Horan's Bledisloe Challenge: Changes Wallabies Need
The Bledisloe Cup is arguably the most intense rivalry in rugby union, with Australia and New Zealand battling it out for the prestigious trophy every year. However, the Wallabies have been on the losing side of the rivalry in recent years, losing the past seven Bledisloe Cups to the All Blacks.
The Problem:
The Wallabies' struggles against the All Blacks have been attributed to several factors, including:
- Lack of Consistency: The Wallabies have often struggled with consistency in their performances, showing flashes of brilliance but failing to maintain it for the entirety of the match.
- Discipline Issues: Poor discipline has plagued the Wallabies, with too many penalties and yellow cards gifting the All Blacks valuable field position and points.
- Set Piece Weakness: The Wallabies have also struggled in the set piece, particularly at the scrum and lineout, allowing the All Blacks to dominate possession and territory.
- Lack of Tactical Awareness: There have been instances where the Wallabies have appeared tactically naive, failing to exploit the All Blacks' weaknesses or adapt to their game plan.
Horan's Challenge:
With Eddie Jones at the helm, the Wallabies are looking to end their losing streak and reclaim the Bledisloe Cup. Jones, known for his ruthless approach to coaching, has already made significant changes to the team, bringing in new players and implementing new strategies.
Key Changes Wallabies Need:
To overcome the All Blacks, the Wallabies need to make significant changes, focusing on:
1. Developing a Consistent Game Plan:
The Wallabies need a defined game plan that is executed consistently across the entire 80 minutes. This involves focusing on strong fundamentals, including defense, tackling, and line speed.
2. Improving Discipline:
Discipline is key in any rugby match, but it becomes even more crucial against a team like the All Blacks. The Wallabies must reduce their penalties and yellow cards, avoiding unnecessary pressure and giving the All Blacks opportunities to score points.
3. Strengthening the Set Piece:
A strong set piece is essential for any team, and the Wallabies must improve their scrum and lineout performances. This means building strength and cohesion amongst the forwards, allowing them to dominate possession and territory.
4. Embracing Tactical Flexibility:
The Wallabies need to be more tactically flexible and adaptable, responding to the All Blacks' game plan and exploiting their weaknesses. This involves adapting to different situations, using a variety of attacking options, and ensuring that players are aware of the game plan and their roles within it.
5. Fostering a Winning Mentality:
The Wallabies need to develop a winning mentality, believing in their ability to beat the All Blacks. This involves building confidence, fostering a team spirit, and encouraging players to take ownership of their roles.
Conclusion:
The Bledisloe Cup is a fiercely contested trophy, and the Wallabies face a tough challenge in reclaiming it. However, with the right changes and a focus on improvement, they can close the gap on the All Blacks and potentially end their losing streak. The key is to develop a consistent game plan, improve discipline, strengthen the set piece, embrace tactical flexibility, and cultivate a winning mentality. If the Wallabies can achieve these objectives, they will be well-positioned to compete for the Bledisloe Cup in the coming years.
