jean valjean wrote:We dont have the rugby intelligence or discipline to play a drift defence. It is much easier to get everyone in a line and bust a gut to get up quick and smash them. What makes it even worse is we dont dominate tackles and have zero turnover threat, therefore we are simply giving up easy metres all the time. Can anyone think of another team that defends the way we do?
jean valjean wrote:We dont have the rugby intelligence or discipline to play a drift defence. It is much easier to get everyone in a line and bust a gut to get up quick and smash them. What makes it even worse is we dont dominate tackles and have zero turnover threat, therefore we are simply giving up easy metres all the time. Can anyone think of another team that defends the way we do?
Exactly.... why are we persisting with choke tackle? How many times did we attempt it and then lose 5ms trying to do it?
Joe Schmo wrote:I'm so glad Kofth has brought up the McCloskey/Marshall pairing. I'm not impressed with McCloskey and Marshall's decision making is too often poor. It's cave for me, he was poor at the end of last season but we need him back asap.
McCloskey is an incredibly destructive midfield runner who can offload as well as anyone in Ireland. One cap, why? He's a defensive nightmare found out of position far too often. He needs to learn, he's not a youngster starting off anymore. Marshall is usually more solid than he was tonight. He has played himself into the ground in recent weeks.
Shanahan, Herron, Ross and Andrew to start.
Rest as many as the numbers will permit.
jean valjean wrote:We dont have the rugby intelligence or discipline to play a drift defence. It is much easier to get everyone in a line and bust a gut to get up quick and smash them. What makes it even worse is we dont dominate tackles and have zero turnover threat, therefore we are simply giving up easy metres all the time. Can anyone think of another team that defends the way we do?
Exactly.... why are we persisting with choke tackle? How many times did we attempt it and then lose 5ms trying to do it?
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The choke has been overplayed and teams are working out how to get out of trouble before it develops. Using it sparingly would have been better, but I suppose it comes down to lack of nuanced decision making.
Joe Schmo wrote:I'm so glad Kofth has brought up the McCloskey/Marshall pairing. I'm not impressed with McCloskey and Marshall's decision making is too often poor. It's cave for me, he was poor at the end of last season but we need him back asap.
McCloskey is an incredibly destructive midfield runner who can offload as well as anyone in Ireland. One cap, why? He's a defensive nightmare found out of position far too often. He needs to learn, he's not a youngster starting off anymore. Marshall is usually more solid than he was tonight. He has played himself into the ground in recent weeks.
Shanahan, Herron, Ross and Andrew to start.
Rest as many as the numbers will permit.
he would be more destructive if he could offload, that would actually make him a useful ball carrier. How many times did we witness Big Nick crashing though looking to offload only to find no one there? I can't really remember Nick just crashing to the ground every time, always looking to offload, something that keeps a defender on the back foot. Agree he has a lot to learn.
They have a two week break after the Bordeaux match do you think Les wants another defeat-at home? I'd say whoever is fit and same team, not that I care, just saying.
Joe Schmo wrote:I'm so glad Kofth has brought up the McCloskey/Marshall pairing. I'm not impressed with McCloskey and Marshall's decision making is too often poor. It's cave for me, he was poor at the end of last season but we need him back asap.
McCloskey is an incredibly destructive midfield runner who can offload as well as anyone in Ireland. One cap, why? He's a defensive nightmare found out of position far too often. He needs to learn, he's not a youngster starting off anymore. Marshall is usually more solid than he was tonight. He has played himself into the ground in recent weeks.
Shanahan, Herron, Ross and Andrew to start.
Rest as many as the numbers will permit.
he would be more destructive if he could offload, that would actually make him a useful ball carrier. How many times did we witness Big Nick crashing though looking to offload only to find no one there? I can't really remember Nick just crashing to the ground every time, always looking to offload, something that keeps a defender on the back foot. Agree he has a lot to learn.
Did you turn the tele on five minutes into the match?