Chiefs vs Kings a nice test of the Saffex theory
March 15, 2013, 21:18:36
To me young Petersen, hardly a giant looked like the most dangerous player on the park. One would wish for a bit of extra bulk....hell if he was just 5% bigger, he'd have been a certain great. Still size does have it's consequences and watching him on the tackle....it was a bit of a sukkel. But one doesn't seem to get that eagerness and instant response from a bigger player. And unlike the Mvovos and Nokwes, Petersen is not afraid to get involved. This game was largely determined in mid field where the Chiefs were so much more physical. It seemed the small Kings backs just couldn't retain the ball.....which I suppose vindicates the Dave doctrine to some extent. Things were made worse by the fact that the Kings didn't close down midfield space....contact was well on their side of the advantage line. There is no doubt one needs power in the midfield. The trick is to get explosiveness as well. My own theory is, you can have one smaller wing....like Petersen. And your outside centre doesn't have to be a power player, rather a secure open field tackler......but a physical 12 is essential. To the point that there is no space in modern rugby....Cruden conjured up space with brilliant wrap around moves....and slower running, allowing gaps to open up. It was delightful stuff. On the other side Catrikilis looked meat and potatoes, but incredibly honest and sound, could the difference just be coaching? Cruden is a gem of a player....this is the guy Goosen should study.
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