Week 5 finished with a NZ Whitewash over their rivals before a riveting final this weekend
Mike Penistone looks back over the action before examing the next step needed for competitions in the southern hemisphere.
The torment is over. Another whitewash. Final competition score 23-2
Hurricanes 43 - Reds 14
Brumbies 12 – Highlanders 33
Rebels 26 – Crusaders 52
Blues 31 – Force 21
Waratahs 7 – Chiefs 40
The conclusion of the Trans – Tasman competition takes place next Saturday when the much-improved Auckland Blues take on the ever intuitive and instinctive Highlanders.
For the Australian teams there is much to dwell on. Two wins in 25 games tells its own story. The depth of the defeats, many by over 40 points, doesn’t tell the complete story.
Second half performances were abysmal. Capitulation almost predictable.
In an earlier article I wrote about………
Technically, Tactically, Physically and Mentally. Australian teams were found wanting. The Force showed spirit and courage, but their standout players were both Kiwis and in their mid to late 30s.
(Thrush and Kahui)
All Australian teams…….
Technically. Passing lacked crispness and accuracy. Looped passes take longer to get there! Kicking was poorly directed and seldom found the grass! Re-alignment and reaction time go hand in hand. Re-align quickly so you can receive the pass going forward. Work hard off the ball in attack and defence. Be a support player in attack and defence. If the ball is in play, YOU are involved regardless of position.
Tactically. Having a game plan is only a small part of playing the game. Have the courage to change the approach if the game plan is unproductive. (Best learned through conditioned games at training.) The core principles of support play apply, no matter what is happening, make yourself available! Get the set piece right. The scrum and line out provide platforms for building pressure. When in your opponent’s 22, build pressure, be patient, organised and come away with a score. Key players must dictate the pattern of attack. Turnovers become inevitable when players run like headless chickens and get isolated. Far too often opponents scored from turning the ball over in their own 22.
Self-learning can become a powerful improvement tool. From game one the mantra was don’t kick the ball back to the Kiwis. The same mantra existed in Game 5.
Physically.
The Kiwis overall looked sharper. The second half performances suggested the Aussie teams couldn’t stay the pace. A meter out of position at this level can be spotted and attacked. Technical competency can minimise the effect, but eventually you will crack, as an individual, unit, and team.
I really think there is a case for employing AFL conditioners, because they get players fit to run varying distances at pace, turn quickly and execute skilfully.
Periodically I would bring in a basketball coach to look at close quarter agility, footwork, and pre-contact rotational movements, to minimise contact and encourage offloading and support play.
Mentally.
How damaging is losing each week? In any sport paid or unpaid you need resilience. Is there any value in having a Monday review? The remedy is on the training field, surely. Players are generally uncomfortable in meetings. They need to be competitive again early in the week and it may be very physical!
What about the coaches? Sleepless nights, and media pressure. You feel the eyes of everyone piercing your confidence, suggesting you are not up to the task. Many coaches become bitter old men.
Staying constructive in planning practices and sessions, support the players through coaching, remain enthusiastic at training and make sure the work you focus on is relevant.
Ensure you leave the pressure at the club, don’t take it home!!!
Coaching reminders.
A check list of coaching reminders in combination can help. Here’s a few, cellotape them to your desktop.
Passing/accuracy. Urgency/quickness. Pressure/composure. Strength/contact. Footwork/alignment. Numbers/support. Acceleration/speed. Timing/decision making. Confidence/courage. Resilience/spirit. Execution/quality. Discipline/smarts. Technique/perfection. Energy/enthusiasm. Enjoyment/appetite. Selection/form. Slow ball/quick ball.
When your head is spinning and you can’t see through the mist, a glance at some of the reminders may promote some relevant thinking?
The continuation of the Trans – Tasman competition next season is vital for Australian club development. Closing the gap will happen as players begin to cope with the on-field pressure. Coaching sessions will become more intense, some players will leave, some coaches will be found lacking. Eventually the squad of players and coaches will be like-minded. Then winning becomes a possibility.
Coaching thought.
We don’t see things as they are – we see things as we are!
