I would introduce some variety to what we have done so far this year:
Make an effort to improve the placement of the ball nearer to the goalposts after entering the in goal area to assist the successful conversion and a six point result. In most instances, if the try is converted, then the opposition have to score two more tries to take the lead, and not only one try if the lead was four points. With all of the need to play catch up putting pressure on the opposition.
If at any time in the game we go to a six point lead I would surprise the opposition and take a field goal shot to get to a seven point lead. This would mean the opposition have to score two more tries to regain the lead.The result of kicking the field goal is that we would receive the ball back after kick off and start our attack again but from a stronger position putting mental pressure on the opposition.
Vary the placement of kick offs.To kick to the same player and same distance does nothing to surprise the opposition. Kick to the left side of the goalposts and try to find a player who is suspect under pressure. These players exist in every team and it is in our interests to define these weaknesses and exploit them. Why not kick the ball with great force directly at a player closest to the kicker. If he does gather in the ball then he would be immediately tackled and if he knocks on it is to our advantage. If the ball hit the ground and then went out it is to our advantage also. We need to pressure the player who is about to receive the ball into making a blue.
So many times when we get in the red zone we fail to score over several sets of six because we have no set plays to break through and the opportunity is lost. We need more well weighted kicks to stop in the in goal area and a great follow through by our players. One play used very well by a couple of teams is when the attack is five metres out from the tryline and the ball player is towards the sideline he will kick the ball hard across the face of the goalposts causing it to bounce several times with the entire backline going forward in a straight line to catch the ball and simply fall down and score.When done correctly this is so simple to get a result from by either scoring a try or the opposition knocking on etc.
The way I see it ,out of all of the teams left in the eight, we are the most predictable. Same old,same old with little variation. Our defence has to improve a lot but it is the little things like the one and two pointers that might just save the day.
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