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Message: [QUOTE="Morkel, post: 2756300, member: 8215"] Our forwards are versatile enough to combat any size forward pack. But it relies on a high completion rate (which we had in the first half) and a low missed tackle count (which was appalling in both halves). Get that right, and we suffocate the opposition. Conceding metres is inconsequential when the plan works. Against a big team, once they naturally start to tire, the one-out runs are effective if the right defenders are targeted - further tiring them and forcing repeat efforts. It's then that that the opposition's lateral defence is strained - either gaps appear in the middle and Nikorima and Milford's running games come in to play, or the defence compresses to limit the gaps - meaning quick shifts to faster outside backs gets the points. This hasn't been happening as effectively. What's been overlooked is marker play. Waddell is doing his best, but isn't McCullough. Macca knows the importance of getting in position quickly. And last year Blair excelled at not so much wrestling to slow down, but to position himself and the ball-carrier so he and the other marker are in position well before the ball is played. Without Macca, and with Blair clearly lacking in discipline this year, it's had a flow-on effect. Opposition ball-runners can run shoulder-to-shoulder with the hooker, meaning they get the ball fast and flat. They can then tuck in behind the ruck where the out-of-play markers leave gaps, meaning our whole line needs to effectively perform cover tackles. If leads to fatigue and another quick PTB with poorly positioned markers. Conversely, If the markers are in position they can shut this down, meaning the runners have to be wider, the passes are slower, the defence is set and another controlled tackle can be affected. The good news is that it's only a tiny adjustment to fix. The bad news is that it needs intense discipline, and cohesion - two things that are lost when there are injuries and inexperienced players are brought in, and when confidence is low. [/QUOTE]

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