Qualifying Final: 2.Crusaders v 5.Reds 6/06

[Shiggins]

Not sure if this should go here or in the Wallabies threads but we need to talk about McDermott. I don’t think he’s shown anything that would suggest to Schmidt that he should start and I would argue he’s regressed.

I can't agree. Tate offers what no other 9s offer in attack. People complain he is slow at passing, that should be able to be coached in 1 day as he isn't a slow player. Who would U have in over him at wallabies level?

 

[Pfitzy]

I'm not doubting Mark's credentials,

Fight that urge.

 

[Major Tom]

I love Tate but we looked better when Thomas had the reins at the end there. I know the game was effectively dead but he just seemed to clear the ball far quicker. For me at test level Tate is better off the bench. His snipes are so much more effective against tired bodies. His pass is just too ineffective to be relied on for 60mins.

 

[Major Tom]

Thought at the time they should have brought Thomas on and played Tate at No 10. Would that have worked better?

Wouldn’t have gone worse

 

[Major Tom]

How many people actually thought he had the best roster? It was better than last year, and definitely better depth. But the benefit of depth is out the window when you have 15 or so injuries. In any case most people still thought the Brumbies had a better roster and there were plenty of people saying the Tahs roster was too.

You appear to have an axe to grind but I’m not sure your rationale is anywhere near as sound as you appear to think.

The injuries were so disruptive: 1. wallaby players not on the park 2. Cohesion.
Reds actually did well to maintain connection throughout the year. It was a constant change at hooker, prop, 2nd row, centre pairing, flyhalf. We basically had the crusaders 2024 injury run.

 

[Major Tom]

I didn’t mention coaches from any other team, let’s talk about the match

Absolute dross. No gameplan, not a single thing done uniquely to try and breakdown the Crusaders defence. Just spinning the ball around aimlessly like they always do. Got pelted in the set piece and we’re weak on the tackle

blaming the ref in a 20 point loss just doesn’t work

Crusaders are 30 from 30 in home finals. Let that sink in. I’d say no one has a game plan of how to beat them in Christchurch.

 

[Tomthumb]

That’s a pointless stat considering it includes how many different coaches and players

The loss itself isn’t the disappointment, it’s the poor performance. Just like last year in the QF

 

[Dan54]

I wonder if there is some concern on the number of head knocks young Lynagh has had this year? I haven't counted them, but he seems to be getting a few, if I was his family,I would suggest maybe he needs to be aware of the danger. Also is there something worng with his technigue at tackle time or is it just luck? Really interested to get opinions.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I think wallabies coaches have shown they’ve preferred White and now Gordon over him. His speed is undeniable off the bench and a weapon.

I predict by second half of next year there will be a strong number of people wanting Thomas as the Reds starting 9. He’s a better pure 9 in the traditional style and Tates impact off the bench could be what gives the Reds an edge in the big games.

 

[Adam84]

That’s a pointless stat considering it includes how many different coaches and players

The loss itself isn’t the disappointment, it’s the poor performance. Just like last year in the QF

Dam Tom, you’ve found more to say about a Reds loss than you did during the Tahs’ entire season of collapses

 

[fatprop]

Amazing from the start how Tate continually struggled to get the ball out, every ruck he had to mine for the ball

The forwards just failed to stop the saders turning them into a mess, and I expected some solution/change at least at half time, but no, despite allocating more units they still couldn't find a solution

 

[Dan54]

I just watching a replay now fp, and noticed that in general Crusaders are placing the ball an arms length back and perhaps the Reds have it close to their bodies. Making it easy for Hotham to clear it I think.

 

[Mark Panga]

What? Pushing? I mean, don't get me wrong - sounds radical if that is illegal now. I must have missed that in the pre-season GMGs meeting with the other refs.

I guess it’s old school v the current game. If from your observance what you saw was “pushing” in the first three scrums I can’t help you. Watching live at the ground and then on replay - there’s a different story.
Just as the rules are being applied more stringently in many areas - so too with scrums - and “doesn’t matter how you do it - push them - ha ha ha it’s the dark arts” isn’t supposed to fly anymore. These changes have developed for player safety, particularly front rows where their necks and spine are on the line.

Stats tell the tale and the Reds had the second best scrum success rate this Super Rugby season, second only to the Canes - and Zane and Sef started in the majority of them, and not by chance, specifically in those games against incumbent AB and Wallabies LHP and THP.
Consequently - those Stats tell me your assessment of Aussie THPs at scrummage time is not accurate.

 

[Pfitzy]

I just watching a replay now fp, and noticed that in general Crusaders are placing the ball an arms length back and perhaps the Reds have it close to their bodies. Making it easy for Hotham to clear it I think.

More clinical cleanout is my assessment - crusaders better physically on both sides of the ball

 

[Pfitzy]

guess it’s old school v the current game. If from your observance what you saw was “pushing” in the first three scrums I can’t help you

My wife was the last person to use the "well if you don't understand I'm not going to tell you".

Usually happens when she doesn't have sound reasoning.

Do better

 

[zer0]

Is scrum success rate the best general statistic of a scrum performance though? If you have a dominant scrum then you'll probably scrum for penalties more often. Ergo, scrum penalties won is probably a more accurate gauge of how dominant a scrum is. Last season, for e.g., the Blues were ~3rd for scrum success but clear first for scrum penalties won (iirc) and their scrum was an important weapon throughout the season.

They don't have that statistic on the Super Rugby website, but I suspect the Crusaders will be at the top of that metric this season. Especially when they have their full propping corps, which, to me as a scrummaging smooth brain, is quite clearly the best in Super Rugby.

 

[Mark Panga]

Clearly it’s a female thing - that males misunderstand !

Anyway - I’m sick of the player bashing on here - the Reds had a good season unfortunately plagued with injuries against important players. Better luck next year !

However - I do believe they will sorely miss both Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth who it appears both played their last Super Rugby game for the Reds yesterday. Both are tireless workers and excel at their grunt game. Blythy in particular is invaluable in the scrum. His weight and technique are a THP’s dream. If rumours are true and he is going to the Tahs, then Nella will rejoice at having Blythy behind him again in the scrum.
As a diehard Reds fan - thanks for your service Ryan and Blythy - you both did us proud !

Bring on Reds v Lions !

 

[Strewthcobber]

Is scrum success rate the best general statistic of a scrum performance though? If you have a dominant scrum then you'll probably scrum for penalties more often. Ergo, scrum penalties won is probably a more accurate gauge of how dominant a scrum is. Last season, for e.g., the Blues were ~3rd for scrum success but clear first for scrum penalties won (iirc) and their scrum was an important weapon throughout the season.

They don't have that statistic on the Super Rugby website, but I suspect the Crusaders will be at the top of that metric this season. Especially when they have their full propping corps, which, to me as a scrummaging smooth brain, is quite clearly the best in Super Rugby.

 

[LeCheese]

My wife was the last person to use the "well if you don't understand I'm not going to tell you".

Is this a threat or a promise? Do I hear GAGR wedding bells?

 

[Brumby Runner]

Few shit calls for the reds in the first half.

The Jordan non-release was a shocker. The only other player in the near vicinity was Fraser McReight who would otherwise have secured possession. IMO the most obvious missed penalty in the game.