I don’t disagree, Yeti, I’m just not sure that it is the system that is causing our forward line problem. The system is definitely a problem, and we need much better systems around the stoppage.
I also agree with RM who said it would benefit our forwards AND defenders to have their space back.
But, I think this would be a non-issue if we were winning some post-stoppage-contested-possessions. I think if you’ve got a Hogan and a Taberner forward of those contests to take a mark from the quick kick forward, then the zone can spread and push forward while they stop to go back on the mark, next kick is over the zone to a forward in some space or one-on-one.
But, again, since we’ve lost that marking machine forward of the contest it falls down again (because RL’s new tactic is solid but NEEDS mobile big targets) and we end up seeing that clearance kick either mopped up by opposition defenders and we get cut up the other way, or our quickest midfielders catch it and have it on the run (Walters, Hill) and have no one forward of play to kick to because play hasn’t stopped at a mark for anyone to get forward.
I think RLs system can work, but it relies on fit talls. And I agree with those on here saying that our running program is buggering our forwards.
We need a new gameplan. I see this one, I think, I understand it. I see how it can work, and I don’t think it’s stupid. But it’s not working for us, and I don’t think it can work for us.
And it is VERY late in a “rebuild” to be changing the gameplan... but we either do it now or we suck for many more years to come.
As for whether ta the fault of RL or the assistants or the management? Well, all responsibility falls to the management, ultimately. First step is to sweep through he management (leaving Belly in place, I should think), and I would be wanting that new management to be asking very serious questions of RL - and based on that discussion, youdir then hire coaches accordingly.
Given that why I’m talking about is coaches gameplans, I’m going to point the finger at Lyon because when it comes to coaching our side: the buck stops with him.