If you must discuss Union, do it here II

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Mon Aug 08, 2011 9:34 am

Dunbar wrote:

I caught quite a bit of England Wales on Saturday while I was waiting for Wigan Saints

What struck me most about the game was the total lack of invention in the backs and backline moves. Apparently they have been in camp for the past month or so and yet the only back line move they have is to pass the ball across the line until they run out of pitch – and always passing instead of squaring up the line so the defence only had to drift, it was infuriating to watch

Then you compare that to some of the slick movement of Wigan and Saints backline play. Of course the defence lies flatter in Union (at the back foot of the ruck rather than 10 metres) and there are more bodies on the pitch but a decent coach would surely get something out of these players

It has just about always been thus with England.
They pass the ball along the line like a hot potato, passing almost as soon as they have received it, laterally until they become embarrassed at the sideline.

Rugby league players don't do that, they hold the and ball run at the opposition, or a gap if it exists' and then pass the ball at the last minute thus taking players out of the game. They risk a clattering in the process, but they know it's the only way they will make progress short of missed tackles or poor marking.

Like you I can't stand to watch England's pathetic attempts at throwing it along the line. New Zealand can do it, they play a form of attack very akin to rugby league.