donnyboy

This years RWC has only began, and we see that all the NH teams have struggled. From what I gather, the NH teams havent improved at all since the last tourny, and in Englands case gone 2 steps back. Why has this occurred? Is it due to SH teams getting better, or is it due to the NH teams getting worse?

I have a couple of theories;

Grass roots rugby is not strong in the NH. Due to the sport playing second to football. Perhaps funding to junior ranks is not as good as in the SH. Thus the players dont have good coaches and technical assistance to promote skill levels.

Local Clubs in the National competitions are seeking overseas players instead of local players. This doesnt help the development of the local players. The clubs should be seeking overseas coaches with a track record.

Super 14 competition helps develop the expansive open game. The competition starts in feb (late summer in SH) and runs to May. Most grounds in the 3 countries during this period will be hard and fast, meaning players need to adjust (fitness)to a higher pace, and a style of running rugby that the NH teams would be envious of. Hence the skills of offloading in the tackle, quicker to the breakdown, chip and chase, cut out passes, passing inside to a player running on the angle, et al.

Lastly, highly technical and skilled coaches. The All Blacks have several coaches that look after different aspects of the game. Theres a scrum expert. Backs coach, forwards coach, and others that Im not sure of. The Springboks have even got a Ozzie coach in to help.

what do you think?