WHY did Paarl Boys’ High lose Interschools again? Could it be because of poor coaching?
Boys’ High, under the senior coaches, has become a play-safe team, who customarily use their forwards as bludgeons to crush the opposition by physical impact and serial mauling. They run at their opponents and rarely pass to better positioned team-mates.
This is close to the style of a weak side, hypnotised by the “stampkar” rule, and determined not to cede possession by passing.
Teams playing good/total rugby expect their educated forwards in the loose to move into intelligent support positions that will keep the pack running forward into space, with passing sufficiently in quality and variety to their task.
The players need help with positioning and decision-making (also while the game is in progress).
Ultimately the primary losers are the players. They become the victims of the play-safe syndrome.
Denied the preparation that would develop their talent, and the opportunity to use it, they gradually lose the techniques, the judgement and the attitude of mind that make enterprising rugby possible.
Rugby enthusiast
