I was so impressed with the defence from last weekend’s Panthers/Bulldogs match that I watched it again. The scramble defence from both teams was off the scale. Ciraldo is constantly tweaking the Bulldogs defence and I really like what I saw. The Panthers were trying to outflank the defence for the whole game and were always under pressure from the rushing line. The few times that they did get To’o in space he was quickly rounded up within 15 metres or so.
The great thing about the Bulldogs line is they rush up and hold to see what unfolds. They defend what’s in front of them . Compare this to most NRL teams where the centre and winger move together and commit to a tackle even when they don’t have to. If I had a dollar for every time an NRL winger blindly rushes in to help his centre defend only to look in amazement when his opposite strolls over to score I’d be a millionaire. They don’t seem able to defend routine 2 on 2 match ups. Maybe they need to play more touch football to develop better defensive instincts.
At full strength the Broncos match up well against the Bulldogs. Haas , Willison, Carrigan and the 2nd rowers get the ball 1 pass wide of the ruck(or sometimes 2 if the rushing defence allows) and head back in behind the play the ball. Rather than a specific tactic to use against the Bulldogs line, it seems to be their modus operandi. It worked a treat in their last meeting. But this match is a different kettle of fish with the dilution effect of Origin.
The Bulldogs are the ultimate money ball team. You could take 6 players out and they would still be a chance. Tracey leads the NRL kick return metres by a long way and is in career best form. He’s always dangerous when he sweeps behind the backline.
Walsh has kickstarted the Broncos’ attack with his ball playing in the line. Without him the attack is way too reliant on Reynolds. His funky short kicking game is the only way I can see the Broncos’ winning this. And you can’t rely on consistently scoring tries from kicks.
The Bulldogs by 8
