RugbyRebels

morepork wrote:Fair enough (although the relative emphasis of each in specific games is). I think what I am trying to say is that the ABs tailor a game plan to the opposition. Trench warfare against the Boks in a world cup semi followed by stretching the defence with width in the final (and quarter final too). Gatland did "coach" a team consisting of the cream of four countries with a combined senior player base of >180 000 to a series draw against the No.1 team in the world. If I were Welsh however, I'd be pretty dark at coming up short at the same fixtures year after year.

Well, we are a tiny country, we do pretty well all things considered and the defeats are not the anihilations I was used to seeing in my youth, I'd be more concerned if I were English, what with them having a player base that should see them top of the World rankings year on year.

It's completely off topic to talk about the coach but since it has been raised what consistant success has Wales had before Gatland even with Graham Henry and Steve Hansen in charge...not a lot. Whilst Ruddock achieved success for one season and I hoped it would be more but he has not shown anything like that since.Even that one season caused uproar and decent amongst a host of players.

Gatland has made us harder to beat. We are more professional in many areas, although individual 8mprovements in players often seem to be lacking, accepting that’s not just Gatland fault.

We have lacked match intelligence on times. We should have won a series in Australia a few years ago, but made silly errors in the final minutes to let the Aussies score.

Gatland made a good start and up to th last RWC, he was still very much in credit. We seem to have stalled since 2015 and some fresh ideas are urgently needed. Our old tactics no longer work.

I think all coaches have a sell by date, only very rare ones last a long time, I.e. Ferguson, and he reinvented himself repeatedly and changed the supporting cast. The welsh coaching team needed some fresh blood in 2015.

Sandydragon wrote:Gatland has made us harder to beat. We are more professional in many areas, although individual 8mprovements in players often seem to be lacking, accepting that’s not just Gatland fault.

We have lacked match intelligence on times. We should have won a series in Australia a few years ago, but made silly errors in the final minutes to let the Aussies score.

Gatland made a good start and up to th last RWC, he was still very much in credit. We seem to have stalled since 2015 and some fresh ideas are urgently needed. Our old tactics no longer work.

I think all coaches have a sell by date, only very rare ones last a long time, I.e. Ferguson, and he reinvented himself repeatedly and changed the supporting cast. The welsh coaching team needed some fresh blood in 2015.

No disagreement with that fact ...people have made poor decisions on occasions. Also the change in the structure makeup was a real error on the behalf of Gatland. Normally coaches move on as they develop but it seemed to be a reluctance to let or move anyone on. Hopefully it will happen sooner than later but that is the main issue , however change is happening on the field and this will be an interesting 6 nations for Wales.

So the roof will be shut at least that was the plan as of yesterday should be an opportunity for both sides to play a more open type of rugby which fits both teams selection.

ALunpg wrote:So the roof will be shut at least that was the plan as of yesterday should be an opportunity for both sides to play a more open type of rugby which fits both teams selection.

Beyond the selection of Patchell what suggests to you that will be the case? I know there was talk of a move to a more open game-plan in the Autumn but didn't actually catch any of your games. I thought that revolved largely on putting another ball-player at 12? Is it likely more of the Scarlets approach will be adopted given the number of them in the side? Davies or Tipuric at 7 would have seemed a very good move if that was the plan.

Mikey Brown wrote:

ALunpg wrote:So the roof will be shut at least that was the plan as of yesterday should be an opportunity for both sides to play a more open type of rugby which fits both teams selection.

Beyond the selection of Patchell what suggests to you that will be the case? I know there was talk of a move to a more open game-plan in the Autumn but didn't actually catch any of your games. I thought that revolved largely on putting another ball-player at 12? Is it likely more of the Scarlets approach will be adopted given the number of them in the side? Davies or Tipuric at 7 would have seemed a very good move if that was the plan.

I would imagine our plan will be to dominate up front which is where we have the advantage imo, our scrum should be able to outperform yours so expect some penalties off the back of that. Taking on you lot with an expansive game would be unwise.

I thought Scotland had asked for the roof to be open anyway.

Our game plan will be to kick aimlessly but somehow finding Hogg every time and watching him run back without pressure.

Mikey Brown wrote:

ALunpg wrote:So the roof will be shut at least that was the plan as of yesterday should be an opportunity for both sides to play a more open type of rugby which fits both teams selection.

Beyond the selection of Patchell what suggests to you that will be the case? I know there was talk of a move to a more open game-plan in the Autumn but didn't actually catch any of your games. I thought that revolved largely on putting another ball-player at 12? Is it likely more of the Scarlets approach will be adopted given the number of them in the side? Davies or Tipuric at 7 would have seemed a very good move if that was the plan.

I think the words I used was opportunity to play which would not be as easy if it were a dreich dour day or with it heaving down and the roof open. To play a more open style based upon the selection of the Wales team is more again of an opportunity rather than instigated by an individual.

Yes apparently Scotland did originally want it open but reversed that recently and now both agree to it be closed.

As I understood it, Townsend wanted it to be open if it would be dry but now the foercast is bad he has agred to it being shut.

From watching you lot in the autumn you were genuinely trying to play a more open game and looked good in patches just without finishing. You, and anyone else, would be stupid not to try and bully us but I'd be surprised if there is not a fair bit of ambition

Patch'....in at the deep end. Again.
C'mon Fella. You can boss this......

I am enjoying my mid-morning work break, sorting out beer and looking forward to a game that could be a thirty point win for either side (although perhaps more likely Scotland).

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