World Cup Fever Strikes

The football world cup is sixth months away yet the hype has began. The most interesting aspect has been the the hypnotic delusion that has thudded into to the English psyche. England are now third  favourites for the world cup after Spain and Brazil. Added to this the English football manager has been made coach of the year. The sense of optimism is astounding.

What is the English optimism founded on. A faultless qualifying campaign. In perspective that is good. However England have the richest league in the world with highest profile players. The problem is England have one set of good players that is it. Strength in depth wins world cups in any sport, unfortunately England do not have it. 

Lets ban the Rugby Academy

That is it the Autumn internationals have made me accept that the academy aspect of professional rugby is an unmitigated disaster. The rugby, particularly played by England has been tired, slow and lacking inspiration. The rules are blamed, rightly slow. The real problem is the players have lost the ability to think and more importantly react to the game in front of them. 

The reason for this is I am convinced is the club based academy. Previously young players made their way through the various representative levels. The representative levels were coached by willing and enthusiastic amateurs who although competitive were not trying to climb the coaching ladder. The young players were also playing senior club rugby learning off older players.

The current crop of players coming through the coaching of academies are missing an important part of the their rugby education. Ask any academy player how much they can bench or the nutritional value of a piece of cabbage they can tell you. Where they miss out is the variety of rugby experience that previously happened. This means that come to the tough part of a rugby match and lack of knowledge means they revert to the coaching manual. The instinct is dulled by lack of game time and a fear instilled by professional coaches to deviate from the safe option. So get rid of the rugby academy and let creativity flow.

The Ruck and Roll controversy

The competition around the ruck area in rugby is vexing the mind of the great and the good of the game. The major problem is generally that the ruck is so competitive now that the ball is coming out so slowly the game s becoming staid and slow. The slower the ruck the more likely the kick.

I think the solution is down to the referee. The referee has to allow the ball carrier to lay the ball back and allow his support to get there. This will allow the back line to get in place and get to work scoring.