Cracking the Code

There are few more distressing aspects of watching live rugby than listening to the older fan, who refuses to accept that rugby has evolved since 'their day, harp on about a lack of skill level in the modern game. Unfortunately at this afternoon's Waratahs v Rebels game, that guy was on the money. An analysis piece in the match day programme observed that 'the true test of basic skill competency, is perfect execution under pressure!'. The Rebels victory was largely derived from a superior, albeit marginal, ability to meet the above requirement. The Waratahs game plan made their own pursuit of perfection exponentially more difficult due to the pressure it imposes on them. At least, I assume that the constant desire to force the killer ball is pre ordained, if not it demonstrates a level of on field discipline that is sub par for a team entertaining the idea of winning Super Rugby matches. Much was made post World Cup about the chasm separating the attacking and ambit