Thanks for that USA Rugger. Nothing could illustrate the point between counter rucking an "on baller" activity. One thing that was apparent from the video was that most counter rucks take place very soon after the tackle, if not immediately, and when the defending ruck players are static and isolated.
My points regarding counter rucking V on ball activity remain and are a significant question when selecting for backrow balance and overall tactics.
Also Rassie, if you read again what I posted you will see that I have already said that if the laws were fully enforced with regard to the breakdown (as discussed with regard to the scrum) on ballers activities would largely be illegal. The interpretation to allow it is in milliseconds between their hands on and ruck formation. You can take the view that the Wallabies cheated better in the RWC if you wish, or the Irish in that game, but the fact remain a good coach and tactician will select and devise a mode of play to remove the referee from the game. Lawrence was largely a known quantity in the game and the Bok should have had a plan in place to address the situation that removed Brussow. Similarly the Wallabies went into the Ireland game with McCalman playing 7, but they played much the same way as they would have with an "on ball" 7 when they didn't have anybody with that skill set. McCalman copped a lot of ire for that performance when it was the incompetence of the coach which should have been held to account. The selection of McCalman could have worked if the game plan had been modified to take into account the lack of on-ball skills.
