Australian Rugby / RA

[Slim 293]

even the Brumbies have regressed since the White era, I fail to see any area where there has been a marked improvement in the Brumbies play over the past few years.

Maaaaaate, since White (and Fisher) left we friggin' maul it like a boss............

 

[cyclopath]

I am told that too many Negroni can effect hearing..and sight..and possibly vertical stability.

It was the SFS. I was drinking shitty cider.

 

[RedsHappy]

Didn't hear a lot where I was sitting. But I wasn't "listening " for it. Must have been too busy enjoying myself!

Are the famous lyrics of 'The Boxer' apt?

 

[RedsHappy]

Leading the Australian Conference. Being the turd that floats in the effluent. Even in the worst performing conference, with teams like the Rebels and the Tahs who have shipped a record number of points this year their PD is what? +10 or so, and making the finals every year when one is guaranteed is a massive accomplishment.

Yes it is a bad thing, because surely some positive results would or should be a requirement for the job. As I've said perhaps a team missing fundamental basics like an effective exit strategy (which hasn't been there for a few years now) is an indicator of how well they are currently being coached.

Maybe, just maybe we could look outside the carpark.

The other unforgivable aspect of markedly low ARU competence in all this is that the announced 'anointing' of Larkham as the next Wallaby HC has occurred with zero process to rigorously conduct an open, advertised global search for alternative Wallaby HC candidates of the required calibre and therefrom an equally rigorous process to assess those candidates objectively and thoroughly before any final HC choice was made.

This is before we even consider the equally important matter of whether or not Larkham has yet displayed the qualities in his Wallaby 'attack' coaching duties that positively indicate his suitability for the Wallaby HC role.

 

[Gnostic]

It was the SFS. I was drinking shitty cider.

Will that be the Pear or the Apple sir? ...... #Sugar Coma

 

[James Pettifer]

Some stats for the 10 losses under Cheika (ex-All Blacks)

Aus outscored opponents 26 tries to 25 (!)
17 conversions to 24
17 penalty goals to 38

#needtofindakicker

Pretty simple. Get Hodge to practice kicking until the cows come home. If a penalty comes which is by any means kickable kick for goal (some exceptions if you need more than 3 points but it would have to be late in the game)

I've never understood our desire to try for the 25% chance of the 5/7 points instead of the 90% chance of the 3 points.

 

[Teh Other Dave]

It was the SFS. I was drinking shitty cider.

There's any other kind of cider?

 

[cyclopath]

There's any other kind of cider?

Occasionally, a good one can be found, but generally, no. Alas, options are somewhat limited at football grounds if one cannot drink shitty beer.

 

[I like to watch]

^^^^you don't have a hip flask?

 

[Brumby Runner]

Not jumping in to defend Larkham unduly, but the ARU and all the Super Rugby franchises here have been consistent in selecting home grown coaches after conducting world-wide searches. It is a cultural thing, born in the experiences of John Mitchell and Robbie Deans I think. And the general outcry from the fans towards the end of Deans' appointment was deafening - no more overseas coaches.

I'm just saying that of the current coaching staff of the Aus conferences, which is where I think the ARU have limited their considerations following Cheika's announced departure after the RWC, Larkham is the only one with any runs on the board at all. He probably won't be an improvement on Cheika, who to say the least has a very poor overall record, but I certainly don't want any of TT, Gibson, Gray, or Stiles in charge of the Wallabies. Maybe Wessells in time, but has yet to establish himself at Super Rugby level.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

SMH confirming Pulver will go if "they" will it and that he is not interested in doing this beyond his present contract.

 

[jimmydubs]

This is before we even consider the equally important matter of whether or not Larkham has yet displayed the qualities in his Wallaby 'attack' coaching duties that positively indicate his suitability for the Wallaby HC role.

Cannot agree more. It also suggests they think everything is great and they just need to 'transition' to the next HC whilst maintaining all this gloriousness that surrounds the team. Instead of, for example, getting a broom and sweeping out the HC who now says they aren't getting up for it (ie he can't do his job), the defence coach who can't get a super team loaded with wallabies to be anything but a sieve and the attack coach who managed to make our great team less dangerous than Scotland.

 

[wamberal]

Pretty simple. Get Hodge to practice kicking until the cows come home. If a penalty comes which is by any means kickable kick for goal (some exceptions if you need more than 3 points but it would have to be late in the game)

I've never understood our desire to try for the 25% chance of the 5/7 points instead of the 90% chance of the 3 points.

We need more than Hodge as a kicker. We need several options, in case of lack of form or injury.

Going for the 5/7 is sometimes a good option, but building points in the first half in particular, seems to be a habit that good teams follow.

In any case, the sheer threat of an opposition kicker who can actually perform consistently has an effect on the tactics of the other team.


As does the presence of at least two good kickers out of hand, as I have pointed out on several occasions.

 

[James Pettifer]

We need more than Hodge as a kicker. We need several options, in case of lack of form or injury.

Going for the 5/7 is sometimes a good option, but building points in the first half in particular, seems to be a habit that good teams follow.

In any case, the sheer threat of an opposition kicker who can actually perform consistently has an effect on the tactics of the other team.


As does the presence of at least two good kickers out of hand, as I have pointed out on several occasions.

True. A second kicker is always useful (ah for the days when we had a lock as a backup kicker).

There is clearly some cases where 5/7 is a good option but most of the time, I'd take the 3 points. I think Australian teams just need to be better at taking the points.

You are completely right on the opposition kicker having a massive impact on the tactics of the other team. Particularly if they are able to kick from long range. Hodge can kick from half way and that then puts pressure on the opposition to not infringe in their own half.

I personally don't understand the concept of having a full back who basically can't kick. It is an essential criteria for the role. We then get to the point where the scrum half is trying to clear.

Of course, it could be worse, could be Koroibete kicking ....

Surely though, anyone who is in the back line should be expected to kick the ball from hand. It's not that hard - this is their job. There are over 600 players in the AFL who have worked it out how to do it.

 

[RedsHappy]

It's all catching on now:

"Australian rugby losing appeal after decade of calamitous administration"

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-19/australian-rugby-losing-appeal/8629202

 

[TGFan]

We're too slow, way under fitness and lack mongrel. We just don't do things at the same speed as NZ or on the weekend Scotland (except when Cooper came on).

Who is our S&C coach? Why can't the ARU pull out $2.5k and outfit the squad with proper lifting shoes? The ABs do. They have probably the greatest S&C coach. Look at the below. We look frigging ammeter and this is just in the gym, let alone ball skill.

First photo is an all black gym session. Every bloke is in proper lifting shoes.

Second photo is us.

In no way shape or form am I saying that a change in shoes will improve performance on field. That's ridiculous. My point is that from a sheer professional point of view we look second rate in every aspect. From ball handling, speed, fitness, option taking all the way up to senior management.

Get Keegan Smith - Rooster 2013 S&C coach. He turned cellar dwellers in 2012 into premiership winners in 2013 - not just through physical but mental as well/ I think that a major part where we fall down.

When Sam Cane / Kaino / Ardie hit, people stay hit. I feel like we're powderpuff. This post is out of frustration more than anything. We need some Rocky type old school toughness.

 

[wamberal]

Rocky played a season of league. Maybe that's part of the reason.

 

[KevinO]

Unconfirmed:

Wallabies v Ireland, Melbourne June 16th 2018

(The Wallabies may have already booked there hotel)

 

[Braveheart81]

Unconfirmed:

Wallabies v Ireland, Melbourne June 16th 2018

(The Wallabies may have already booked there hotel)

We were talking on Saturday night that Ireland made by far the most sense to tour in June next year based on who has toured in recent years.

 

[KevinO]

We were talking on Saturday night that Ireland made by far the most sense to tour in June next year based on who has toured in recent years.

2008 was the last time they came to Australia I think.