Why the **** do England do this? Constantly kicking possession away.
What's the rational?
great question. I’ve listened to so many podcasts on this topic. It seems there is a split in style regarding how rugby should be played at the moment.
On one side there are coaches who believe that the best way to play rugby is by a kicking game. Kick at every opportunity, constantly turn the opposition pack, play the game in the opposition half and build pressure through territory. It’s a simple concept I suppose. Jones was in this camp as is SB. You need to have a good pack as lineout and scrum dominance is important.
the second concept is to hold the ball as much as possible, build pressure through possession, draw penalties, high intensity, high ball in play time and basically run the opposition into the ground. This is the rugby that Ireland and Scotland play.
Of course, I believe that it’s a mixture of both. That’s why your 10 is essential, knowing when to play and when to Kick.
Traditionally, I believe England always tried to dominate the physical game, strong pack, strong lineout and strong maul. And then once dominant, release your backs. The problem is that you’re not dominating physically anymore and not getting enough primary possession. On top of this, when the pressure comes on at ruck time, discipline is poor. Your speed off the line was notably poor yesterday and your ball carriers are too playing too deep. SB knows all this. It can’t be fixed overnight. He has inherited a ****eshow. I think the RFU went for SB to bring England back to the basics above. That’s the style of coach he is. He will get them right but it may take 12-24 months until he is happy. But week by week, he will drill them to death.
Not my preferred style of rugby but SA won the last WC playing this way and England weren’t a million miles away.
