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Ruck Involvements against the Waratahs
Always interesting to see who had the input at the breakdown.
Coach Gibson today confirmed that the Tahs increased their kicking to avoid any Force breakdown dominance as seen in the past.
Tahs had 36 kicks from hand versus Force 28 kicks (as those who were there know very well).
Remember:
1. Early means 1st or 2nd of player’s team AFTER the ball carrier has been tackled and brought to ground.
2. Impact means active engagement: strong physical contact, changed shape of ruck, clean-out, protecting ball etc. (more than hand on someone’s bum or arriving after the hard work has been done). Yes it’s subjective – but as I collect all data at least it’s consistent.
3. Impact DOES NOT equate to Effectiveness. I’ve concluded that coming up with an effectiveness measure is just too hard in the time that I have available – but open to suggestions.
Involvements over Time
Both teams were generally standing off Defensive Rucks.
Below average involvement by the Force. 6 TOW (including 4 by the Backs).
Average involvement by the Waratahs - who have the lowest Ruck Involvements of the Aussie teams (by about 20%). (4 TOW.)
Have posted my Round 9 - Aussie Ruck Analysis at G&GR.
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/sr-...lysis-round-9/
Always good to see who's putting in the hard yards. (and it's generally NOT Front Rowers or last year's Wallabies).