Round 9 Bulls V Reds - Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

[LearningCurve]

I think the Bulls game plan wasn’t what the Reds expected

The Bulls game plan wasn't what I expected but I haven't watched any of their previous games this year (and I assume that Thorn has). Really strong running by the Bulls, stretching the defence and using the ball and multiple players at all times running with the ball. Some of their passing wasn't great but they scrambled to clean it up. The Reds on the other hand seemed limited in their attack with one off runners. Maybe they expected the Bulls to just kick it.

 

[liquor box]

I think our forwards have terrible handling skills. This is highlighted by the number of times they are trying to link the ball to each other. The simply don't have the skills required and any game plan needs to account for this.

We need to go very old school and have forwards who don't think about a pass but think about getting in position to make contact and recycle the ball as fast as possible to keep the opponent on the back foot. Forwards to run forward and retain the ball.

The backs can be used to pass the ball and move the direction of play and where practical spread the ball wide for backline movements.

Our backs seem to line up for the ball and constantly have props trying the link the ball from the 10 to 12 instead of just throwing a cut out pass or just getting out o the way.

 

[Dctarget]

I think our forwards have terrible handling skills. This is highlighted by the number of times they are trying to link the ball to each other. The simply don't have the skills required and any game plan needs to account for this.

We need to go very old school and have forwards who don't think about a pass but think about getting in position to make contact and recycle the ball as fast as possible to keep the opponent on the back foot. Forwards to run forward and retain the ball.

The backs can be used to pass the ball and move the direction of play and where practical spread the ball wide for backline movements.

Our backs seem to line up for the ball and constantly have props trying the link the ball from the 10 to 12 instead of just throwing a cut out pass or just getting out o the way.

Agreed. This morning LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) trucked it up a lot with an eye to offload, but the other forwards just weren't there to link up.

 

[dru]

I think our forwards have terrible handling skills. This is highlighted by the number of times they are trying to link the ball to each other. The simply don't have the skills required and any game plan needs to account for this.

Well yes but this is a generalisation - I see occasional excellent handling inconsistently.

We need to go very old school and have forwards who don't think about a pass but think about getting in position to make contact and recycle the ball as fast as possible to keep the opponent on the back foot. Forwards to run forward and retain the ball.

The backs can be used to pass the ball and move the direction of play and where practical spread the ball wide for backline movements.

Our backs seem to line up for the ball and constantly have props trying the link the ball from the 10 to 12 instead of just throwing a cut out pass or just getting out o the way.

Well if I broaden your statement to the front row this includes Tupou and BPA/Mafi. What is wrong with that? I'd be developing these guys in that link roll, Dane Coles style.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Jock Campbell > Jack Hardy.

 

[EagleTown]

Jock Campbell > Jack Hardy.

Tom Pincus > Jock Campbell > Jack Hardy

A man can dream right?

 

[RugbyReg]

Jock Campbell > Jack Hardy.

agree, and Aidan Toua.

Will be interesting what we run out this weekend. Sefa back I guess. Duncan and CFS in the centres and one of those three on the wing really worry me.

Meanwhile:

Hamish Stewart of the Reds has been issued with a Warning for contravening Law Law 9.12: A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone, during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Reg, is that Law 9.12 verbatim? Is it all right to abuse another player during the week?

EDIT : What precisely did Stewart do? Or is this all a wind up?

 

[RugbyReg]

Reg, is that Law 9.12 verbatim? Is it all right to abuse another player during the week?

EDIT : What precisely did Stewart do? Or is this all a wind up?

that's the quote from the SANZAR press release. Similar to the ASY (Angus Scott-Young) on Slipper. Attempted clear out at the ruck, they reviewed on field thinking he may have struck with his forearm. Nothing in it, warning apt, but perhaps the Reds need to work on their technique.

 

[Braveheart81]

Reg, is that Law 9.12 verbatim? Is it all right to abuse another player during the week?

EDIT : What precisely did Stewart do? Or is this all a wind up?

The law is also quoted in the same press release.

Law 9.12: A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes but is not limited to biting, punching,contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm,shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.


The bit Reg quotes is saying he contravened the law in Super Rugby over the weekend. The law doesn't just apply to Super Rugby games played on weekends.

 

[Finsbury Girl]

Some really dumb football from QLD and again too many errors leading to turnovers.

They let the bulls dictate the pace of the game, which they did quite nicely, running from the bulls was first class. By comparison we were pedestrian. Needed to keep it tight play percentage football. Tried to go wide without being on the front foot.

Hardy has some serious gas, he's a young pup his defence and alignment will get better with experience at this level.

As with the rest of the season, looked good in patches then some serious lapses of concentration.

 

[liquor box]

Well yes but this is a generalisation - I see occasional excellent handling inconsistently.



Well if I broaden your statement to the front row this includes Tupou and BPA/Mafi. What is wrong with that? I'd be developing these guys in that link roll, Dane Coles style.

I would be developing them too, on the training paddock until they are capable of performing in Super Rugby.