Ask Rocko about Rugby tactics thread

Sport
21

I agree - let them in. The biggest losers would be the tri-nations. I can’t believe they won’t let them in as it makes perfect sense to do so but their ignorance could be to the gain of the 6 Nations. They’d bring a genuine new dimension to the competition and certainly wouldn’t be finishing last every year like the Italians. The only issues I can think of are logisitical around cost of travel etc but I presume that can be overcome by organising their away fixtures as part of a tour type format where they play 3 consecutive away matches.

Also that comment from Robinson is truly stupid. Exactly how long has the competition been unique for again?

22

from irishrugby.ie; class…

Ireland Captain Brian O’Driscoll has agreed a new deal with the IRFU and Leinster that will see him contracted through to 2011…

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Leinster Rugby are happy to announce that terms have been agreed with Brian ODriscoll that will see the Ireland and Leinster Captain remain playing his rugby in Ireland until 2011. The agreement comes following the recent contract extension announced last year which would have seen him remain with Leinster up to the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in 2007. The agreement with ODriscoll is part of the ongoing contractual negotiations by the IRFU with Irish international and provincial players.

Commenting on the news, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: The policy of the IRFU has always been to endeavour to keep our leading players in Ireland where their wellbeing can be carefully managed. This has been a significant element in our recent success and will continue to be just as important in the future for Irish Rugby. The news of Brians commitment comes at a very important time as we build to next years RBS Six Nations and Rugby World Cup. The IRFU are delighted that Brian will remain in Ireland with Leinster for a further four years and this is another endorsement of the structures that are in place at both provincial and international level.

Mick Dawson, Chief Executive, Leinster Rugby said: Brians decision to commit his long term future to Leinster Rugby is great news for the team and all of our supporters. To have a player of Brians standing and ability making such an important decision shows that he shares our goals for the future. This announcement is an important step to building on last season and I am sure that I speak for all Leinster fans when I say I am delighted at this news.

Brian ODriscoll said: I have spent my entire professional rugby career with Leinster and it has always been an honour and privilege to wear the blue jersey. When I sat back and thought about it, it was not a difficult decision to make. I am happy with the coaching set up that we have here and when you look at the quality of players in our squad, I did not see any reason to leave. We have set ourselves goals for this season and beyond and I want to remain part of those plans for the future.

23

What’s with all the fancy colours today Law? Are you alternating between the Leinster colours or something?

Quite surprised at that actually I was sure he’d be looking at France and the lack of a wage cap over there. Quality, quality player though and Leinster wouldn’t be half the threat without him.

24

Colours are just to distinguish the articles from my own comments. Switched to yellow as I felt the blue wasn’t legible enough against the background. Was indeed tempted for the Drico article to alternate between blue and yellow for each line.

And am equally surprised that BOD isn’t heading to France, but it’s fantastic news for Leinster. Just hope we’re lining up a quality outhalf to replace Dr Phil, word is he’s off to practice next year so we won’t have him. Apparently he was actually meant to leave this year, but the boys at College of Surgeons conveniently (from a Leinster point of view) failed him for not attending enough lectures, so he was required to stay another year. We’ve a quality running outhalf coming through at UCD, Ian Keatley, Belvo outhalf when they won the Cup in 2004, but he’s obviously only 2nd year in college and probably too young for Leinster next year. Though otherwise medium-term the backline still looks class, with Willis, Kearney and Fitzgerald coming through to replace Whitaker, Hickie and Girv when required.

25

Is Kearney good enough? Not saying he isn’t by the way but I haven’t been overly impressed with what I’ve seen, though that isn’t too much. Willis looks excellent so far and Fitzgerald should be class so there is the makings of a good backline. However without O’Driscoll they’d be a far inferior threat - he adds a hell of a lot.

Out half was a problem position for Leinster in the past though so they could do with sorting that out. Their recruitment strategy has been curious - they’ve struggled to find a new hooker as well - so it doesn’t bode well for them identifying a new man and getting him on board. That said a 10 is so crucial to the way they play at the moment that Cheika and Knox are surely working on it at the moment if it’s important.

26

Yes I think Kearney’s good enough, he hasn’t got any worse from when he started in the Heineken Cup and made the Irish training squad this time last year, and has just been unfortunate that the emergence of Fitzgerald has pushed him out of Leinster’s 22 and therefore out of mind as regards O’Sullivan. He should really be in the “A” team to feature against Australia, Kelly and Hickie have had their chances to prove themselves at this stage (Hickie has and Kelly hasn’t in my predictable opinion) and Eddie shouldn’t need to see them again. Not sure if Dowling of Munster has a knock but if not it should be himself and Kearney on the wings for the “A” team.

27

South African side for Saturday:

South Africa: 15 Bevin Fortuin, 14 Jaco Pretorius, 13 Bryan Habana, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Francois Steyn, 10 Andre Pretorius, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Danie Rossouw, 5 Albert van den Berg, 4 Johan Ackermann, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Lawrence Sephaka.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Jacques Cronj, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 JP Pietersen.

11 changes and a positional switch from their last Tri-Nations game (which they won), and as many of them due to “resting” players as to injury, as they come to play us in Lansdowne. Hope we thrash the arrogant fcuks and show them they’re not fcuking New Zealand. Front row is first choice and looks savage, centre partnership interesting though enforced, but we should take these, and then rest our front row to play the Aussies (who are weak there).

28

Should be an excellent midfield battle alright. Has Habana played much at centre?

29

He played there at under-age level, and initially played Currie Cup for the Lions at outside-centre too, but apparently improved hugely when moved to the wing.

Interestingly, Jaco Pretorius, who makes his debut on the right wing as part of an uncapped Springbok back three, is more used to playing outside centre than wing, but Jake Smith seems to have gone with Habana in the central position as he is more used to the Springbok defensive system.

30

Dr Phil showing last week why he’s so important for Leinster, and why Argentina should be in the 6 Nations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlsvgwYeCKU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AasZM0fpxgo

31

I see someone else finally figured out how to use the youtube tags on the board.

What do you reckon tomorrow Law? I reckon an Ireland win. 1/2 is very short for them though (Paddy Power) or 10/11 with a -6 start.

Argentina at 7/2 or 10/11 with a +12 start look a bit better value.

32

I think an Ireland win too, but there’s no fun in 1/2. I’d like to back us to win by 12 or less (Betfair), cos we never beat big teams (France, England, SA, Australia) by more than that, but I don’t want to be in the situation where I’m against Ireland (hoping we won’t score, or hoping SA will get a late try).

Delay in my reply was while I put some money on Argentina at 7/2 (or rather 3.7:1 at Betfair); I fancied them already for tomorrow, I think they’re better than England at the moment, and unlike England this is the high point of their international season. 7/2 seems very generous.

33

Yeah I think it’s tremendous value. While they have given the Celtic nations and France some serious scares (and beatings) over the years I don’t think England have had a fright so I think they’ll be surprised when they see how good they are. I think they’ve been paying lip service to Argentina by saying they’re a good side but deep down they think they’re playing Italy. In reality, as you say, I reckon the Pumas are the better side at the moment. The only factors in England’s favour are the limited time Argentina have had together and the fact it’s at Twickenham. That shouldn’t add up to 7/2 though.

34

Big changes for England to play Springboks:

Balshaw
Cueto
Noon
Tait
Lewsey
Hogson
Richards

White
Chuter
Sheridan
Palmer
Kay
Worsley
Sanderson
Corry

Some odd decisions there like bringing in Worsley for Moody but switching the whole back row around. (Not sure I captured it right there but Worsley is 6, Corry 8 and Sanderson 7) Their centre partnership looks no better than it was and it’s funny how messiahs like Perry are already also-rans.

35

Some odd decisions, but slightly complicated by the fact that the agreement between the RFU and the clubs provides that no player can start more than three of the four tests. As it is, Noon, Hodgson, Sanderson, Corry, Balshaw, Chuter, White and Kay will now be ineligible for the final Springbok game on 25 November. Had he not rested them for this game, Allen, Perry, Cohen, Moody and Grewcock would also be ineligible, and really Robinson needs to win both Springbok tests to have a hope of surviving, so can’t totally sacrifice the 4th test. Sackey went off injured during the game, so may be carrying a knock, and I think Sheridan had a knock which let Freshwater in for what may have been his first start against the Pumas.

I agree with your point about the English press building players up too much, one lucky try and Sackey was suddenly the new hope, similarly Noon 18 months ago, Allen after the Leinster-Gloucester game, and after all the talk about Perry I fully expect similar praise to be heaped on Richards.

But I think the big story of the team announcements is that NZ has made five changes to the team that demolished France 47-3, and in my opinion has strengthened it in every case. In the backline Mils Muliaina and Ma’a Nonu are the centre pairing, replacing Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister, while Byron Kelleher takes over at scrum-half from Piri Weepu. Chris Jack reclaims his place at lock from James Ryan and Keven Mealamu displaces veteran Anton Oliver at hooker.

Henry described the starting XV as the “strongest available”; “based on form, this is our best team right now,” Henry said, adding that this can “change week to week”.

All members of the 32-man squad are free of major injury and were available for selection.

New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Mils Muliaina, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Awesome.

36

I read a while back that NZ were planning on fielding a first choice XV for the second French test and they’ve done that - first time in ages. I’d agree that all five changes have improved the team - in some cases quite significantly.

My sentiments would be towards Mauger at 12 but it’s hard to argue with any backline they put out there. Kelleher is a much better scrum half and Jack obviously at second row is excellent. Never rated Oliver from years back.

37

IRELAND (v Australia): G Murphy (Leicester); S Horgan (Leinster), B ODriscoll (Leinster, capt), G DArcy (Leinster), D Hickie (Leinster); R OGara (Munster), I Boss (Ulster); B Young (Ulster), R Best (Ulster), J Hayes (Munster), D OCallaghan (Munster), P OConnell (Munster), N Best (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster), D Leamy (Munster).

Substitutes: F Sheahan (Munster), M Horan (Munster), M OKelly (Leinster), S Easterby (Llanelli Scarlets), P Stringer (Munster), P Wallace (Ulster), G Dempsey (Leinster).

Boss starting for Stringer and Young for Horan are the big ones really. Murphy and Hickie are experienced anyway so it’s no real shake-up. Glad that we’re not just playing Boss with Wallace - it’s more important to try Boss with O’Gara and Stringer with Wallace I think.

38

Yes, would be no point in bringing in Boss with Wallace. Hickie is in because Trimble’s injured, so doesn’t really count as a change, but I’m glad to see him get another chance anyway. Murphy v Dempsey is one of those great debates, so worth another round. And Young might have suffered against the Springboks (though not against Lawrence “Quota” Sephaka) but the Aussie front row is relatively weak, so should be a good intro for him. We might as well accept we’ve no replacement for Hayes (in the line-out at least) and the Bests at 2 and 6 will benefit more from another game than would the more experienced Sheahan & Easterby.

Along the lines of not bringing in Boss and Wallace together, there’s no point in wholesale changes, as it’d be difficult to pick out whose introduction weakened or strengthened the side. Sensible team, and who’d expect any different from Steady Eddie.

39

Prediction of the Australia game on the front page of the site:
http://70.103.16.175/~thefreek/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=28

Any opinions?

40

Really looking forward to Sunday. Dont know what to expect really. I was very pleased with a most efficient performance by Ireland against South Africa, but i think Australia will be polar opposites. I dont expect to see the kind a brute force that we seen on Saturday from the boks, think Ausitralia will be a completely different ball game. I expect to see the game played by the backs at pace, and Ireland, have struggled over the past four/five games against Australia to cope with the pace of their backs.

Unless we starve them of possesion by completely demolishing them up front, i think we will struggle. So watch what way the first few line outs go; if we get the upper hand there i think we are in with a shout.

“Shoulder to shooulder…”