RugbyRebels

Digby wrote:One can only pray Gats isn't a Ford fan

oldbackrow wrote:

Banquo wrote:I'd think Mitchell will be having a bit of a head scratch too, they'll be our worst tackle stats in a long long while I'd think.

Although I thought Curry was one of the main reasons for Dupont being quiet for most of the game, ESPN have his stats as 4 tackles made 4 tackles missed!

Mikey Brown wrote:

Raggs wrote:I see no reason to move Ford on yet. He's an exceptionally good player, who is more than capable at international level.

I would like to see Smith at this level, but with the intent of bringing him on, not as a quick replacement for Ford.

Yeah I only meant during the Lions tour. Exactly as Danno says really.

In a similar way I'm curious if Slade will go, if Udogwu/Lawrence will get the chances that have previously gone to Francis/Lozowski.

Puja wrote: [Deleted]
Daly was good when he came on, probably better than Malins was tbh. Malins deserves a run in the 15 shirt though, as a 20 minute cameo doesn't erase the previous shitness of Daly.
Puja

loudnconfident wrote:

Puja wrote: [Deleted]
Daly was good when he came on, probably better than Malins was tbh. Malins deserves a run in the 15 shirt though, as a 20 minute cameo doesn't erase the previous shitness of Daly.
Puja

I thought Malins reassuring in defence, specially in the first half. Daly never seems comfortable as a defensive FB. (He's a winger IMO,)

Mikey Brown wrote:I’d love to see which made it to the 23 if Ford, Simmonds and Smith were all vying for a place to be honest. I’d say Smith on form but that means nothing to Eddie and media pressure may arguably even mean that goes against him.

On a similar note I want to see Billy on the Lions tour and what we do without him (and Curry).

p/d wrote:

loudnconfident wrote:

Puja wrote: [Deleted]
Daly was good when he came on, probably better than Malins was tbh. Malins deserves a run in the 15 shirt though, as a 20 minute cameo doesn't erase the previous shitness of Daly.
Puja

I thought Malins reassuring in defence, specially in the first half. Daly never seems comfortable as a defensive FB. (He's a winger IMO,)

This. Though not sparkling Malins looks a fb. Shame he was subbed, but that was on the cards.

Watson had a good game but Curry (immense) and BV were the pick

Digby wrote:

p/d wrote:

loudnconfident wrote: I thought Malins reassuring in defence, specially in the first half. Daly never seems comfortable as a defensive FB. (He's a winger IMO,)

This. Though not sparkling Malins looks a fb. Shame he was subbed, but that was on the cards.

Watson had a good game but Curry (immense) and BV were the pick

Malins might end up just a better fullback than Daly, no arguments, period. But to claim that display was an improvement on Daly in attack or defence is an odd take on what happened, and hopefully not one that's needed because Malins really should start again. Maybe we get more of the Lawrence one and done (for now) ruling, but I'd be very surprised

Fair play to Daly as an aside who was by all accounts brilliant with Malins this week just gone.

Banquo wrote:I'd like to see what Malins speed is like, and if he needs mentoring by a 15 positionally- and I'd say he does- then fair play to Daly being a good team mate,but I'd actually get a proper 15 in to do it (could do worse than Brown or Goode, who for all their both limitations are both superb positionally). As before I saw enough to encourage me, but I really don't know if his pace is up to it, and the stutter step in counter attack cost at least one penalty. He's clearly elusive and a good 'footballer'....but so is/was Daly.

Banquo wrote:Hi- sorry, can't get behind the firewall/blew the chance to copy and paste

After a 2020 in which Eddie Jones prioritised results over aesthetics, this year started with a jolt.

Jones elected to include his Saracens contingent in a bubble squad, with an RFU-PRL agreement restricting movement in and out due to COVID regulations. He then used them to form the spine of his side. For all the pedigree of the individual players, it represented a calculated selection gamble.

Given some of them underperformed in losses to Scotland and Wales, which cost England their Six Nations title defence, it is difficult to say that the decision – a mightily difficult one – has been entirely vindicated.

Still, these individuals repaid the faith of their head coach on Saturday. And, in doing so, they showed their Test-match mettle.

Ball movement

England’s first try, a response to Antoine Dupont’s stunning opener, was sparked by a familiar transfer from George Ford to Owen Farrell before Farrell released Anthony Watson.

Interestingly, off the back of a Tom Curry charge, Max Malins starts in a flat position that might usually be occupied by a forward:

Rugby
And it is his running line that causes Dylan Cretin to bite after Ford cuts in front of Mark Wilson:

This allows an arcing Farrell to draw Teddy Thomas and free his wing:


A few phases later, Mako Vunipola’s deft drop-off shifts the point of contact and Slade waltzes to within a couple of metres. The loosehead prop, like his brother Billy, is a fine distributor.

Cretin is pulled towards Farrell which opens up a gap for Slade because Grégory Alldritt has been fixed by Mark Wilson:

Ford then sends Watson over the line:


England completed eight offloads in all, with Farrell responsible for three of them. France are a team that compete hard on the floor. They stole eight of England’s 95 rucks, so passing out of contact when possible made a great deal of sense.

The midfield axis of Ford and Farrell remains a handy way of imparting width, especially when given quick ball. Indeed, had the former fed the latter then England would surely have scored their second try earlier.

In the 74th minute, Ford gathers Ben Youngs’ pass…

…and sends the ball to Curry, who spills:

Farrell was arcing into space with Elliot Daly and Watson to his right.

Greater passing accuracy aided carrying and, in turn, brought more creative, effective kicking. England accumulated 31 kicks from hand in open play, only four fewer than they did against Scotland.

The difference was that most of the kicking was constructive.

Gain-line dominance

Since confessing to “rubbish” games against Scotland and Italy, Billy Vunipola has flicked a switch. His carrying in Cardiff drove England and he was prominent again against France.

When at his best, the 28-year-old wins games with his stamina. He ekes out momentum as the cumulative consequences of stopping a 130kg body take hold. Sure enough, it was the 18th and final carry of Billy Vunipola’s afternoon that forced the penalty from which Maro Itoje scored.

Four minutes previously, Vunipola junior cut a short line…

…and threw a pull-back to behind the run of Curry:

This time, Vunipola approaches the gain-line and flicks a dummy towards a looping Farrell before surging forward.

Replacement tighthead prop Dorian Aldegheri becomes trapped under supporting Will Stuart after making a ‘soak’ tackle and referee Andrew Brace punishes France:


Youngs’ performance was one of his most assertive in years and enhanced the speed of his team’s phase-play.

Although aided by the industry of Curry, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler in the carrying department, Billy Vunipola remains England’s go-to man and stood up at a vital time.

Lineout stability

Wales took away England’s lineout platform, but England had it back against France. On their way to a polished performance in this area, they used Billy Vunipola cleverly in the receiver slot of five-man lineouts.

From here, Vunipola was able to join mauls. He often fizzes passes into midfield. He is also able to join as a lifter, as he does for this first-half lineout.

France are marking the jumping pod of Itoje, Sinckler and Mako Vunipola with their own three-man group of Cyril Baille, Paul Willemse and Charles Ollivon:

Charlie Ewels and Wilson remain at the rear, opposite Cretin and Mohamed Haouas. Here is a map of what is known as a 3-2 set-up, with players marked by their initials.

You can see that Billy Vunipola (BV) and France hooker Julien Marchand (JM) are in the respective receiver slots:

Cowan-Dickie lobs the throw towards the space at the tail that France have presented. Ewels spins to lift Wilson and Billy Vunipola joins the lineout, supporting Wilson’s jump. Marchand also darts in to help lift Cretin, but England secure possession:


It is an example of a more subtle way England harness the power of Billy Vunipola. He is far more than a battering ram. Ewels, who lasted 78 minutes, also deserves credit here. His understated, resourceful display was reminiscent of George Kruis.

England were credited with a 100 per cent return from 14 lineouts and Ewels claimed the one that led to Itoje’s match-winning try. Not only that, he supported Stuart’s break-away and cleared the ruck prior to Itoje’s quick, opportunistic pick-and-go:


It seemed as though Ewels freed up Itoje, who stole two France throws, to do what he does best.

Disciplined defensive disruption

In the 12th minute was a sequence that will have delighted defence coach John Mitchell. It began with Farrell hunting down Teddy Thomas….

…and holding the wing above the ground:

England’s defensive line regrouped, and Itoje clattered Haouas on the following phase. On the next, Billy Vunipola stole in front of Willemse to claim an interception:


Billy Vunipola has not conceded a penalty since England’s win over Italy. At the weekend, he watched Dupont at the base of rucks and pressed up, sometimes on his own, as soon as France’s scrum-half lifted the ball.

He had attempted the same ploy against Scotland, but got his timing wrong and crept offside.

Itoje was also controlled against France, conceding a single, unfortunate penalty for failing to roll away from a tackle. Yet he did not compromise on disruption.

He stifled Dupont more and more as the game progressed, with a charge-down and a robust tackle on the same opponent in the 72nd minute:


Farrell, who topped England’s tackle count with 11, did not appear subdued by his plan not to engage with referee Andrew Brace.

In the second period, he thumped the ball out of Thomas’ grasp…

…and helped Henry Slade strip Virimi Vakatawa later on:


There are more potent midfield runners than Farrell, but his blend of passing, kicking and tenacity at inside centre still works when the 29-year-old is on song.

Itoje’s composure was crystallised in an excellent catch from the final restart of the game following his own try:

Impact replacements

When they arrived from the bench, Jamie George and Daly looked motivated by their omissions from the starting line-up.

George clocked up 18 metres from just two carries, while Daly slipped past five tackles in total. The pair combine here, as Ford finds Daly behind a wave of forwards. George begins at the previous ruck:

And sprints on to his colleague’s right shoulder after Daly has slipped past Cameron Woki. England often made ground around Dupont’s forays out of the front line:


The influence of George and Daly represented an endorsement of meritocratic competition in the squad – and might have hinted at their mid-term future. It would be harsh on either Cowan-Dickie or Malins if they were to drop back to the bench for the trip to Ireland.

Theoretically, Daly is nicely suited to the number 23 jersey given his speed and versatility. George, meanwhile, is 30 years old. Cowan-Dickie is 27 and, fitness permitting, 20-year-old Alfie Barbeary will not be long in climbing the pecking order.

The set-piece excellence of George could complement either of those two more dynamic hookers in match-day squads, in the same way hooker Keven Mealamu became a specialist replacement behind Dane Coles towards the end of his 132-Test career with New Zealand.

When this tournament is over, Jones will have to face up to familiar headaches. He must finally find a long-term solution, or at least a contingency, at scrum-half.

Question marks linger over backline balance when Manu Tuilagi is unavailable and Billy Vunipola needs to be firing. Otherwise, as the Scotland loss so sharply demonstrated, a different direction should be taken in the back row.

None of this is new information and a stirring win over France only served to underline it. Beating Ireland will not erase the issues, either.

England possess a core of excellent Saracens players, but their performance level on Saturday has to be the rule rather than sweet relief.

Which Tyler wrote:

Banquo wrote:I'd like to see what Malins speed is like, and if he needs mentoring by a 15 positionally- and I'd say he does- then fair play to Daly being a good team mate,but I'd actually get a proper 15 in to do it (could do worse than Brown or Goode, who for all their both limitations are both superb positionally). As before I saw enough to encourage me, but I really don't know if his pace is up to it, and the stutter step in counter attack cost at least one penalty. He's clearly elusive and a good 'footballer'....but so is/was Daly.

Could do (much, much) worse than Charles Piutau at club level too

Stom wrote:

Banquo wrote:Hi- sorry, can't get behind the firewall/blew the chance to copy and paste

Huh, when I copied, it opened all the gifs and YouTube links in Chrome

So I'll link them below. Not sure where they go in the article and can't be arsed to figure it out.

After a 2020 in which Eddie Jones prioritised results over aesthetics, this year started with a jolt.

Jones elected to include his Saracens contingent in a bubble squad, with an RFU-PRL agreement restricting movement in and out due to COVID regulations. He then used them to form the spine of his side. For all the pedigree of the individual players, it represented a calculated selection gamble.

Given some of them underperformed in losses to Scotland and Wales, which cost England their Six Nations title defence, it is difficult to say that the decision – a mightily difficult one – has been entirely vindicated.

Still, these individuals repaid the faith of their head coach on Saturday. And, in doing so, they showed their Test-match mettle.

Ball movement

England’s first try, a response to Antoine Dupont’s stunning opener, was sparked by a familiar transfer from George Ford to Owen Farrell before Farrell released Anthony Watson.

Interestingly, off the back of a Tom Curry charge, Max Malins starts in a flat position that might usually be occupied by a forward:

Rugby
And it is his running line that causes Dylan Cretin to bite after Ford cuts in front of Mark Wilson:

This allows an arcing Farrell to draw Teddy Thomas and free his wing:


A few phases later, Mako Vunipola’s deft drop-off shifts the point of contact and Slade waltzes to within a couple of metres. The loosehead prop, like his brother Billy, is a fine distributor.

Cretin is pulled towards Farrell which opens up a gap for Slade because Grégory Alldritt has been fixed by Mark Wilson:

Ford then sends Watson over the line:


England completed eight offloads in all, with Farrell responsible for three of them. France are a team that compete hard on the floor. They stole eight of England’s 95 rucks, so passing out of contact when possible made a great deal of sense.

The midfield axis of Ford and Farrell remains a handy way of imparting width, especially when given quick ball. Indeed, had the former fed the latter then England would surely have scored their second try earlier.

In the 74th minute, Ford gathers Ben Youngs’ pass…

…and sends the ball to Curry, who spills:

Farrell was arcing into space with Elliot Daly and Watson to his right.

Greater passing accuracy aided carrying and, in turn, brought more creative, effective kicking. England accumulated 31 kicks from hand in open play, only four fewer than they did against Scotland.

The difference was that most of the kicking was constructive.

Gain-line dominance

Since confessing to “rubbish” games against Scotland and Italy, Billy Vunipola has flicked a switch. His carrying in Cardiff drove England and he was prominent again against France.

When at his best, the 28-year-old wins games with his stamina. He ekes out momentum as the cumulative consequences of stopping a 130kg body take hold. Sure enough, it was the 18th and final carry of Billy Vunipola’s afternoon that forced the penalty from which Maro Itoje scored.

Four minutes previously, Vunipola junior cut a short line…

…and threw a pull-back to behind the run of Curry:

This time, Vunipola approaches the gain-line and flicks a dummy towards a looping Farrell before surging forward.

Replacement tighthead prop Dorian Aldegheri becomes trapped under supporting Will Stuart after making a ‘soak’ tackle and referee Andrew Brace punishes France:


Youngs’ performance was one of his most assertive in years and enhanced the speed of his team’s phase-play.

Although aided by the industry of Curry, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler in the carrying department, Billy Vunipola remains England’s go-to man and stood up at a vital time.

Lineout stability

Wales took away England’s lineout platform, but England had it back against France. On their way to a polished performance in this area, they used Billy Vunipola cleverly in the receiver slot of five-man lineouts.

From here, Vunipola was able to join mauls. He often fizzes passes into midfield. He is also able to join as a lifter, as he does for this first-half lineout.

France are marking the jumping pod of Itoje, Sinckler and Mako Vunipola with their own three-man group of Cyril Baille, Paul Willemse and Charles Ollivon:

Charlie Ewels and Wilson remain at the rear, opposite Cretin and Mohamed Haouas. Here is a map of what is known as a 3-2 set-up, with players marked by their initials.

You can see that Billy Vunipola (BV) and France hooker Julien Marchand (JM) are in the respective receiver slots:

Cowan-Dickie lobs the throw towards the space at the tail that France have presented. Ewels spins to lift Wilson and Billy Vunipola joins the lineout, supporting Wilson’s jump. Marchand also darts in to help lift Cretin, but England secure possession:


It is an example of a more subtle way England harness the power of Billy Vunipola. He is far more than a battering ram. Ewels, who lasted 78 minutes, also deserves credit here. His understated, resourceful display was reminiscent of George Kruis.

England were credited with a 100 per cent return from 14 lineouts and Ewels claimed the one that led to Itoje’s match-winning try. Not only that, he supported Stuart’s break-away and cleared the ruck prior to Itoje’s quick, opportunistic pick-and-go:


It seemed as though Ewels freed up Itoje, who stole two France throws, to do what he does best.

Disciplined defensive disruption

In the 12th minute was a sequence that will have delighted defence coach John Mitchell. It began with Farrell hunting down Teddy Thomas….

…and holding the wing above the ground:

England’s defensive line regrouped, and Itoje clattered Haouas on the following phase. On the next, Billy Vunipola stole in front of Willemse to claim an interception:


Billy Vunipola has not conceded a penalty since England’s win over Italy. At the weekend, he watched Dupont at the base of rucks and pressed up, sometimes on his own, as soon as France’s scrum-half lifted the ball.

He had attempted the same ploy against Scotland, but got his timing wrong and crept offside.

Itoje was also controlled against France, conceding a single, unfortunate penalty for failing to roll away from a tackle. Yet he did not compromise on disruption.

He stifled Dupont more and more as the game progressed, with a charge-down and a robust tackle on the same opponent in the 72nd minute:


Farrell, who topped England’s tackle count with 11, did not appear subdued by his plan not to engage with referee Andrew Brace.

In the second period, he thumped the ball out of Thomas’ grasp…

…and helped Henry Slade strip Virimi Vakatawa later on:


There are more potent midfield runners than Farrell, but his blend of passing, kicking and tenacity at inside centre still works when the 29-year-old is on song.

Itoje’s composure was crystallised in an excellent catch from the final restart of the game following his own try:

Impact replacements

When they arrived from the bench, Jamie George and Daly looked motivated by their omissions from the starting line-up.

George clocked up 18 metres from just two carries, while Daly slipped past five tackles in total. The pair combine here, as Ford finds Daly behind a wave of forwards. George begins at the previous ruck:

And sprints on to his colleague’s right shoulder after Daly has slipped past Cameron Woki. England often made ground around Dupont’s forays out of the front line:


The influence of George and Daly represented an endorsement of meritocratic competition in the squad – and might have hinted at their mid-term future. It would be harsh on either Cowan-Dickie or Malins if they were to drop back to the bench for the trip to Ireland.

Theoretically, Daly is nicely suited to the number 23 jersey given his speed and versatility. George, meanwhile, is 30 years old. Cowan-Dickie is 27 and, fitness permitting, 20-year-old Alfie Barbeary will not be long in climbing the pecking order.

The set-piece excellence of George could complement either of those two more dynamic hookers in match-day squads, in the same way hooker Keven Mealamu became a specialist replacement behind Dane Coles towards the end of his 132-Test career with New Zealand.

When this tournament is over, Jones will have to face up to familiar headaches. He must finally find a long-term solution, or at least a contingency, at scrum-half.

Question marks linger over backline balance when Manu Tuilagi is unavailable and Billy Vunipola needs to be firing. Otherwise, as the Scotland loss so sharply demonstrated, a different direction should be taken in the back row.

None of this is new information and a stirring win over France only served to underline it. Beating Ireland will not erase the issues, either.

England possess a core of excellent Saracens players, but their performance level on Saturday has to be the rule rather than sweet relief.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-OxYAeqnm1Y?start=80
https://www.youtube.com/embed/-OxYAeqnm1Y?start=353

Banquo wrote:

Which Tyler wrote:

Banquo wrote:I'd like to see what Malins speed is like, and if he needs mentoring by a 15 positionally- and I'd say he does- then fair play to Daly being a good team mate,but I'd actually get a proper 15 in to do it (could do worse than Brown or Goode, who for all their both limitations are both superb positionally). As before I saw enough to encourage me, but I really don't know if his pace is up to it, and the stutter step in counter attack cost at least one penalty. He's clearly elusive and a good 'footballer'....but so is/was Daly.

Could do (much, much) worse than Charles Piutau at club level too

Good point well made. Though ironically that connection will see him get less game time, or more time at 10 (which imo his his better position).

Digby wrote:You'd have to think he will have spent a long time with both Goode and Daly going over the move to 15, Goode maybe especially being brilliant positionally and having also moved from 10. Not sure what advice he gets from the Brizzle 15, get the ball and score almost could be the advice there

Digby wrote:This last week will have been much more about making him feel comfortable not taking a spot away from a mate and keeping calm with a start in the side, and there's quite some Sarries grouping in that squad which can in some teams undermine the whole when one of 'theirs' loses a spot, albeit in this instance one of 'theirs' takes the spot. So Daly will have helped manage all that by being supportive and saving any rants until away from the team. Dollars to doughnuts Daly and George have been griping between themselves, which is to be expected

You'd have to think he will have spent a long time with both Goode and Daly going over the move to 15, Goode maybe especially being brilliant positionally and having also moved from 10. Not sure what advice he gets from the Brizzle 15, get the ball and score almost could be the advice there

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:

p/d wrote:
This. Though not sparkling Malins looks a fb. Shame he was subbed, but that was on the cards.

Watson had a good game but Curry (immense) and BV were the pick

Malins might end up just a better fullback than Daly, no arguments, period. But to claim that display was an improvement on Daly in attack or defence is an odd take on what happened, and hopefully not one that's needed because Malins really should start again. Maybe we get more of the Lawrence one and done (for now) ruling, but I'd be very surprised

Fair play to Daly as an aside who was by all accounts brilliant with Malins this week just gone.

I'd like to see what Malins speed is like, and if he needs mentoring by a 15 positionally- and I'd say he does- then fair play to Daly being a good team mate,but I'd actually get a proper 15 in to do it (could do worse than Brown or Goode, who for all their both limitations are both superb positionally). As before I saw enough to encourage me, but I really don't know if his pace is up to it, and the stutter step in counter attack cost at least one penalty. He's clearly elusive and a good 'footballer'....but so is/was Daly.

Spiffy wrote:

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:
Malins might end up just a better fullback than Daly, no arguments, period. But to claim that display was an improvement on Daly in attack or defence is an odd take on what happened, and hopefully not one that's needed because Malins really should start again. Maybe we get more of the Lawrence one and done (for now) ruling, but I'd be very surprised

Fair play to Daly as an aside who was by all accounts brilliant with Malins this week just gone.

I'd like to see what Malins speed is like, and if he needs mentoring by a 15 positionally- and I'd say he does- then fair play to Daly being a good team mate,but I'd actually get a proper 15 in to do it (could do worse than Brown or Goode, who for all their both limitations are both superb positionally). As before I saw enough to encourage me, but I really don't know if his pace is up to it, and the stutter step in counter attack cost at least one penalty. He's clearly elusive and a good 'footballer'....but so is/was Daly.

Malins has always looked pretty pacy with good acceleration in PL games. A few times against France he looked to be developing a habit I really don't like in FBs, which seems increasingly common. - Catch the ball deep in your own territory with no one near you, then start to run it back at a leisurely lope, not much faster than a walk, looking all around as though you were about to explode into something magical, only to run aimlessly into a tackler who has been haring right at you from the catch. Much valuable territory is lost by this pointless slo-mo run back, and I don't think I've ever seen anything creative come out of it.
Still. I think he has good attacking instincts and worth a few games to try and bed in.
Good for Daly to get the competition - perhaps it bucked up his performance from the bench on Saturday.

Digby wrote:They're just waiting to see what the blockers can do. Which is fine as long as the blockers manage to block someone.

It's very rare at the top level there's enough space to warrant just putting your head down and charging, even if you get a mismatch you're probably running at a 2 or a 3 who'll work as a unit.

So the problem is more not deciding to kick early enough and/or well enough.

Top end pace is an interesting idea, and is he more about acceleration. Though a lot of 15s don't have sustained high end pace, some wingers don't, even some good ones

Digby wrote:They're just waiting to see what the blockers can do. Which is fine as long as the blockers manage to block someone.

It's very rare at the top level there's enough space to warrant just putting your head down and charging, even if you get a mismatch you're probably running at a 2 or a 3 who'll work as a unit.

So the problem is more not deciding to kick early enough and/or well enough.

Top end pace is an interesting idea, and is he more about acceleration. Though a lot of 15s don't have sustained high end pace, some wingers don't, even some good ones

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:They're just waiting to see what the blockers can do. Which is fine as long as the blockers manage to block someone.

It's very rare at the top level there's enough space to warrant just putting your head down and charging, even if you get a mismatch you're probably running at a 2 or a 3 who'll work as a unit.

So the problem is more not deciding to kick early enough and/or well enough.

Top end pace is an interesting idea, and is he more about acceleration. Though a lot of 15s don't have sustained high end pace, some wingers don't, even some good ones

Not even asking for sustained top end pace, Jason Robinson didn't have that, but his acceleration to top pace was phenomenal.

The problem is fannying about, and getting caught behind your support- course the support could work harder; and actually there is a lot to be said for merely trying to get in front of your support. Billy has been doing that pretty well of late from kick returns, though admittedly he can take on the 2 or 3 in a unit better than someone like Malins.

Spiffy wrote:

Digby wrote:They're just waiting to see what the blockers can do. Which is fine as long as the blockers manage to block someone.

It's very rare at the top level there's enough space to warrant just putting your head down and charging, even if you get a mismatch you're probably running at a 2 or a 3 who'll work as a unit.

So the problem is more not deciding to kick early enough and/or well enough.

Top end pace is an interesting idea, and is he more about acceleration. Though a lot of 15s don't have sustained high end pace, some wingers don't, even some good ones

I am not advocating just a head down and charge approach, but even that will make more ground than simply marking time while you invite tacklers to come and get you.