Wales, a country honed on attacking quality, have completely lost the plot. Attacking skills are unused, while circle balls (loops) are a memory of yesteryear. While the senior team were trounced 43-0 in Paris on Friday (Jan 31), their Under-20s also lost by 63-19 to France.
While the French can play however they want and still win easily, Italy will go into this coming Saturday’s (Feb 8) match against Wales very much capable of securing a win.
Elsewhere, England cannot play fluently for 80 minutes, evident in the 27-22 loss to Ireland. They need to revisit the principles of team play, but before that change the coach. Ireland, meanwhile, bloodied a new fly-half in Sam Prendergast and he shows genuine potential.
Scotland, 31-19 winners over Italy, missed captain Sione Tuipulotu’s direct play but still appear threatening.
TEAM PLAY
An international team consists of talented players. Games can be won by individual brilliance even in the absence of effective team play. Patterns of attack must be learned and practised and key players will see when a particular pattern can be used. The roll of the “playmaker” is important, someone who will have good vision and understanding of his team’s capabilities. However, the playmaker will not override the individual reacting to cues that trigger the individual to use his skill in a particular situation.
Using the ball is a blend of understanding with attitude; of team awareness with individual virtuosity; of practised patterns with spontaneous reaction. The blending is elusive and short-lived.
DECISION MAKING
Some players are better at choosing options for themselves rather than the team. Some players might not recognise an alternative option, which can apply to both the ball carrier and the support player. Some players have little faith in their teammates.
Instinctive play has personal rewards. Hesitate and you are “dead”. France captain Antoine Dupont is the perfect example of an instinctive player, yet at times it appears he can check his instinct and look for another option.
Alex Mitchell is a player who has made the England scrum half position his own, yet against Ireland his indecision cost England dearly. When he plays instinctively, he is super effective but when he hesitates he ruins the flow of any attack.
Flow is probably a word we should consider more when designing our training nights, sessions and practices. Do our practices develop into aspects of team play. Can we affect the flow by attacking the drift defence, win quick ball, then continue the flow? Flow can be initiated from any situation; turn-over ball, kick return, restarts. Quick pick and drives can alter the flow, enticing defenders, before moving the ball to faster waters.
On a lighter note, I read fuelling a squad of 36 England players for one week requires: 2,100 eggs; 200 lb of berries; 450 lb of bananas; 350 lb of potatoes; 50lb of pasta; 600 pints of milk. And even then, it doesn’t guarantee a win!
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.