The skill levels in the backs are pretty appalling Rich. Apart from their inability to crisply pull off any set moves (of which there are about two). In regards to attack:
a) None of them, including our hookers, seem to be able to pass ball even moderately well ie lower chest high, in front of moving player).
b) None have the speed and footwork to SIMPLY get on the outside of their marker, commit the defender outside, and create an overlap. Just once a game by one back would be nice. Called draw and pass. Been used for a century as the most effective and simple attacking move.
c) Few of our backs realize that running onto a pass at pace opens up many options.
d) It is easier and more effective to run through gaps than over 105kg people.
I see no evidence of any effective coaching with our backline. Without Johnson weaving some magic, the rest are complete and utter plodders. Manu is good ONLY because he makes big hard meters to get us out of trouble, and he is an incredibly good finisher close to the line (which makes him awesome for us, but his skill set is limited lets be honest). We should only have one Hurrell or Kata type basher in our backline. The other needs to be more all rounded (ball player, nimble, great defender). And (thus far) I don't think Maumolo is the goods, a poor man's Vatuvei.
