6 Nations rugby.

6 Nations Rugby Report…not good for some.

The opening round of Rugby’s 6 Nations didn’t produce any shocks, but some team performances were below the required standard regardless of win or loss.

Wales, a country honed on attacking quality has completely lost the plot. Attacking skills are unused. Circle balls (loops) are a memory of yesteryear. Their U-20s also lost by 63-19 to France.

England cannot play fluently for 80 minutes. They need to re-visit the principles of team play, but before that change the coach.

The French can play however they want and win easily.

Italy can beat Wales on Saturday.

Ireland bloodied a new fly-half in Sam Prendergast, and he shows genuine potential.

Scotland missed Tuipulotu's direct play but still appeared threatening.

An international team consists of talented players. Games can be won by individual brilliance even in the absence of effective team play.

Team Play

Patterns of attack must be learned and practised.? Key players will see when a particular pattern can be used. The role of the “playmaker” is important, he will have a good vision and understanding of his team’s capabilities.? However, the playmaker will not override the individual reacting to cues that trigger the individual to use his skill in a particular situation.

Using the ball is a blend of understanding with attitude; team awareness with individual virtuosity; of practised patterns with spontaneous reaction. The blending is elusive and short-lived.

Decision making.

Some players are better at choosing options for themselves rather than the team. Some players might not recognise an alternative option, which can apply to both the ball carrier and the support player. Some players have little faith in their teammates.

Instinctive play has personal rewards. Hesitate and you are “dead”

Dupont is the perfect example of an instinctive player yet at times it appears he can check his instinct and look for another option.

Mitchell is a scrum half who has made the England scrum half position his own, yet against Ireland, his indecision cost England dearly. When he plays instinctively, he is super effective but when he hesitates, he ruins the flow of any attack.

Flow is probably a word we should consider more when designing our training nights, sessions and practices. Do our practices develop into aspects of team play? Can we affect the flow by attacking the drift defence, winning a quick ball, and then continuing the flow? Flow can be initiated from any situation; turn-over ball, kick return, re-starts. Quick picks and drives can alter the flow, enticing defenders, before moving the ball to faster waters.

On a lighter note….I read fuelling a squad of 36 England players for 1 week requires….

2,100 Eggs

200 lb of berries.

450 lb of banana’s

350 lb of potatoes

50lb of pasta

600 pints of milk

And it doesn’t guarantee a win!

Mike Penistone

[email protected]

WhatsApp +61 488 116849