Waratahs v Rebels
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 ambitious style pursued by the Rugby Championship sides, when compared with the far more pragmatic approach deployed by their Six Nations competitors. However, the offering at Allianz Stadium this afternoon demonstrated how intent is of little importance unless backed up with the requisite accuracy.
The 18 point lead that the Rebels had amassed by the end of the first period came on the back of a pragmatic display that was far more graft than craft. They ran hard, and scrambled well in defence, always forcing their opposition to make an extra pass or decision. An extra action that the home side were always incapable of executing. Ultimately, It was an 18 point lead that turned out to be match winning.
The Waratahs attempted comeback yielded two scores and took them them within four points, whilst even bringing a passive Sydney Football Stadium crowd to life for all of about 30 seconds. However, just like two weeks ago against the Highlanders, the New South Welshman fell short in their bid for the summit of mount comeback. The final push for victory slipped away with a knock on, as they were advancing in and around the Rebels 22. An unfortunate but befitting way for the curtains to be drawn on a forgettable encounter.
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 ambitious style pursued by the Rugby Championship sides, when compared with the far more pragmatic approach deployed by their Six Nations competitors. However, the offering at Allianz Stadium this afternoon demonstrated how intent is of little importance unless backed up with the requisite accuracy.
The 18 point lead that the Rebels had amassed by the end of the first period came on the back of a pragmatic display that was far more graft than craft. They ran hard, and scrambled well in defence, always forcing their opposition to make an extra pass or decision. An extra action that the home side were always incapable of executing. Ultimately, It was an 18 point lead that turned out to be match winning.
The Waratahs attempted comeback yielded two scores and took them them within four points, whilst even bringing a passive Sydney Football Stadium crowd to life for all of about 30 seconds. However, just like two weeks ago against the Highlanders, the New South Welshman fell short in their bid for the summit of mount comeback. The final push for victory slipped away with a knock on, as they were advancing in and around the Rebels 22. An unfortunate but befitting way for the curtains to be drawn on a forgettable encounter.
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