How would you define the AB's game style at the moment?
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@westcoastie I'd describe it as reactive.
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I've been convinced we've been playing within ourselves this season - I think it's a bit like the pool games during the WC where we definitely kept our powder dry.
Even so, we're still playing badly at the game plan we're playing, which sucks eggs and balls.
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@nostrildamus
Personally don't think reactive is a good space to be in. We definitely haven't dictated terms enough this year. -
@nepia
But keeping our powder dry two years out from the RWC?Maybe my expectation that we can deliver a brutally efficient game style (such as the first test v BIL, first half v Wallabies in Sydney) and that we can do that for a full 80min isn't realistic.
Frustrating watching us do some things very clinically and clock up the points and then just stop doing whats working.
Watching the replay on Prime right now, the first half, we mostly controlled the game - whatever Cheika did in the shed worked very well.
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Which would've just been "stop kicking aimlessly, you aussie mongs"
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I'd also like to see us get un-involved with the niggle. Let the score-board do the talking. Bloody iPhone generation - too easily distracted.
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@westcoastie there was a moment in the match when Coles cleaned past the ball, and then I think 3 Wobblies started to niggle him and he had to give each of them a push.
As to the topic...Crusader-ball circa 2015, lots of side to side rugby expecting an individual moment but ending with minimal penetration or creativity.
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@taniwharugby
I wouldn't mind seeing Codie Taylor be given a few more starts, with Coles dropping to the bench. CT went really well vs the BIL I thought...Ahh was that the Crusader vintage where Toddy wouldn't play DC at 10?
Its mostly coming back to leadership ain't it?
I was going to state that things are starting to smack of Hansen getting too cute with selections, but then the loss v Ireland, BIL & Aussie were all our best available teams at the time.We've had such a golden run of it since late 2009, and mostly since that EOYT 2004...it wouldn't hurt to cop a couple of losses per year - its been our historical average anyway - although I'd rather we just keep winning.
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Record since Chicago last year...
Played 15, 11w-1d-3l record.
The expected big wins over Italy & Samoa, typical margins over Argentina (15-20pt margins), 1x big win over Sth Africa, 1x big 50min vs Australia.
Other victories over Ireland, France, SA, Aust. & BIL by varying degrees of closeness
Losses were by 3, 5 & 11pts.So losing 1 in 5 in the last year, vs 1 per year for the last 10 years...
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I think the ABs are trying to change their style/game plan based on where they think the rules/interpretations of rules are currently at in order to really hit their straps in 2019.
I think what I saw yesterday was the ABs lowering their point of impact in tackles for example. A lot more "ankle cutters" or waist high hits, rather than the previous chest high attempt at a dominant tackle. This means the opposition will get dropped but will have the chance to off load/recycle but also means less chance of an AB YC/RC from a poor (or slipped up) tackle. This may mean that while we continue to expect both backs and forwards to be able to play the jackal, we have to rethink the openside role again....but I think Cane would adapt if necessary, just like McCaw adapted to a changing role over time.
I think also the ABs think pace/elusiveness is the answer to a new style of game and this smothering rush defense but have yet to figure out the rest of what that game means. Their non-injury/retirement/off-to-Europe-to-earn-big-euro forced picks kinda suggest this. DMac brings elusiveness. Reiko brings pace.
The problem is that when trying to find a new style game, shit happens, players get selected that might remind you of Ben Blair style midgets but I guess its good they are trying to move the game forward while everyone else (looking at you England) tries to be what the ABs used to be.
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Going low in the tackle situation makes sense. We did make up for it by more than smashing a few aussies last night...
Going to be interesting to see how our 12-13-14-15 and bench make up settles.
I think 9-10-11 Aaron, BB, Rieko is our clear best if available.But whe ends up our first choice midfield of SBW, Crotty, ALB, Laumape, Goodhue will be interesting (i just hope they get time to settle and form a combo as only Crotty & Goodhue are in the same Super team - so don't get that Nonu & Conrad luxury of developing a combo at lower levels.
Then our 14-15 from Dagg, Dmac, Ben Smith, JordieB, Havili, Naholo - wow.I think Dmac will be our bench option moving forwards (playing the 2015 BB super-sub role) Ben Smith stays if current form continues to 2019. I think we're better served with Jordie at the back...
I would like to throw a Laumape/Jordie 12-13 combo in from left-field...Jordie says he prefers midfield...I'd like to see it at super level at least.
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@westcoastie said in How would you define the AB's game style at the moment?:
I would like to throw a Laumape/Jordie 12-13 combo in from left-field...Jordie says he prefers midfield...I'd like to see it at super level at least.
How is Jordie's tackling at 15?
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@nostrildamus I'd say not bad, but he pulls off some outrageous clangers. Loves face-butting the turf.
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@cgrant said in How would you define the AB's game style at the moment?:
The ABs dominance upfront relies mostly on BBBR. Without him, the AB forwards are struggling. Not having him and BB against Australia were the decisive factors in the defeat IMO. Everything seems easier when they are on the paddock.
Not just Retallick, but let’s not underestimate the work that Moody and Franks do in the tackle and at the ruck. Both our first choice props are far more physical and effective than the two that started last night. Not that they aren’t good players, but it’s a big step down IMO. Add to that the ball playing (both) and running (Moody).
We didn’t see much of the short passing game between forwards that has been an important feature for us breaking the defensive line and getting metres up the middle. Franks, Moody and Retallick are all used in those plays.
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Staid. Stale.
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Is it a tactic of Smith to slow it down at ruck time and not pass the ball until he has his offensive line in position?
TJ seemed to have more speed at clearing tucks whereas Smith likes to yell and set it up. I just wonder if that gives the opposition time to setup.
Guess this can also come down to the forwards breaking the advantage line and presenting go forward ball.
The fact SBW made so few metres tends to indicate the D line was well set and he was just running into a wall.
We seem very bi-polar this year, brilliance mixed with complete shit.
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Tbf add in Moody, Frank's, BBBR, BB, Dagg and BFA and it changes quite a bit.
