The Current State of Rugby
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Some of the ways 7s is adjudicated might be beneficial. Very little tolerance for going off your feet past the ball for example.
Very little tolerance for high tackles as well but often just a penalty and get going again. Maybe a 5 minute bin would work. Get the game moving.While I'm at it WTF is with these called for drinks breaks? What a joke. Just being used like an NFL timeout.
I hate the endless running on of support staff but this isn't the solution, this is worse. The players don't even need a drink, they just squirt it on themselves and talk tactics while catching their breath.
Based on evidence from the FPC we are going to find the NPC very painful to watch in this regard.
Who are the muppets that think these things up without putting their coaches hats on and thinking how it will be used?
Water on the sidelines, there's plenty of opportunity to grab one if you really need it OR strictly enforce keeping the game moving. Get the staff off the field or get penalised.@Crucial more stoppages will just alow for bigger less fit and mobile players to be used.
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I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
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@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
Note yellow cards equivalent
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@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
Note yellow cards equivalent
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
Note yellow cards equivalent
That's a work on
It's the consistency and rapidity of decision that's heartening
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@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
Note yellow cards equivalent
That's a work on
It's the consistency and rapidity of decision that's heartening
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:
I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way
Hoo fucking ray
There is an answer
Note yellow cards equivalent
That's a work on
It's the consistency and rapidity of decision that's heartening
Go back a while and there was an attempt to take away the size and impact by reducing a lot of lesser infringements to free kicks. Under this trial refs were much more likely to ping small ruck infringements which meant a better focus on entry, binding, shoulder charge entry etc. over time the extra speed to the game would have emphasised speed and skill over size as well.
No way said the NH. Can’t have that. We want size and power.
It was more about not wanting to be at a disadvantage as at that time as the skill at speed level in the SH was streets ahead.
Had a chance at a safer game then so forgive me if the current high horse position grates.
We all want player safety. We just think we can achieve it just as well without alienating fans. NH can rely on population to absorb fan number decline. We can’t. -
@nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:
Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.
Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.
Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.@Dan54 said in The Current State of Rugby:
@nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:
Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.
Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.
Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.yeah, like a lot of teenages in 90's NZ i watched a fair bit of league, but since moving to AUS ive definitely enjoyed AFL?VFL a lot more, i live a few hundred meter from a VFL ground and so can stroll down on a sunday avo, stand a with several hundred others (a few thousand for a big game) in the sun and watch a high level of sport, free flowing, 80% is easy to understand and some old mate will happily explain the other 20%, i can get more types of of supporters gear for my local club than i can NPC or even super rugby and it is only $10 to get in
even Mrs Womble said we should get a membership next year to support the local team...and with that membership we'll get a scarf and cap/beenie etc
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@Dan54 said in The Current State of Rugby:
@nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:
Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.
Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.
Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.yeah, like a lot of teenages in 90's NZ i watched a fair bit of league, but since moving to AUS ive definitely enjoyed AFL?VFL a lot more, i live a few hundred meter from a VFL ground and so can stroll down on a sunday avo, stand a with several hundred others (a few thousand for a big game) in the sun and watch a high level of sport, free flowing, 80% is easy to understand and some old mate will happily explain the other 20%, i can get more types of of supporters gear for my local club than i can NPC or even super rugby and it is only $10 to get in
even Mrs Womble said we should get a membership next year to support the local team...and with that membership we'll get a scarf and cap/beenie etc
@Kiwiwomble said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Dan54 said in The Current State of Rugby:
@nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:
Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.
Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.
Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.yeah, like a lot of teenages in 90's NZ i watched a fair bit of league, but since moving to AUS ive definitely enjoyed AFL?VFL a lot more, i live a few hundred meter from a VFL ground and so can stroll down on a sunday avo, stand a with several hundred others (a few thousand for a big game) in the sun and watch a high level of sport, free flowing, 80% is easy to understand and some old mate will happily explain the other 20%, i can get more types of of supporters gear for my local club than i can NPC or even super rugby and it is only $10 to get in
even Mrs Womble said we should get a membership next year to support the local team...and with that membership we'll get a scarf and cap/beenie etc
I personally found it to be a group of extra tall skinny men in clothes that wouldn't cover an anorexic supermodel, bouncing up and down on the hardest ground they could find in a field that was virtually directionless, with no offside anywhere, injured every second weekend.
I do like the umpires's gestures, even if they're a bit Fascist traffic cop giving street directions. Surprised they don't all have handlebar moustaches and wear lederhosen.
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@Kiwiwomble said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Dan54 said in The Current State of Rugby:
@nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:
Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.
Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.
Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.yeah, like a lot of teenages in 90's NZ i watched a fair bit of league, but since moving to AUS ive definitely enjoyed AFL?VFL a lot more, i live a few hundred meter from a VFL ground and so can stroll down on a sunday avo, stand a with several hundred others (a few thousand for a big game) in the sun and watch a high level of sport, free flowing, 80% is easy to understand and some old mate will happily explain the other 20%, i can get more types of of supporters gear for my local club than i can NPC or even super rugby and it is only $10 to get in
even Mrs Womble said we should get a membership next year to support the local team...and with that membership we'll get a scarf and cap/beenie etc
I personally found it to be a group of extra tall skinny men in clothes that wouldn't cover an anorexic supermodel, bouncing up and down on the hardest ground they could find in a field that was virtually directionless, with no offside anywhere, injured every second weekend.
I do like the umpires's gestures, even if they're a bit Fascist traffic cop giving street directions. Surprised they don't all have handlebar moustaches and wear lederhosen.
@nostrildamus said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Kiwiwomble said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Dan54 said in The Current State of Rugby:
@nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:
Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.
Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.
Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.yeah, like a lot of teenages in 90's NZ i watched a fair bit of league, but since moving to AUS ive definitely enjoyed AFL?VFL a lot more, i live a few hundred meter from a VFL ground and so can stroll down on a sunday avo, stand a with several hundred others (a few thousand for a big game) in the sun and watch a high level of sport, free flowing, 80% is easy to understand and some old mate will happily explain the other 20%, i can get more types of of supporters gear for my local club than i can NPC or even super rugby and it is only $10 to get in
even Mrs Womble said we should get a membership next year to support the local team...and with that membership we'll get a scarf and cap/beenie etc
I personally found it to be a group of extra tall skinny men in clothes that wouldn't cover an anorexic supermodel, bouncing up and down on the hardest ground they could find in a field that was virtually directionless, with no offside anywhere, injured every second weekend.
I do like the umpires's gestures, even if they're a bit Fascist traffic cop giving street directions. Surprised they don't all have handlebar moustaches and wear lederhosen.
Post of the Year entry
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I watch rugby, league and AFL , dont really see the need to compare them , they are all different , a good game in each code is a good game and a poor game same same, for me
One thing they have in common though , diehard fans of each code will argue their game is the best and tell you the reasons the other is crap like its a fact not an opinion .
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As someone who had to front up with a Western Union transfer for my namesake and his two brothers and two sisters (and their dad who has also played for Nadi!) so they could go to the final of the Fiji NPC last Saturday this shows just how much love there is for the game up there. My yaca (namesake) was naturally overjoyed at the result. It helped that the Captain of the winning team and scorer of the winning try comes from their Narewa Village.
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While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions. -
and another thing water breaks..
seriously if you need water get subbed. If you're injured go off ffs. Big fluffy bunnies who do too much weights and not enough speed work can play until they're exhausted and be replaced, but should not be allowed to slow the game down
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While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
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@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
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@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
@stodders said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
100%
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@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
@stodders said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
Agreed we need more varieties of players and styles not less.
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Interestingly our TV media are talking about the ABs much more than normal, getting pundits on to talk about it...
Shows that old adage any publicity is good publicity, is clearly wrong!
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@stodders said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
Agreed we need more varieties of players and styles not less.
@nostrildamus said in The Current State of Rugby:
@stodders said in The Current State of Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:
@Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:
While avoiding some direct comment on last night it is patently obvious that test rugby at the moment is a power game.
'Ball beats the man' is no longer a thing, given the training and speed of defences.
All close play is done with head below hips.
High impact collision into players at breakdowns is the norm.At lower levels all of this is tolerable and can lead to some very good rugby but at the high end of professionalism the game is so far away from the intent it is crazy and there's no wonder WR are scrambling to find scapegoats for head injuries (other than themselves and the application of law), along with a lack of law adjustment for pro athletes.
Game needs a big shake up IMO. .Needs to come back to being a game for all sizes based on skill and strength not power and collisions.Ireland showed a combination is possible against modern defences
Hardnosed when needed to be
Letting the ball do the work when it's on
Like ABs used to do.
One observation I do have is that there are too many breaks in play. Too much recovery time for the bigger, more powerful teams during the match. We already have tactical subs in the first half for god's sake! It penalises teams who are more aerobic and encourages everyone to bulk up more and we get more attrition.
Agreed we need more varieties of players and styles not less.
True. There's a lot of homogeneity in NZ rugby, especially at super rugby level. Age grade teams too. This is fine if the ABs are winning. But when they aren't, why teach the players coming through to play that way?
I think contrasting styles is good for players to develop. Irish rugby for example has different styles played by Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht.
