game needs to be taken on its merits?

In fact, you’ll probably not be surprised when you look at the stats (see below) for all Wallaby international matches for 2010.

I think the number of off-loads is to some extent an indicator of the nature of each game i.e. the higher the number, the more expansive the play; however, the French test shoots me down on this theory – maybe there are aberrations?

Cooper could probably say this with some confidence because he’s the Wallaby who off-loads more than anybody. He’s good at it because he’s a ball player.

I’ve only got stats for individual players in a few games but QC regularly off-loads three or four times a match, Kurtley Beale comes a close second and the rest are also-rans.

Off-loading is a practiced skill and an attacking weapon. I’d like to say there’s a Wallaby who has demonstrated this more than anybody in 2010.

But no, sadly it’s our All Black mate Sonny Bill Williams (oh, we’re not mentioning him again are we?). How come he stands out?

His skill-set was developed in rugby league where there’s more one-on-one tackling in space. Not only is he tall, strong and has the ability to stay on his feet, he’s also got a wide wing-span and large mitts to control the ball one-handed.

He doesn’t just off-load, he actually passes the ball with one hand. It comes out of the back of his hand like Warnie – its spinning and it’s accurate.

He’s playing as a back in union and there’s less clutter in contact which allows him more opportunity to get rid of the ball in controlled circumstances.

If you watched the Canterbury ITM Cup games you’ll see how many times he buggered it up – zilch. Having decent support is also a prerequisite.

Continuity is important in the modern game. Off-loading is a point of difference and with accuracy of execution it can open up space behind the defensive line.

Defending sides don’t have time to reform. Mind you, the degree of difficulty gets harder when you’re playing the top sides and the style of rugby is more organised.

Off-loading isn’t a modern concept but its had a lot more air-time in the past ten or fifteen years.

Let’s face it, if you have to take the ball into a ruck or maul situation every time, that lessens your attacking armoury. Conversely, if you’re not dominant in contact why wouldn’t you try other options.

Off-loads keep the attack going forward as defenders get taken out of the play. A two on one situation is really the ideal.

An off-load can also sometimes buy time for a player who has become isolated. Good support, communication, an accurate ‘pop’ or pass and soft hands are the key.

Who’s good at it for Wallabies? Apart from QC, there’s actually nobody that stands out. George Smith used to be a player who could off-load in contact, but hey, George could do anything…..

Ummm, there’s thing-a-me-bob and…not forgetting…that other guy? I think Rocky is probably the standout forward for the Wallabies, and Squeaky for his support play.

Off-loading is a skill to be used in selective circumstances. The continuing maturity of the Wallabies will effect the ‘where and when’ of its use.

Wallaby Off-Loading Stats 2010