Pattern for success

 After witnessing Northampton demolish Saracens in the Premiership and the the uncanny resemblance of Stephen Myler with the decision making and game management of Alex King from his time at Wasps I feel comment is required to define the similarities.

What happened today I call half pitch pattern, where the 10 simply assesses what is going on in front of him and makes the call to use hands or feet back down the outside channels. It is not prescripted, simply left to the 10 to make the call. What do support players do, simple, follow the 10. The 10 needs to look to reverse the flow of the movement of the ball at any time if significant forward momentum is not being achieved. Alex King became a master of this, mostly when the ball was being moved left to right, where he would change the direction and use his left boot to push the ball down the the left hand channel supported by a strong chase OR attack this channel with hands - not quite so smart down the right hand channel....but hey ho.

Now this is simply a territory game but is hugely effective in the midfield areas as opposed to going through the phase after phase which often ends up gaining no foward momentum and can be very attricional. Stack the numbers down one channel and work this channel either with a grubber type kick or through the hands. Most importantly it is a pattern that can be applied in all conditions, hence balance and structure of squad make up is more consistant, that is you do not require a different type of player for dry, wet or windy conditions. Much easier to drop players in and out of the starting line up. May not be the best pattern for one off cup type games, but for long league type structures it is a hugely effective pattern. Equally by adopting this pattern of play, practice becomes very focussed, playing the channels, of loading, chasing, supporting and clearing all come into line.

Alex King was in the most the key player throughout the successful years of Wasps, remembering the 10 handles the ball and makes more decisions than any other player, what he does determines the movement and effectiveness of the team. Alex kept the ball in front of his forwards. Sometimes this was easy to do, but mostly Wasp had, politely, average abilities at set piece, hence Alex needed to manufacture the circumstances to be able to put the ball in front of the pack. For a parallel example Lawrence Dallagio mostly played behind a beaten or weaker scrum, however Lawrence would simply pick early and turn a retreating scrum into a static ruck which in turn would become a forward momentum ruck (hopefully) which again in turn Alex King could then work the game into the channels.

Half pitch rugby as I call it, is about attacking a channel. This means support is trained into dropping in behind attacking front lines and not looking laterally to quickly. It is very much a cultural, trained response which has been and was developed on the training park. For coaches, you do not need to sit in front of the players with a flip chart or PowerPoint, you just simply need to set the parameters during training runs and maybe have some one to ones with the 10......no one else. A good 10 will quickly see the options and understand the requirements based on the circumstances in front. It seems that Stephen Myler is an outstanding pupil.

Very pleased to see Alex doing so well and having that very special ability to transfer his knowledge to others......just peeved it's not with WASPS. Still good on you old boy...

How's the scrum going ?

PHave to confess I was delighted when the IRB announced the changes to the scrum engagement and indeed the call to encourage the application of the existing laws, that is a straight put in. The IRB announcement was late in the day with the season fast approaching and hence some degree of tolerance was required, many commentators and significant voices in the game suggesting we all reserve judgement until the season has played. I completely agree with this, however feel a little review of how it's all progressing may be of some use in order to achieve the objective.

The objective overall is to speed up the game by cutting down the need for scrum resets and in turn make the scrum a fairer contest with the need for hookers to hook. Equally there was a safety element within the proposals which supposedly reduced the "hit" by some 25%. Now for me the exciting side effect of these changes is with the back row, having seen back row move options just about disappear from the game with the ball stuck with the locks and the scrums trying to work the penalty as first option under the old laws. Now, hopefully, particularly with back lines 5 metres back from the scrum, No. 8's and 9's will start to exploit the space. Equally as we have witnessed the role of the props has been made much easier or more even....not simply your size which makes the difference.

My impression to date is still very much work in progress. We have seen many more teams using back row options, mostly very basic but nonetheless effective. Again some teams seem to have embraced the hooking element with more enthusiasm then others which of course in turn affects the ability of the No. 8 to operate options off the scrum base. There has been a lot of talk about the safety aspect with hookers being on one leg with all the power coming through. However the scrum power has clearly been  reduced and with the strike only taking no more that one second, the modern day hookers need the engage some of the best exponents skill sets from the past and return to a strong pushing position after the strike. From Wasps this would be Alan Simmonds, from outside Wasps maybe Brian Moore and Graham Dawes. The key point here is that the referees although understandably tolerant during the first part of the season need to apply the straight feed law more strictly. As I say some clubs have embraced the hooking element of the changes fully and made great efforts. Those that still have not need a bit more encouragement from the refs.

Those teams in need of hooking encouragement have developed some interesting strategies, still working on the principle that drawing the penalty is the stronger option at scrum time. Currently we are seeing more collapses from advancing tight heads leaving their feet and occasionly turning in and dropping the shoulder from a retreating scrum but this is rare. The reality is the scrum moving forward is more often causing the collapse, however the ref is likely to award the penalty the other way, teams are well aware of this refereeing trait and milking it.

The overall affect, albeit making very slow adjustment, is that the skill set requirement for the front row is changing. The "hit" has been reduced hence technical requirements have been reintroduced. A tight head still has a difficult job but based more on strength, body position and flexibility than simple size. Is it an easier role, well I think there are now many more players who can perform this role now than previously so from that perspective then yes it is easier, hence a successful THP this season may well not have coped last season.....lucky coaches !!!! However in order to reach and perform an effective role at the top levels the props now need to be able to make higher contributions in the loose with higher tackle counts, turn overs, ball carries and off loads.....simply being in the team to scrummage is no longer enough. Equally with the hookers the role has or is changing, most likely more significantly. The trend of sticking a big ex prop in the middle has gone for good...I hope. Hookers need to hook and not simply push.

The day we beat Toulouse 77 - 17

With the Wasps highest European score being overtaken on the weekend I feel it is an appropriate time to reflect on the events leading to this win over Toulouse. This was a day which was stunning performance, a stunning result, a turning point, one in which Chris Wright gave up spread betting and Mark Rigby's career as a rugby pundit ended.

The first event of significant influence leading to the Toulouse victory was at home to Cardiff where we had real expectation of a big day and a convincing win. I believe our current DOR Dia Young was an apsiring player in the Cardiff line. However we were having a good season, a young side improving week on week, a large crowd was expected and this was the first disappointment. Yes, crowds do play their part and impact on the team performance. As a quick aside do not think too much about getting along to Adams Park, just get along. It may be more difficult to get out of than Colditz but just get along, you being there will make a difference.

Now Cardiff used all the gamesmanship possible in this game and duly ran out winners. We were naive and inexperience in Europe and simply did not have the nouse to deal with the tactical expertise on the day. I still feel a bigger crowd, more atmosphere would have taken us through this game. However we lost and approached the next game on the basis of a "we should have won that one" mind set.....again a BIG  mistake.

We travelled to Munster still with the previous, completely irrelevant game, high in our mind set. We had a team full of outrageous skill and pace ....but nonetheless young and inexperienced. We'll show 'em what we can do. The Irish, Munster are in my experience the very best at setting up teams for failure and we, in our wonderful naive world fell hook line and sinker into the trap.....this by the way is competely my fault and my, as coach, responsibility, I will come onto this shortly.......if a team does not perform it is the coach who is accountable.

The Munster fans, in the hotel, down the local shop, driving the coach....oh they did a job on us. Telling us how exciting a team we were, how our style and ambition was so good to see.....good luck to you lads, it's just great you even turn up to give us a chance to play against you....thank you so much. Now it was not quite as direct as that, but that was the message and like a bunch of divots we took it all on board

We kick off. The grass is knee high, the wind is blowing hard and rain is lashing down and we attempt to run the ball around. No matter how hard we try to change the tactics, the mind set has been moulded hard into our skulls and that little voice at the back of of heads keeps popping up....just try that double miss pass loop once more....it might just work this time.

We troop back into the changing rooms at the end of the game, completely smashed in terms of numbers and more importantly understanding. I think at this moment if anyone would have come up to me and said what is a competely accurate statement ...."Rob, remember you learn much more in defeat".... they would no longer be on planet earth. 

In the changing room heads were down and in typical style up pops Lawrence to get things into perspective and lift the lads....Lawrence, although a young Skipper had been brilliant...however as I say sometimes things are different and the coach needs to accept it is he who is accountable, responsible and this moment was too much to permit a player, captain whatever to lead the recovery.  I, for the first and only time I think, told Lawrence to take a seat and tried to articulate what we had just experienced, the reality, home truths and the challenges ahead..... It was a painful, emotional but in the end an effective few minutes in the life of Wasps......Mellie, I remember nodded in agreement.

Training at Sudbury the following week was conducted in silence. This was not by instruction, it just happened, it was reflection, by all. A week long period to take on board we had been a bunch of pillocks and mentally make the adjustments that were required. On reflection I think during this week many of this young squad transformed into professional sportsmen and I think this was the moment we won the league.

The rest is history or was history. However, I should just add Chris Wright had been advised to place a spread bet wager on Toulouse to win by 15 plus points by no other than our current chairman Mark Rigby. Toulouse were full of house names an incredible force in European rugby. Every try we scored cost Chris Wright some 5k ...ask Riggers, he will know the detail....but who cares, we stuffed 'em. YES.

Levelling the Playing Field

Back in the summer of 1995 I remember being on the phone with Bill Bishop, the then President of the RFU. We were discussing the IRB announcement that the game will “go open” from the start of season 1995 and the RFU’s reaction to this announcement. Both Bill and I felt strongly the RFU needed to secure the services, under contract, of the leading players in the game. Where these guys played and how the domestic game would be structured was mostly irrelevant, simply secure the players and the rest would follow. We lost the argument and a yearlong moratorium was declared.

This was a hugely significant moment, one which has directed the game to this present point, it was a massive error of judgement on behalf of the RFU if they wished to maintain control. However it is where we are and now the game is faced with similar hugely significant decisions. The RFU power over the game since this time has been eroded year on year however even now they have the ability to make decisions which will shape the longer term future of the game.

So what are these challenges we face. Well the Champions Cup is one that is out there however this to some degree masks the underlying issues which affect the likes of Wasps and other clubs those without robust financial models. In 1995 the clubs were picked up by club owners who funded the move into professionalism. At that time the expectation was not to suddenly transform match attendances from the low thousands into tens of thousands and hence create effective income streams, that was never going to happen and will not happen now. No, the clubs possessed assets which in the early days could be sold off to recover the costs of assembling and maintaining the required playing squads in order to compete in the league. Many clubs got it wrong and went under some like Wasps got it right on the field and led the way however huge losses were incurred year on year. This over the longer term was and is simply unsustainable without a generous Club Owner. Wasps almost punch drunk from success on the field failed to focus on the longer term and are now paying the price. Quins for instance focussed on the longer term financial stability and although incurring relegation in the process of rebuilding were strong enough to bounce back up with a much more sustainable business model. Saracens despite Nigel Wray investing heavily into the club continued to fail on pitch and finally had to admit defeat and link with another business organisation to secure their future. This has worked well for Saracens and brings me to the key point. The Saracens business model is not available to all but it is a different model, shaped and moulded to fit into the English domestic game. Clubs such as Wasps need to look at different models too and more significantly the RFU needs to lead and encourage clubs to do so. Currently the equation is simple – those clubs with the greater resource will win the day, those without will lose. Tolerate this if you will, keep following the same model, but be prepared to lose unless the generous Club Owners keep coming along……I will not tolerate this position at least not without a fight. Clubs need to be able to stand on their own two feet and at the same time be competitive on the field.

Wasps dominated the English game on the field for many years, led the game. Many others followed Wasps and picked up on their best practice on the field. Many players from Wasps now occupy significant management and influential positions within the game. However now the heavily resourced clubs call the shots and quite understandably strive to increase their incomes and strengthen their longevity. What happened on the field many moons ago is of no significance now. There will be casualties, make no mistake, unless fairly radical action is taken which is led, sanctioned and championed by the RFU to level up the playing field that a Champions Cup will undoubtably disturb. If the RFU sit on their hands as they did in 1995 they themselves will continue to lose the power over players availability for the International Squads, their lifeblood. Imagine if 5 or 6 of the leading clubs became so financially powerful they could work independently from the RFU where that would leave the RFU.This is a scenario which could develop in time.

So it all boils down to the costs of running the squads. The more pressure on clubs to play more games to generate more revenue means greater costs. The current successful, and I use that word loosely, model demands a club owned stadium. That is the direction we are all being pushed and yes it works…just. Very similar to the Saracens model but on a smaller scale, that is fundamentally another business linked to and supporting the Rugby Club. It is reported that Exeter have something in the region of 2 million in the bank before the season kicks off. This is not from rugby attendance revenue but from corporate facility hire. Attendances do not dramatically increase overnight, the match day experience can always easily be improved when it is accepted most supporters do not come to just to watch the rugby they come for a day out, they want to be entertained. In Wasps case an owned stadium is on the agenda however this is some 3 years away, a long time. Equally as per Exeter, it will not be the match day attendance that solves the financial short falls. 

Where are the costs? Players salaries. An ever increasing need to play more games, simply increases squad size requirements so this in turn will continue to increase running costs. BT, the new boys on the block, are investing in the game and providing cash and a different approach. Apart from some cringe worthy bits here and there the overall philosophy to engage the fans more. This is a fundamental value of rugby and should be applauded. The RFU have the ability to guide the game along this same more inclusive path, currently we are heading for a complete separation with only 6 or 7 clubs likely to survive long term and flourish. That is be competitive. Already in the tournaments outside of Premiership matches clubs are simply turning up to fulfil the fixture with no intention to compete with a full squad.

Now I have absolutely no problem with looking over the garden fence and seeing that the grass is greener. I say well done and good luck to those clubs. However I do want to see Wasps remain at the top of the game and can only see this happening under the current model with the continued assistance of generous owners, from Chris Wright, Alan O’Connell, Steve Hayes to Derek Richardson the present day owner. We as a club are indebted to these individuals for the on the field achievements to date. However, we cannot expect an owner to come along to save the day at every crisis point The game has been professional for some 17 years now and stadiums take a long time to bring to fruition. Yes during those hugely successful playing years we too sat on our hands, we cannot continue with this King Canute strategy. By all means continue with plans for a new club owned stadium, but we must look and push at other options as well - another model.

So what is required? Well I have at various stages during my career at Wasps advocated creating formal links with another club, if you like a feeder club. This arrangement kind of exists now with Loan Clubs etc but nowhere near to the extent I am proposing. The RFU need to encourage and lead this. Formal links, an RFU approved contract needs to available whereby a Premiership or Championship Club (a full time organisation) can link freely with Nat League Clubs to freely exchange players and resources. The complexities of the current registration system escalates costs to Clubs significantly. The rub would be the Nat League Partnership Club would need to forgo rights for promotion for the season the contract exists, many/most Nat League Clubs are already of this mind set and do not want to be promoted, simply because it will change the club and cannot be afforded. The option on offer would be to have the two clubs benefitting from total Dual Registration.

What difference would this make? Well from a playing perspective there would be no need for an A team structure, a second XV squad and indeed the Academy development pathways would be significantly improved. This would in turn reduce the requirement to maintain large squad numbers cutting costs dramatically. Remember currently with most Premiership Clubs some million pound plus is afforded to players who rarely play for the 1st teams in the Premiership. Championship and Nat League Clubs also struggle financially as they are faced with similar issues, their solution over the years has been to abandon 2ndXV’s. This should be redressed with development squads operating below the Nat League team, making a real connection between the full time and semi pro game sections.

Between the two clubs support resources outside of the playing squads could also be shared to any extent that was agreed. Coaching, Conditioning, Medical, Nutrition, Facility etc this would significantly reduce costs to both clubs. New Model RFC would not lose identity in fact any partnership would place them higher on the domestic scene and be likely to increase their profile, they would benefit with the inclusion of full time squad players. For the Premiership Club a large pool of players covering all playing positions would be available enabling them to compete with those that can afford to work and employ large squads of players full time. This partnership would not be compulsory, simply an option for Clubs (and Club Owners) in order to keep the playing field as level as possible and operate at lower cost. The playing field is currently becoming grossly uneven. Now as I say the RFU most likely could not care less about an uneven playing field as long as they get use of the leading players when they want them and that there are enough about. My point is without redressing the balance those leading players may sooner than expected not be available. As soon as clubs can operate without RFU financial support they will be off….make no mistake.

The side note to all this would be a stronger connection to the grassroots of the game which to me is a positive. Along the lines of the apparent BT strategy….get the fans involved, get inclusive, not too elite and separated. All the best practice aspects of the game would be easier transferred to the development groups. For a young player the development route would be simple and effective. You would end up with leaner and meaner Senior Squads with a slimmed down staffing support groups being supported by a limitless number of players who in turn would be supported by their own club staff and some full time professional staff.

I could go on and on regarding the details and potential benefits, however simply what is required is for the RFU to pick up the proposal, formalise the detail and implement with some haste. The reason this is not done now is simply the registrations restrictions which make it unrealistic. The Champions Cup will happen by some means or other the long term result of which will be to transfer more power to a few of the already financially stable and robust clubs. Professional Sport is a business, Rugby is a business and Professional Clubs will want, quite rightly, to grow their business. The ruling bodies will only have an effective part to play if real competition can be maintained within the sport. There is only so much money to go around, only so many stadiums that can be built hence real competition can only be maintained in the domestic game by looking at other options outside of the current seemingly successful models. I really do not mind some clubs having effective business models in place and a desire to drive forward. This can only be good. I just want an opportunity to compete on a level (ish) playing field in a truly sporting capacity based on the best team wins. To me simply having a bigger pot of money too buy the better players is not a sporting contest.

Half Way Round the Block - how we looking - 30th Dec 2013

So 11 Premiership games completed, the runners are pretty bunched in mid field with one seemingly trailed off looking at being pulled up and 2 others going strongly out in front. This race over the last two season has taken the same shape and indeed the Wasps stallion is very much in a similar position within the midfield pack. Previous seasons have seen Wasps unable to stay the pace when the others press the go button, however the talk from the stables suggest this year could see Wasps being more competive during the final run ins. 

In season 2011/12 Wasps were seemingly in a secure position at half way but the tank emptied almost immediately before our eyes mostly due to a lack of tactical nous against the strongly improving Exeter, where taking up the inside rail and the two points available would have enabled an easy run in finishing in 10th or 11th - remembering in the climate and with the massive disruption at the Twyford Avenue stables this would have been success.

For season 2012/13 Wasps were again travelling well approaching the final stretch only for the tank to again empty rapidity. However, lessons had been learned and Wasps coasted into a comfortable 8th position and had indeed already started preparations for season 2013/14. Earlier expectation had not been achieved but fires in the supporters bellies had been rekindled and indeed most if not all would have grabbed at 8th place at the start of the race.

These two previous years had shown a clear pattern and areas for development leading into this 2013/14 race. So far lessons seem to have been taken on board and addressed, with much more attacking scope, ability to perform in variety of conditions, ability to defend challenges and critically more support available in the event of injury, something that had very much influenced performance in the previous two years.

So as we approach the final furlongs we simply need to maintain the early stage form, remain competitive and be able to respond to any increased pace. Basically we are all holding our breath waiting to see if the adjustments made over the past few season have had the desired affect in the final run and our tank does not empty as quickly as in previous years. No need to go quicker, trick is to not slow down as fast as the others.

Here is a link to current and previous form - http://www.rugbyroundup.com/stats.php?leagueID=1&statType=triesScored. Important to remember stats tell you everything about what has happened and nothing about what will happen. 

With regard to the race so far and Wasps current standing, well from similar positions we have won races at domestic and European status. This could happen again, our charge is young and still developing, far from the finished article. Only the next few months will show if we have prepared correctly to deal with the second half of the race which has been the consistent weakness or if indeed as the signs indicate we are handily placed on the rails to mount a serious challenge for some tangible achievement. May be not a trophy but may be simply enough to interest the photo finish judge.

Here's to an exciting and successful 2014.

Season to date - written 6th Oct 2013

Bit of a break in the Aviva so a good time to reflect and look forward to the challenges ahead. First the facts. 5 games done, 3 away games and 2 at home, 9pts on board. Maximum pts available from the 5 games is 25 so from the simple equation we are on course for 36/37pts from the 110pt season max. This would manifest itself I would estimate as a league finish around 9th or10th. 

Now, don't know about you but my realistic expectation from the first 5 games was about 9pts probably less, yes hoping for more, but think 9pts is a good return based on the large turn around in the squad and the recent results history of the fixtures completed to date - Exeter/Sale away etc. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and yes we could have had a greater haul but for a width of a post and some better individual tackling, however 9pts is what it is and I think a good squad achievement to build upon.

Ok so now for the Mystic Meg bit. Rather than simply speculate or guess wildly again it would be better to base expectations on previous history, long and short term and make a considered assessment of future challenges. Clubs tend to have an identity, if you're asked to describe other clubs within the Premiership I think it is fair to say that from a sample of 20 or so rugby knowledgable people certain adjectives would emerge. For example with Leicester - solid and strong in the set piece areas, good depth of squad, play for 80mins, give little away, competitive, consistent and ruthless attitude etc - may not hear the words flair, flamboyant, adventurous quite so often. Let me be clear this is not in any way judgemental simply what they are. 

So short term to date, this season what adjectives can we apply to Wasps ? From commentary I have read or heard, I would offer - organised in defence, competitive, proficient in set piece, 80min fitness, scoring options throughout the team ( not just wingers...a change from last year) and well managed game from 10 would be the positives the work ons would be more creativity in attack, greater accuracy and this may only be a very short term issue greater composure in attack and defence - patience. I say short term as  this is a totally understandable characteristic of a new squad lacking an early win. Equally the 10 issue is relevant as in Andy Goode we have a 10 from completely the other end of the spectrum from Nicky Robinson - again not at all judgemental, just different. The affect of this however is do not expect the wingers to be bringing home 26 tries this season.

Longer term considerations should be based on performances towards the end of the previous seasons under the existing structures which have now been in place for a third season. Now these will of course be affected by the size and depth of the squad, equally the players lost to the EQP structure and also the affect caused by the overall season fitness which can be maintained by the squad - that is can they go for the full season. Well most of these simply fall into the Mystic Meg box, however what needs to be kept an eye on is the mounting injury list, which has been a consistant factor in the club throughout changes to conditioning and medical staff, and of course whether the squad can maintain energy and power being shown now through to the end of the season. These factors will be more relevant this season due to the fact that we will be playing more of the top of the table teams towards the end of the season. Now the fixture scheduling could be a blessing in disguise as the highest performing clubs will be keen to rest players and indeed will lose players during the second half of the season, hence vulnerable. However there is no point in speculating about if we will be performing well in the second half of the season, picking up wins or not but simply this needs to be monitored and assessed when the second half of the season is completed. The reason I say this is because it is a long term issue and hence a cultural and structural issue, it cannot be changed quickly. At this point there are very good, sound reasons why the second half of the season in the previous two years we have seen winning performances become scarce.

So to summarise. The first 5 games have produced good reward and is a positive achievement for a young and newly assembled squad. The strong likelihood is that the squad will start to understand each other more as the season progresses. The most encouraging aspect this season has been the level of try scoring in each game and not least the variety of players scoring -

follow stats link - www.rugbyroundup.com/stats.php

 - hence relieving the pressure on the wingers to score at the level they achieved last season. This is mostly due to having a more competitive pack and an experienced fly half in Andy Goode who provides clear direction and possesses a quality territorial game which will be significant throughout the next tranch of matches through to March. Whilst being excited at the potential of the squad at the start of the season, potential takes time to realise. A league finish around 8th this season to me would be positive with the option of going into the following season with a more stable squad. The continued fitness and availability of Andy Goode is a significant factor in achievement of this objective. Up until the New Year, another 6 premiership matches, a further 9pts at the bottom end or 12pts at the top end would be a good haul and another important achievement for this young and developing squad. Mind set and confidence is everything at this and indeed most levels. With increases in confidence the accuracy and basic errors will disappear. We, as supporters should be letting this young, new squad know clearly that to this point we are very proud of the performance to date and excited with regard to the future potential.