RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland
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Does anyone have stats on how often >1 back gets injured per game? I can only assume SA know this and let’s say the odds are 5-10% you then weigh up the benefit of 2 full forward packs pretty much going hard for 40 minutes each.
Ultimately it’s a gamble but what this does say is SA don’t really think impact backs have that much value in the current test meta but the forwards do.
I have to admit I largely agree, there are not many ABs back reserves that are better than the starters that can turn the game. Maybe DMac as a point of difference but really I have long wondered if the back reserves actually add impact or simply hinder the cohesiveness.
Of course BB of old and a few others used to but with Forwards now dominating the game I applaud SA for playing to their strengths.
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@Halfout said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
Everyone is focusing on the possibility of them losing a back, but what happens if they replace all but one of their pack and then lose a couple of forwards in the second half. Do they pull the old blood or HIA stroke, or do they stick a back in there?
That could happen with a 6-2 as they like to change the whole lot at once
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@Derm-McCrum said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
I read in Irish media this morning there's a possibility that van der Flier may be dropped to the bench in favour of Beirne taking the 6 slot, O'Mahony at 7 and young McCarthy as TH lock to partner Ryan.
Big call
VdF is a significantly better player than POM
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@mariner4life said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
@Derm-McCrum said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
I read in Irish media this morning there's a possibility that van der Flier may be dropped to the bench in favour of Beirne taking the 6 slot, O'Mahony at 7 and young McCarthy as TH lock to partner Ryan.
Big call
VdF is a significantly better player than POM
Horses for courses
Ireland to contain SA rather than play the Ireland way?
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Playing a slow blindside at openside is a terribly negative option.
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@Duluth said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
If Kwagga does need to play in the backs where would he play? 12? Wing?
Back in his 7s days he played both as a forward and out wide. I reckon they’d keep him in the midfield. He’s not the biggest guy but he packs a punch.
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I don’t really understand how people think this is unfair or if ads are not within the spirit of the game.
Sa are playing to their strengths and playing to they way the game is today.
2 hour plus stop start rugby games and big emphasis on set piece and kicking and playing without the ball mean that SA can get away with it.
Fair play to them.
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To be honest I think the concern is that a 7:1 split will encourage bigger NFL style forwards who will blow themselves out in 45/50 minutes, leading to bigger collisions and more head injuries, rather than SA not playing fair. I think it’s a justifiable concern at a time when the health of players and the potential financial impact for World Rugby and individual Unions are major worries.
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@MiketheSnow said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
@NTA said in RWC Week 3: Springboks v Ireland:
Le Croc Sportif
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The 7-1. Most first tier teams have athletes out there who are the fittest that have ever been out on the field. How many first class games should each one of these players be playing per year? 354045??? Player management within full squad … Coupled with injuries and the return from injury... Players in form... It’s a squad game these days. And we are very blessed to have very decent depth. Rassie is just using it within laws.7-1 is pretty cooked 😂 But what do I know about player management in the professional era….🤷🏼♂️We will all know shortly if the gamble paid off or not …🤞🏻
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And as I say, the game as it is today plays into their hands. If the game was different then they would have a different composition.
I don’t think SA’s bench is the problem around big munters, big collisions player welfare. It is an outcome of the game we have today.
The game needs radical change of it is to get away from the current power based obsession and advantage it provides
