RCL1 Men had great start to the season with a home win against a strong Neuchatel side that finished 3rd last season, and had thumped us 76-0 only 2 months previously. In a tight game, RCL1 hit hard and played with a great intensity from the kick-off. They took their opportunities well – scoring 4 tries and gaining a bonus point – where so often in the past we never got the tries to match our possession.
What went well…
We started very well, with the intensity and aggression that was absolutely needed if we were to compete. The forwards swarmed their opponents well, and didn’t give them the usual space and time.
Players stuck at it – not without a bit of moaning along the way! – on a warm day in an intense, tough match.
Our backs have rarely run better, attacked from more angles, and used the pitch more expansively than Saturday. Kicking was used quite well, with a better use of low “soccer” kicks, rather than hopeful high punts.
The scrums for the most part held up really well – especially considering the significant size and experience difference. And this is after one single scrum training session. The front row got really low, shoved their front row up, and communicated well. Training sessions like last Thursday will massively benefit RCL1 and RCL2: while the scrum machine is a great asset, live scrumming is where we really learn. But this depends on numbers turning up…
We riled the opposition up beautifully. While we ourselves did lose our cool, it was nothing on the b!tching and back-talk within Neuchatel. No matter how good or experienced you are, if you lose the head and the opposition win the psychological battle, you’re done for…
Perhaps the biggest plus from the day was the performance of our Newbies. Several guys stood up and fought hard against a far, far more experienced side. Whether it was from the start, or when substitutions were made, there was an air of confidence that the guys in the pitch could do the job. And a little internal competition does a squad a world of good!
What didn’t…
Perhaps it was the novelty of so much ball – and long may it continue – but there were a lot of knock-ons in the backs. We need to simply take the ball to ground and set up a ruck. This can also help, in that we can slow the game down a little when it suits us. Remember: when you have possession, you’re under no obligation to rush!
There was an over-reliance on fatboys – especially in the first half. They were far, far too static, with players barely running at all when they received the ball, and almost always the ball-carrier was in isolation. You simply cannot do this against a big pack. We need to play wiser: Saturday was a day for our backs, and for us to make their pack run in that heat. And we need to bring back Shamrocks: running at them with speed and angles.
If you’re going to take a tap penalty, do it quickly! Again, we’re slow off the mark, and give opponents far too much time to regroup. Overall, the reaction time from pretty much the whole team was too slow.
The support play from the forwards for backs who made breaks was often quite slow. Doubtless fitness will improve through the season – something for which everyone needs to take responsibility in their own time – but there was a lack the continuity that would have enabled RCL1 to finish off great breaks from backs and loose forwards. If we cannot win quick ruck after a break through, it’s wasted.
There was too much talking to the ref. Let the opposition talk to the ref – proving we’re annoying them. It’s a dangerous pastime, and you can suffer badly from it if he’s not in the mood…
Finally, as Chris said Saturday, there is a sense that some players are not familiar enough with the rules. It’s understandable; it’s a complicated game. But it’s not an excuse. Get reading! Likewise, YouTube has a wealth of videos for free. Pick a famous player in your position and find a few videos of him…
Sadly, the excitement all got too much for some people…
Result: RCL1 24 – 20 Neuchatel
Men of the Match: Stew & Benno
Twat of the Match: Alain (nice tackle, bud!)