Rd 17 TLT - Eels v Terrigal Warriors Sun 6.9.2020

[Obscene Assassin]

I can't understand what happened to our steel in defence from earlier in the year - earlier in the season, we would stare teams who were coming back right in the eyes, and defend our way comfortably to a win.

Arguably, our defence is still strong - but it isn't as good as it used to be.

We've definitely eased off in intensity, with and without the ball. At this point is it a matter of it being intentional or did we blow our load too early?

 

[Obscene Assassin]

We were winning well because we dominated possession too. Now that other teams are controlling the ball better we are getting less ball, plus we are throwing some risky passes and making other unforced errors. It all adds up to more pressure on the defence and less opportunity for the attack.

I haven't seen the stats but when the 6 again came into effect the refs were using it quite often. It seems, like with every other rule or interpretation change, it lasts about a month and isn't used as harshly and that's about when our dip in form came about.

What happened to getting merkins to attempt to play the ball with their foot? Play the balls have gotten as bad as they were 3 years ago.

 

[84 Baby]

What happened to getting merkins to attempt to play the ball with their foot? Play the balls have gotten as bad as they were 3 years ago.

Resign champion tunnelballer Tim Mannah!

 

[Eelementary]

We've definitely eased off in intensity, with and without the ball. At this point is it a matter of it being intentional or did we blow our load too early?

A bit of fatigue, maybe?

 

[emjaycee]

We've definitely eased off in intensity, with and without the ball. At this point is it a matter of it being intentional or did we blow our load too early?

The way I see it (and I could be wrong) BA has used the same plan all season, at least since the restart and I am not saying whether it is a good plan or not, just what I think it is...

He knows we can score at least 3 tries per game, so his approach is to start fast and score those 3 tries as early as possible. Then defend, defend, defend. If our defense can keep them to 2 tries or less, we win. If they score again and get in front, then we need to score again - simple.

Apart from the anomaly against the Bunnies, we have pretty much maintained this approach successfully for the whole season. Even in the games we lost (Manly, Roosters and Dragons) the same approach was applied.

In the Roosters game I reckon Robinson had the same approach - we hit the lead midway through the 2nd half and didn't have enough time to get back in front when they scored immediately after and then iced it with 10 to go.

Against Manly in the one we lost, they had a mammoth first 15 mins and took an 18 point lead into half time. We scored enough tries in the 2nd half to drawn even, however Gutho only kicked 1/4 that day and we lost by 4 points.

Dragons game we score the same amount of tries and lost on a penalty goal with 15 mins to go.

Like I said, I am not sure whether I like this approach or not, however it shows why BA puts the emphasis on defense and on minimising errors. High completion rates and good defense will win you enough games to be 3rd on the ladder, 3 weeks out from the finals.

 

[Eelementary]

Makes sense, emjaycee - but I can't help but feel that, with a squad like ours (talented spine, attacking back-rowers, powerful props, big backs) that our attack should be better.

What's been interesting to me is that Gutherson is not involving himself in our attack as much lately - and it's to our detriment, imo.

 

[emjaycee]

Makes sense, emjaycee - but I can't help but feel that, with a squad like ours (talented spine, attacking back-rowers, powerful props, big backs) that our attack should be better.

What's been interesting to me is that Gutherson is not involving himself in our attack as much lately - and it's to our detriment, imo.

In at least 3 or 4 post matxlch press conferences BA has mentioned the 3 try approach. I would say unless there is clear opportunity (Broncos and Cowboys), once we get those 3 tries it is shut up shop mate unless we are behind.

 

[Eelementary]

In at least 3 or 4 post matxlch press conferences BA has mentioned the 3 try approach. I would say unless there is clear opportunity (Broncos and Cowboys), once we get those 3 tries it is shut up shop mate unless we are behind.

That makes sense.

I don't think I would run the team that way - but I'm a nobody.

I have to trust that BA knows what he's doing.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Getting through your sets and kicking well might not impact the scoreboard but it certainly wears the opposition down, making them less threatening (in attack) and more vulnerable (in defence) down the back end of the game.

 

[emjaycee]

That makes sense.

I don't think I would run the team that way - but I'm a nobody.

I have to trust that BA knows what he's doing.

The other thing is that this approach explains how he knew after 15 mins we were gone against the Bunnies. Our defence wasn't on and he knew we were not going to go toe-to-toe in a try-athon with them.

 

[Suitman]

In at least 3 or 4 post matxlch press conferences BA has mentioned the 3 try approach. I would say unless there is clear opportunity (Broncos and Cowboys), once we get those 3 tries it is shut up shop mate unless we are behind.

If we manage to score those 3 early tries though, why not continue and score a 4th, 5th or sixth?
That's what the other better teams do. It's like parking the bus in football. Score 1 or 2 goals and shut up shop. It's a very negative approach.

 

[Gronk]

If we manage to score those 3 early tries though, why not continue and score a 4th, 5th or sixth?
That's what the other better teams do. It's like parking the bus in football. Score 1 or 2 goals and shut up shop. It's a very negative approach.

I'd say it's a mindset that possession will inevitably swing in favour of the opposition and that whilst scoring points is not out of the question, you don't risk 7 tackle sets or giving away cheap ball.

 

[Angry_eel]

The way I see it (and I could be wrong) BA has used the same plan all season, at least since the restart and I am not saying whether it is a good plan or not, just what I think it is...

He knows we can score at least 3 tries per game, so his approach is to start fast and score those 3 tries as early as possible. Then defend, defend, defend. If our defense can keep them to 2 tries or less, we win. If they score again and get in front, then we need to score again - simple.

Apart from the anomaly against the Bunnies, we have pretty much maintained this approach successfully for the whole season. Even in the games we lost (Manly, Roosters and Dragons) the same approach was applied.

In the Roosters game I reckon Robinson had the same approach - we hit the lead midway through the 2nd half and didn't have enough time to get back in front when they scored immediately after and then iced it with 10 to go.

Against Manly in the one we lost, they had a mammoth first 15 mins and took an 18 point lead into half time. We scored enough tries in the 2nd half to drawn even, however Gutho only kicked 1/4 that day and we lost by 4 points.

Dragons game we score the same amount of tries and lost on a penalty goal with 15 mins to go.

Like I said, I am not sure whether I like this approach or not, however it shows why BA puts the emphasis on defense and on minimising errors. High completion rates and good defense will win you enough games to be 3rd on the ladder, 3 weeks out from the finals.

So what you're saying is - BA is using the old Italian Soccer team tactic of scoring a goal and then defend or the 'Park the Bus' mentality of Chelsea. Good analysis!

Unfortunately, our fan base is expecting us to become the Bayern Munich of the 8-2 fame.

 

[emjaycee]

So what you're saying is - BA is using the old Italian Soccer team tactic of scoring a goal and then defend or the 'Park the Bus' mentality of Chelsea. Good analysis!

Unfortunately, our fan base is expecting us to become the Bayern Munich of the 8-2 fame.

Like most of us on here mate, I actually don't know what I am saying most of the time - I just say it

Seriously though, I just posted what I think is happening from my lounge room, my internet and my row 12 observations. Might be nothing in it or might be something. Either way, we are still 3rd and living to fight another day. This week it is the Panthers and who knows what that will bring.

 

[Angry_eel]

Like most of us on here mate, I actually don't know what I am saying most of the time - I just say it

Seriously though, I just posted what I think is happening from my lounge room, my internet and my row 12 observations. Might be nothing in it or might be something. Either way, we are still 3rd and living to fight another day. This week it is the Panthers and who knows what that will bring.

You're probably right! The team has intentionally tried to stop winning big at times.

I was actually thinking along the lines that Arthur tried to go the normal route in 16, 17 and 19, it didn't work so he's trying a new methodology.

Unfortunately, we're playing a well oiled attack machine. Hopefully it won't end up 50-18.

 

[Eelementary]

So what you're saying is - BA is using the old Italian Soccer team tactic of scoring a goal and then defend or the 'Park the Bus' mentality of Chelsea. Good analysis!

Unfortunately, our fan base is expecting us to become the Bayern Munich of the 8-2 fame.

Well, I mean, we can boast:

* mobile, skilful edge forwards
* big, powerful, skilful tight forwards
* Mitchell Moses (temperament aside, he is one of the most skilful players in the game)
* the speed of Blake Ferguson, Michael Jennings, and Waqa Blake
* the beastly power of Sivo near the line

On paper, we have a pretty good attacking side, so expecting us to score more than 3 tries a game isn't unreasonable, I don't think...

 

[hineyrulz]

If we manage to score those 3 early tries though, why not continue and score a 4th, 5th or sixth?
That's what the other better teams do. It's like parking the bus in football. Score 1 or 2 goals and shut up shop. It's a very negative approach.

Look how well that approach went for the 2015 Broncos in the GF........... Talk about not coaching to your strengths. We are never going to beat sides like Melbourne or the Roosters that way they have been doing it for years and are so so so much better at it.

 

[TheRam]

I don't believe that this 3 try theory is true.

 

[Soren Lorenson]

I don't believe that this 3 try theory is true.

You reckon it's 2 tries and a penalty goal?

 

[TheRam]

You reckon it's 2 tries and a penalty goal?

I think it is 17 boofheads and a ball.