A Reality Check

England received criticism for failing to adapt their game plan against the Welsh last Saturday. They continued to kick to Wales' back three although they were dominating the lineout and clearly needed to keep the ball in hand and bring attacking players like May and Tuilagi into the game. However, they stuck to their game plan against Ireland by out kicking the Irish and keeping the ball at the fringes of the defensive line whilst competing physically and outmuscling them.
So credit has to go to Gatland for coaching the Welsh discipline and managing the referee namely by massively widening the gap at the lineout. They kept the ball for multiple phases for the Hill try and although it wasn't pretty, it was functional. Where the disappointment lies with England is the lack of leadership displayed by Farrell in not getting the players round and discussing different ways to play. Jones also proved too reticent to make subs, for example the fabled Robson could've come on and added energy to England's all too lethargic attack.
England fans shouldn't be worried England's issue can be easily fixed by introducing a plan B or an open attitude to playing and for most of the game Wales didn't look close to scoring from open play. The 6 Nations are still winnable but there's still work to do before Japan in the Autumn.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Schools Rugby: A Treatise

Having completed my schooling this spring in inauspicious and extraordinary circumstances it was unsurprising that many of my favourite memories were undoubtedly from my rugby days, the disappointment the cancellation of the Schools' Cup Final. This reflection lead me to consider my amazing experience at school but also schools rugby in general and where it stands. The obvious place to start for me was the competitions like the Schools' Cup. It occurred to me that in the RFU's attempt to make a more inclusive game, certainly a positive step, the number of cups up for grabs had become too cluttered, Cup, Vase, Bowl and Plate all to be won with the Champions Trophy at U18. I understand that it is important for success to be accessible but the panoply of prizes on offer dilutes the competition with the Cup having less and less schools, it does not have the fairy tale of rounds of 4 or 5 years ago, however for most lads and certainly myself it remains the pinnacle. It brings u
Read more

The ABC Club

On Saturday we played a passionate Cranleigh side. A fire and brimstone game, to nil Cranleigh was a great achievement considering they were in our half for most of the second period. However, the game demonstrated the changing nature of the front row and how the front row has gone from powerful meatheaded players to more skilful, well rounded footballers. One got an interception try and the 2 others (including myself!) with good assists using silky hands and offloading. You can draw parallels from the performance on saturday to current successful front rowers. The pugnacious Brian Moore and Keith Wood-esque players have been replaced with the dynamism, agility and ball-handling ability of the likes of Sinckler, Coles and Furlong. The changing nature of the sport requires more multi-dimensional players that can adapt to a plethora of situations such as passes 'out the back' and stepping into back's moves. However, the basic staples of scrummaging and lineout work are stil
Read more