AGGRESSION AT THE BREAKDOWN

[chiselhead]

Last season we were raped at the breakdown and tackle contest. Kiwi coaches do not like getting beaten at this point of the game. Has Mitchell been busy unaustralianising the limp wristed committment at the breakdown. Our national team is plagued by lightweights. Can the Force under the guise of kiwi nouse provide Australia with some "mongrel" at the breakdown? Pocock/Brown are keen but green. Fava used to be hot but now he is not. Do we have a 6 to strike fear in the opposition? I fear not

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Great post, but ya talking through your hat. Sit back and watch this space.

[frontrow]

Interesting point chisel, and i have made a similar assessment regarding the wallabies last year, and thought that they would improve from connolleys input, but we seem to be regressing in that area once again...Tonights game will be a good test for the lads to show there ticker against the samoan big boys...

[RuckNMaul]

Excellant post most turnovers are achived at the breakdown, the kiwi teams dominated at the breakdown last year making for some startled half backs either ending up on there arse or knocking the ball on.
Either way (attack or defense) contesting at the ruck is a must. build that platform in attack and prepare for the opposition loosies to smash into you and try to bust you off the ball. in defense hit at pace stay on your feet and peel em back off the ball.
now youve got me all worked up

[frontrow]

I`ts on now, Krushers amped up, i`m keen as mustard for a game and Samoa play the Force tonight, i can smell the big hits already...

[RuckNMaul]

back now had to go crash tackle an apprentice

[frontrow]

I knew i could sense a big hit coming, nice work krusher...I may have to go out to the mine and headbutt a supervisor, the only way to knock sense into them...

[RuckNMaul]

you could practice your scrummaging with a haulpack

[frontrow]

Too easy brother, it wouldn`t know what hit it...or is that i wouldn`t know what hit me... I think we know the real answer here...

[Burgs]

back now had to go crash tackle an apprentice

That's alright, it's part of their Award isn't it???
I'll just have to go find a scrubber bull to "Alfie Langer" tackle!!!

[Rodent]

Well if the new interpretations are to be believed the Kiwi's will not be the menace they were at the breakdown because the filthy cheat they call a captain wont get away with lying all over the ball.

[frontrow]

You aren`t referring to Saint Ritchie are you, never does anything untoward in the refs eyes, butter wouldn`t melt in his mouth, etc...

[Sagerian]

*Generic Ref*: Richie, hands off. I'll count to 3.. 1.... 2... 2 and a half... 2 and 3 quarters.... This is your last warning Richie.....

*Ref spots Rocky Elsom warming up on the sideline*

"Right, number 6, you're off for 10 minutes! I've warned you about hands in the ruck!"

[hatchie]

G'day Chis. Nice to see a familiar name....I did see brokendown lurking around here once, too.

The loosies are going to make or break us this season. It was probably where we were most lacking last season - and now we've got all this extra spice in the backline you'd hope we can retain a bit more possesion.

As far as openside go, if Pocock can step up and perform consistently at S14 level this year, we'll be well on track. I saw him play a couple of times against the Japanese clubs and he reminded me a little of Phil Waugh - all maniacal and with no concern for his safety. It was great to see.

Blindside is still a bit of a concern. Pusey did pretty well there last year, and proved quite useful in the lineouts, hopefully he can improve on his efforts and develop in a solid ball carrier too. Hodgo and Doherty played reasonably well in both flanks, while not really setting the world on fire.

Brown was a standout last year, although I'm not sure whether Mitch has plans for him at 8 or 7. Either way, he'll keep the incumbents honest.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Well if the new interpretations are to be believed the Kiwi's will not be the menace they were at the breakdown because the filthy cheat they call a captain wont get away with lying all over the ball.

Spot on Rodent.