Trouble with transition
7 Mar 2011
RYAN VREDE writes that the Bulls have to exhibit more tactical flexibility and game intelligence if they are to defend their Super Rugby title.
Last week I wrote that the Bulls looked ominous. I based that assertion on the fact that they had ground out two away wins in derby matches despite deeply flawed performances. I predicted that those mediocre showings would prompt reanalysis of their ‘systems’ (a word readily used by their players and coaches) and that they would be astute enough in that analysis and accurate in their execution going forward, to make a statement of intent.
Instead what we got on Saturday evening was a replication of the errors that were a marked feature of their first fortnight. The players must take responsibility for their ability to execute the attacking and defensive game plans.
Speaking at half time, head coach Frans Ludeke identified the defensive deficiencies accurately – a weak tackle fight and too little numbers at the breakdown was allowing the Highlanders to dictate the tempo and of flow of play. They looked vulnerable every time the Highlanders swung the ball wide, as they did when the Lions and Cheetahs tested them in this manner. Their cause was undermined by the fact that they were consistently falling off tackles, with senior Springboks among those who were poor in this facet of play.
It is a poor effort to concede 35 points at home – including two tries gifted to Kade Poki through diabolical defence – against a side as limited as the Highlanders. The usually stingy Bulls have now conceded 10 tries against three of the weaker teams in the tournament (the Highlanders will point to their three from three record but they’ll be no more than mid-table competitors by the close of the season). Only the rookie Rebels have a worse defensive record (13).
However, their biggest concern has to be their uncharacteristic impotence on attack. Outside of their excellent first half against the Lions they have struggled to impose themselves in the manner they’ve become renowned for. The Highlanders match was the nadir in this regard. They were bullied at the collisions and at ruck time, robbing them of the platform they needed to test the Highlanders defensively.
On Saturday the match situation demanded tactical flexibility. An attempt was made, but it was a weak and unsuccessful one.
Good tactical kicks lost their impact because of a lethargic chase, allowing the Highlanders the opportunity to counter from broken field. Their rolling maul crept rather than rumbled across the turf and attempts at a multi-phase game were thwarted by a combination of their poor ball protection and referee Stuart Dickinson’s generosity to the defending team at the breakdown.
The Bulls wouldn’t have won three Super Rugby titles in four years if they didn’t have the capacity to transition between game plans when needed. The problem is that they’ve failed to exhibit that capacity to date, but at this point they will draw solace from the fact that poor execution and not the inability to shift, is at the root of their struggles.
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To read the Bulls vs Highlanders match report click here
66 Comments
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7 Mar 2011, 16:09 pm
@pokkel(pokkel)-50: Been questioning Spies selection for a while ??? Glad somebody else has spotted this ….. On form currently Johnston and Whittley seem in good form ….. Would be nice for the Sharks to let Alberts play some games at 8
7 Mar 2011, 16:12 pm
@stew(stew)-51: I reckon Keegan and Alberts both play their best rugby at 8…but Kanko only plays 8 so it creates a bit problem in team selection.
7 Mar 2011, 16:15 pm
For the Boks at the WC , testing Alberts at 8 may create the perfect selection
Smith
Alberts
Brussow
Bench : Burger
Should be more balanced than the current trio
7 Mar 2011, 16:21 pm
@stew(stew)-53: not sure Smith will be an option for them at the WC… he will take some time coming right, then his fitness will be the main question mark… a big blow for SA chances..
7 Mar 2011, 16:23 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-54: Big blow i rate Smith but i suppose Burger would be a great replacement …. How you doing Poppa ?
7 Mar 2011, 16:27 pm
@stew(stew)-55: Im doing great, yourself?
yep, Smith is my favourite SA player, have huge respect for the way he conducts himself on the field… an honest, hard working Saffa… very very rare indeed
they lose a lot without him being there, and I dont think personally that they have an able replacement to step up to the breech…
7 Mar 2011, 16:29 pm
He he , they are going to struggle
7 Mar 2011, 16:35 pm
@stew(stew)-57: big shoes to fill thats for sure, and I think Burger would not be a good option for them… great player that he was, he is past his best..
I do think they are finding out this year that they may have put all their eggs in one basket by relying on the majority of players from 2007..
NZ learnt that lesson in 91..
7 Mar 2011, 16:55 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-40: HAHAHAHA, ek het nou amper gekots soos ek lag.
7 Mar 2011, 16:56 pm
@40. >^..^< katman(katman
Bloed = Bloed
Mei = My
T.oskop you got right!
7 Mar 2011, 17:00 pm
@pg001(Rooipiet)-60: Ja-nee, jy’s seker reg.
7 Mar 2011, 17:14 pm
“The usually stingy Bulls have now conceded 10 tries against three of the weaker teams in the tournament”
come now vrede, not only did they score more tries than any of the other semi final teams last year they also conceded more tries so how can you call their defense stingy?
I guess you were also denied access to these stats yourass was banned from Loftus.
7 Mar 2011, 20:34 pm
The Bulls managed JUST a win0f their first 2 matches by a small margin and under the highly contrversial refereeing of two swindlers in Jonker and Craig Joubert!
The Bulls lost under a referee who is not a S African last weekend.
That essentially points out at a trend, their next game will be the Stormers in fortnight time, see if they will draw Jason Jaftha or Pro Legote as the referee?
7 Mar 2011, 21:18 pm
@skopiskoobidoo(ilanjo)-47: Oh Skoppiekins, even a crocked clock is right twice a day – ne?
7 Mar 2011, 21:21 pm
Where is Tackie Tits? Still heartbroken?
7 Mar 2011, 22:07 pm
@The X-factor is staying at home.(gunther)-42: Sorry should be “rapport”.
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