Conditions in Japan

[Cameo]

There seem to be very mixed signals coming from different teams about the effect of the conditions. Could it be that whoever gets this right has a big head start?

The orthodox view has been that the heat helps expansive teams and fitness is key but recently there has been more and more focus on the potentially slippy ball. For example, Steven Kitschoff has been saying that he is not worried about the mobility of the All Blacks as with the slippy ball it will be hard to run much with the ball in hand. Will it be a more territory based WC than we had thought and could it be that Townsend's slightly more defensive selection is partly due to this?

[Cameo]

Or is it just a few fat props feeling the heat and desperately hoping to influence the game plan and have a nice slow game?!

[Lizard]

[Lizard]

Dammit- how do you embed video?

[General Zod]

Dunno. We used to put superglue on our fingers and let it dry, but they have that sticky spray they can also use now.

Or is Simon Webster still selling those gloves to the rest of the team?

[Cameo]

Dammit- how do you embed video?

Dunno but if the ball is really constantly wet then I can imagine a lot of funds screaming at their TV's over people dropping the ball on a nice sunny day.

Also, Hansen seems to have relaxed a bit for this world cup. Must be a relief to have got there

[Chunks Baws]

The Taffs have been training with balls covered in baby oil, apparently.

[Chunks Baws]

And I've just seen we are shampooing our balls......

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... aked-balls

[Digby]

The Taffs have been training with balls covered in baby oil, apparently.

Is that to help Biggar kick the ball away?

[Cameo]

Apparently thunder storms due for the Ireland game anyway

[Which Tyler]

Article on the host cities (coincidentally written by my niece, her first piece published in a decent sized outlet)
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019 ... a-yokohama

[Cameo]

I am not sure that we are much clearer now on who the conditions will benefit.

The tiredness factor means counter attack is important and means that if you can keep the pace up while keeping control you should benefit.

But

The slipperiness makes it very hard in some matches to play many phases with an expansive game plan.

I think you could make an argument that the first set of factors helps New Zealand and Australia while the second maybe helps the proper rush defences e.g. England and South Africa as they also have the pace to capitalise on loose balls.

I think the key thing is probably being able to realise in match if catching the ball or holding on to it in contact is proving too hard and adapting. Early cross field kicks seem to be a decent option.

Also, there is talk of people using a sticky spray beforehand and at half time. Do we need different tactics for different quarters?

[Cameo]

Gorgodze having something sprayed on his hands too

[septic 9]

Gorgodze having something sprayed on his hands too

players, including ours, have used sprays to help the ball stick in wet conditions for donkeys years champ. Before the game and during it given the chance.In conditions like Japan the sweat on the hands comes is under it and washes it off.

[General Zod]

I wonder if superglue would work? That’s what we used to use. Amazing I can type, actually. My nickname at work is Daffy.

[whatisthejava]

Any idea why people arent going the andy goode/sean lamont gloves route ?

Weird

[General Zod]

Any idea why people arent going the andy goode/sean lamont gloves route ?

Weird

That’s what I thought. Didn’t Simon Webster used to sell gloves to the rest of the team? Somebody should give him a ring.