Our problems in the back row are systemic. It is clear that our academy favours players with fitness and mobility over those with size and impact. Which is why just about all of the back rows coming out of the academy are much the same size and shape. On the one hand they are quick about the field and can operate right up to 80 minutes per game (allowing other players to be subbed to suit tactics). But they are weak against bigger players who can out-muscle them physically, meaning we make less yards per carry.
This is NOT to say bigger is necessarily better. We mustn't forget that bigger players tire quicker and they can be exposed by a good kick and chase (Millward proved this year after year against Bradford).
The truth is Simmons is right. We didn't execute the right tactics. Had we done so we would have exposed the deficiencies in their back row as opposed to the other way around.
