6 Nations Legacy
With the 6 Nations over for another year, Mike Penistone looks at the state of each of the major Northern Hemisphere teams and what might need to change ahead of the World Cup later this year.
The first line of Bob Dylan’s, It’s All Over Now Baby Blue, sums it all up.
“You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last.”
So, what do the respective national coaches take away from this year’s 6 Nations.
The form teams Ireland and France are playing well enough to win the World Cup. Keeping the pot boiling may be a negative that threatens consistency. And that consistency may be all mental, not physical.
Wales know their senior players aren’t good enough. Some young players have been introduced but finding a blend of old and new is the key issue, as is a new captain?
Scotland know they can be competitive. Russell is Ireland's Sexton. He will need to be at his best because Ireland and South Africa are in the same group, so little protection available for him.
Italy are lacking in big match experience, but if France and New Zealand are off their game, Italy can surprise them, they are on the improve. Their forwards are well coached and abrasive.
England - Borthwick, I’m sure will appreciate he cannot play Farrell at 12 and he is a kick-only 10. He might like to consider a quote from Brian Ashton, “Let’s be a team that wins by scoring tries.” Ford may solve the problems at fly-half, with Steward on the right wing? More ambition please.
Squad selection issues will focus the mind for all coaches, here’s 4.
- Bolters, players who suddenly play outstandingly well.
- Young talented players are coming through.
- Players returning from long injuries.
- Late playing combinations that are successful.
Some consideration must be given to rugby’s missing skills.
- Hit, spin, accelerate away.
- Hit, spin offload. (Support players should always expect an offload.)
- Circle ball. (Loop) Very important that the pass receiver takes the ball forward first so the looping player can receive the ball at pace running ahead..
- Cut out pass selection. When is it better to go through the hands?
- Lets have some more creativity, 5 meters out please. A tap and run forwards is hardly breathtaking!
France demonstrated that the basics executed perfectly can produce outstanding play and ultimately winning performances.
Some of the attacking play I’m seeing in Australian rugby league this season has been of the highest quality. Passing accuracy, timing of the pass, done at pace, numbers in support, exhilarating stuff, just like Penaud's final French try against England. Food for thought.
I think it is time to accept players have got too big!
Bath v Exeter last weekend was like a game in the Land of the Giants.
Not too many years ago SAQ was the hot message…we need to get back to it!
Pre world cup warm up games will throw another spanner into the works. There will be injuries as well as many of the points already raised.
Exciting times ahead, I hope!
Mike Penistone
Www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com
Coaching thought.
“I like Eddie Jones stressing the importance of working off the ball.” I call it team mobility. Maybe it’s time to look at AFL S & C. personnel.