There has been a wonderful intensity in the matches seen so far in the world cup. Last night I watched the Georgians smash into the Romanians and vice versa for 80 minutes. The same with USA v Italy, Canada v Japan and as for the Pacific Island nations I would expect no less!
What appears to me missing are things like evasion in contact, variation in attack around the ruck area (mind you Georgia showed some nice touches last night) and some form of width to vary the point of attack and hopefully begin to break down the defence systems.
As has been said many times "defence wins championships" and I guess I have to reluctantly agree but PLEASE do not forget attack! I have been to, and run many defence sessions and apart from a few subtle philosophies they are all pretty similar. But the real joy in coaching for me comes from creative attack systems. By this I do not mean robotic pre programmed lines but finely orchestrated smooth maneuvers that cause chaos in the defence and create options for the ball carrier and those around them.
I understand the need for solid set piece and good "go forward" to bring attack into the game but I think more than a few teams have missed an opportunity to move up the ranks by having little in attack.
Lets see what the rest of the tournament has to offer.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Monday, 26 September 2011
Can't we all get along
Just a quick one today for all my loyal followers - oh ok then follower!!!
There has been a real hype up in this world cup over the whole hate the Aussie thing. This gets up my nose a bit! I have many great Aussie mates and like a lot of Kiwis I spent a large chunk of my life living there. I think this has really been driven hard by the media and then fueled by a few out there who are more jealous over the lifestyles their family are living in Oz than any real hatred for the country or the people!
The media and those people mentioned above drive us into liking some pretty crap reality shows, thinking it's OK to loose as long as you have a good time and think that a perfect life is all about the latest Ab machine, white teeth and a home that smells like spring flowers !!!
Lets just enjoy the Rugby a cold beer and stories about how good we all once were!
There has been a real hype up in this world cup over the whole hate the Aussie thing. This gets up my nose a bit! I have many great Aussie mates and like a lot of Kiwis I spent a large chunk of my life living there. I think this has really been driven hard by the media and then fueled by a few out there who are more jealous over the lifestyles their family are living in Oz than any real hatred for the country or the people!
The media and those people mentioned above drive us into liking some pretty crap reality shows, thinking it's OK to loose as long as you have a good time and think that a perfect life is all about the latest Ab machine, white teeth and a home that smells like spring flowers !!!
Lets just enjoy the Rugby a cold beer and stories about how good we all once were!
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Upset - No, Passion - Yes
The World Cup just keeps getting better as the games roll by. Really annoyed I missed the Argentina game as they are a team I like to watch to see how they will fit into what was called the "TriNations".
South Africa were pretty clinical against Fiji and I think many who predicted an upset were far from the mark. The big hard running Fijians we must remember were running up against just as big and as hard running Africans!
As for the Aussie v Ireland game. What a cracker! But once again those who called this an upset must remember that Ireland is a tier one nation. If the excitement is to live on in our game then these sort of results must continue. Passion is a wonderful thing and when the AB's went down to the Aussies recently you could say they "out passioned" us. Last night it was the turn of the Irish. Must admit I felt for James Slipper who came on the face a great Irish pack with Cian Healy particularly impressive.
Lets not forget this is the premier Rugby tournament in the world and every teams wants to put their best on the paddock. Every game should be a battle and I am sure that is how every rugby supporter in the world would want it.
Pretty eager to see the Samoa v Wales game today. I was very impressed with Wales in their first match and much like Ireland their passion was wonderful.
South Africa were pretty clinical against Fiji and I think many who predicted an upset were far from the mark. The big hard running Fijians we must remember were running up against just as big and as hard running Africans!
As for the Aussie v Ireland game. What a cracker! But once again those who called this an upset must remember that Ireland is a tier one nation. If the excitement is to live on in our game then these sort of results must continue. Passion is a wonderful thing and when the AB's went down to the Aussies recently you could say they "out passioned" us. Last night it was the turn of the Irish. Must admit I felt for James Slipper who came on the face a great Irish pack with Cian Healy particularly impressive.
Lets not forget this is the premier Rugby tournament in the world and every teams wants to put their best on the paddock. Every game should be a battle and I am sure that is how every rugby supporter in the world would want it.
Pretty eager to see the Samoa v Wales game today. I was very impressed with Wales in their first match and much like Ireland their passion was wonderful.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Go the boys
Well yesterday was a pretty good day for the Canadians. Great to see Phil Mackenzie score the match winning try. Felt a bit for Fetu'u Vainikolo and Thomas Palu who were the other IRANZ boys on show in that match. Better news for Anthony Perenise and Eliota Fuimaono in Samoa's win over Namibia.
Watching these boys in action is a real buzz. For many it does not seem that long ago that they were these wide eyed kids with the rugby world awaiting them. From Frans Steyn to Israel Dagg or Mike Petri to James Slipper. However their teams are rated in the pecking order of the day their achievements are nontheless something for them to be terribly proud of.
USA play Russia today and once again a host of familiar faces will run out to "live the dream".
Go Boys!
Watching these boys in action is a real buzz. For many it does not seem that long ago that they were these wide eyed kids with the rugby world awaiting them. From Frans Steyn to Israel Dagg or Mike Petri to James Slipper. However their teams are rated in the pecking order of the day their achievements are nontheless something for them to be terribly proud of.
USA play Russia today and once again a host of familiar faces will run out to "live the dream".
Go Boys!
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Eyes on the next level
An interesting day ahead with some good match ups. Pretty keen to take a first look at Samoa who look strong on paper. Great to see Anthony Perenise in the line up who went through IRANZ. This is a very tough pool and with Wales playing so well against South Africa the other sides will have to fire to knock one of them over.
I was particularly impressed with Wales. They played an attractive brand of rugby much like I remember from them as a boy. With some hard straight running backs, a well balanced 10, a ball hunting 7 and a strong pack they would be disappointed to bow out so early.
Canada vs Tonga should be a good battle. This holds a fair bit of interest to me as I spent time playing and later coaching in Canada. A wonderful country and some great people! This is a place I would love to return to and coach again, I was pretty green as coach on my first visit and I have the desire to return and redeem myself a little. 20 years more experience must count for something! Will look out for Phil Mackenzie in the centres, who I have also worked with on two IRANZ courses. Plus I understand there may be some players from the Cowichan area on Vancouver Island who will no doubt be strongly supported by the wonderful people of that area. Watch out for sideline photographer Caity McCulloch who has a pretty good rugby pedigree herself!
I know very little about Georgia and Scotland did not set the world on fire in their opener against Romania. So will be looking for some improvement there. This could have been a great pool if it included one of the Pacific Island teams.
Keen to watch USA vs Russia tomorrow I would have loved to have been there. Would be great to catch up to the boys in the Eagles who I have been fortunate to work with over the years.
Remember - The edge is in the detail!
I was particularly impressed with Wales. They played an attractive brand of rugby much like I remember from them as a boy. With some hard straight running backs, a well balanced 10, a ball hunting 7 and a strong pack they would be disappointed to bow out so early.
Canada vs Tonga should be a good battle. This holds a fair bit of interest to me as I spent time playing and later coaching in Canada. A wonderful country and some great people! This is a place I would love to return to and coach again, I was pretty green as coach on my first visit and I have the desire to return and redeem myself a little. 20 years more experience must count for something! Will look out for Phil Mackenzie in the centres, who I have also worked with on two IRANZ courses. Plus I understand there may be some players from the Cowichan area on Vancouver Island who will no doubt be strongly supported by the wonderful people of that area. Watch out for sideline photographer Caity McCulloch who has a pretty good rugby pedigree herself!
I know very little about Georgia and Scotland did not set the world on fire in their opener against Romania. So will be looking for some improvement there. This could have been a great pool if it included one of the Pacific Island teams.
Keen to watch USA vs Russia tomorrow I would have loved to have been there. Would be great to catch up to the boys in the Eagles who I have been fortunate to work with over the years.
Remember - The edge is in the detail!
Monday, 12 September 2011
World Cup
Not even sure anyone will see my first post so I will make it a very short one.
Rugby world cup has hit New Zealand and in this first weekend we have seen some wonderful games. The skill levels have been pretty good but probably over-shadowed by raw determination, particularly by the less fancied teams. On that note I must say I object to the word "minnows" when referring to these teams outside the "big time". This is their world cup as well and each team should always have the attitude to push for success no matter the odds.
As I said this would be short. Let me know your thoughts on the skills displayed at the cup.
Rugby world cup has hit New Zealand and in this first weekend we have seen some wonderful games. The skill levels have been pretty good but probably over-shadowed by raw determination, particularly by the less fancied teams. On that note I must say I object to the word "minnows" when referring to these teams outside the "big time". This is their world cup as well and each team should always have the attitude to push for success no matter the odds.
As I said this would be short. Let me know your thoughts on the skills displayed at the cup.
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