All,
I put forward the following proposition:
We cannot win if our defence does not improve
We sit eighth in terms of points against.
Some may counter that points "for" theoritically improves our standing - i suggest this is bollocks.
We need to tighten up.
Replies
I agree our defence needs to be better but once the outside back issue is sorted we will see where we're at
I agree that consistency on the edges is the next step to improvement. However, the D needs be a key focus for the entire unit. It is an easy way out to put it all on the outside men, to stop the leakage. It needs to be a coordinated effort. All players, their actions – be it, physical tackles ( and how these are implemented – eg negate the off load, negate the quick play the ball, driving the player back – full offensive, or release quickly and reposition the line, lay down a little longer) – there are multiple variables. All of this essentially equates to Defensive Smarts. It also relates to where we finish our attack plays – these need to have some regard to the potential turnover position – balanced against the optimum result of scoring points.
I acknowledge there are many variables.
We just need to limit points against. Any point against, needs to be met with an almighty eel snarl. This, backed up with some intelligent integrated play involving all – implementing a cohesive, coordinated defensive strategy.
Even when the Eels had their full squad it was still infected with either defensive issue or attacking issues. Last year from memory it seemed like the Eels couldn't complete any positive attacking outcomes. This year it's more towards defensive. I'm not actually sure who is responsible for the Eels defensive training but agree it certainly needs improvement but against the top teams it's better than against the bottom teams.
Agree mate, a lot of its had to do with our backline being hit by injury though, guys like Hayze wouldnt be usually there and has leaked plenty.
Youre right though mate, defence is all about attitude and commitment, we need to fix that up.
Good to have you onboard Bede
^I back this in terms of our defense.
Haze on the wing and JA in halves really hurt the defense against the Cowboys. Feldt had a field day on Haze (nothing on Haze - i actually really like him as a player and reckon he should be our 14 going forward - just tough as a backup winger in a depleted backline).
Will be interesting to see how we firm up once we get some of our troops back in the team and backline players playing in their normal positions again. I still dont think anything to be majorly worried about at this stage.
That clown kidwel is our defence coach isn't he? You would think they would sack him by now and get someone better in
That clown Kidwell is actually the forwards coach Jack. He has been there for my guess about 7 years now,
He played first grade for about 3 different clubs, played Tests for NZ and coached NZ..... now you maybe right, he could be a clown, but unless you can confirm that our poor defence is his fault, then you should change feet. I am only defending him because he seems to be a whipping boy when the subject arises. There is only one person who is responsible for defense, that's the coach, you know the one that instructs his assistants to do his tidings.
Its people like you that give us social media experts such a bad reputation LOL
Agree totally with your comments . Lots of moving parts in making this defence the best . Without looking at stats I think we are ok in giving away penalties and six agains . So that tells me we are not lingering around the ruck excessively . The ruck speed with the top sides hurts us and then leads to often stripping our numbers on the edges . I think waqa was dynamite in his transfer to the wing . He will be a huge in when he comes back .
i want us to really roll through the roosters this week because I don't believe they are much at all but historically always gives us a hard time .,
Wholeheartedly agree, Bede. Welcome aboard.
History shows what you say to be true. Even last week. D was the foundation of the win. Without it, we lose.
Though you still need a good enough A to ice your opportunities, and get you across the line.
Most championship teams have both.
Even the poorer D teams, with great attacks, don't win the majority of high scoring affairs where the concede too many points.
Can't remember who said this, I think it was Gus, "Good D gets you off the cellar, but attack wins you championships."
PS: Correction Gus said "If you want to get out of the cellar you need to be able to score points" ... "but defence wins you championships"
Good D gets you off the cellar, but attack wins you championships."
Good quote HOE.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next