What has happened to Wales?
Not Good Enough
The performances against these two teams was very poor for a quality Welsh squad. The used the wrong tactics in both games and didn't look confident. There was no tempo to their game. They looked like a team that lacked leadership both on and off the field and for the first time the players league form was displayed on the national stage. How has such a quality squad who are grand slam winners come to perform like that. The question I look at first though, is were they really that good a side to begin with?
The Quality of the Welsh squad
Wales really hit the ground running in the world cup last year. It was the first time that several players came to the fore. Preistland and Davies in the midfield, arguably the best complete back row in the world in Lydiate, Warburton and Faletau and of course George North on the wing. The performed superbly well as a team, they were extremely fit and very confident and they played like it. If it were not for the red card against Warburton in the semi-final, which for the record was the right call. I just wish there was more consistency from referees which I think is the real problem. Wakes had such momentum and the All Blacks were so nervous in the final that Wales could have one it.
I think Wales had one big advantage in that tournament. nobody knew what to expect from them. They played the game at pace and used Roberts and North as power runners to get over the gainline. No-one could live with them. They may have gone onto win a grand slam but during the first game against Ireland I could see potential cracks.
Weaknesses
Firstly is a lack of strength in depth in key positions, or should I say one position. Adam Jones is central to everything Wales do. It is incredible how important a world class tighthead can be. I worry for Wales future after his retirement, and that can't be too far off now. Jarvis hasn't really stepped up, hopefully it is just a case of time.
 |
| Dan Lydiate has been missed |
Secondly is that back row. Lydiate is Wales defence captain. He will tackle, tackle, tackle and then tackle some more. Ryan Jones is a good player and a great leader, but Wales miss Lydiate's style of play. Warburton is a great player, but he seems to dip in and out of form and Tipuric is playing well and deserves the chance to start.
There also seems to be a lack of leadership. It's easy to lead a team doing well, but Wales don't seem to know who to turn to when their backs are against the wall. Wales don't seem to be able to perform under pressure. They also don't believe they can beat one of the top three. I have never had confidence that they will win against them. Even in the summer when they played brilliantly against the Wallabies, I never thought they would close the games out and they didn't. England and France are the only teams who have the mental belief. Even when they are playing badly they are competing. Whereas the other teams don't. Ireland never had a better chance to be the All Blacks than that second test and they couldn't close the game out. This always seem to be the case.
 |
| George North has become to easy a target for defenders |
Style of play
The main reason I think Wales are under performing is they are one dimensional play. The have a huge back line with Phillips, Roberts, Cuthbert and North. They have now been found out and these guys are being double teamed in the tackle. When these runners are stopped on the gainline Wales are out of options. I think this is on reason Preistland's form has dipped. He is the solid anchor in that back line, if these players cannot get Wales on the front foot he only has Halfpenny to offer something different.
Wales need a Hook or Henson at 12 or 15 to offer something different. If they don't they will struggle to get any momentum in games and their confidence will only take more of a beating.
I am dreading next weekends game against the All Blacks, they are on incredible form. Let's hope Gatland has some magic up his sleeve.
No comments:
Post a Comment