Reload and replay of the twin League encounters

Many may have wished that the semifinal encounters were switched so that STC played SPC, and Pathana played Wesley, as both these combinations weren’t witnessed in-action this year. Unfortunately, it’s not to be so, and therefore we would have no choice but to watch the same pair play again for the Knockouts as well. However, we may not observe the same old strategy that the teams would opt to employ, as the former losers specially have learnt from their mistakes, and have now evolved to be stronger, and therefore are able to offer much resistance to the Table Leaders than before. The fresh improvements of these sides that may alter the tactics employed are explored below. 

St. Peter’s vs Wesley at Royal Sports Complex on 7 Sep:

The last time these two sides met, SPC was made victorious by Wesley’s penalty count that exceeded 20, and also due to the Brigade three quarters not clicking frequently enough. Nevertheless, the latter shouldn’t be a weakness anymore. In addition, Peter’s showed weakness in consistently defending Wesley’s ‘pick and drives’, that has been now adequately fixed as well, unless the Wesley Pack has since grown stronger than the Royal Pack that the Pete’s were able to hold off with ease.

 SPC’s kicking game would be advantageous to Wesley, as the latter would prefer to hold onto possession and run the Ball. If SPC’s tactic is to kick to touch, then that would be exactly what Wesley would have written to Santa as well. Although the Peterite Forwards don’t fancy themselves to jump and turnover possession at the lineouts, they possess effective Maul countering skills that should diffuse a majority of the Wesley Maul offensives. Therefore, it should be fascinatingly interesting to find out what measures the Wesley coaching Camp has devised to keep their deadly Mauls alive and pushing, until they reach their intended destination, this time. Consequently, Wesley lineouts thrown from within 10 meters of the opposition’s whitewash should be the most viable, but crucial match turning segments of the game, as anything farther could be easily defeated by the Peter’s Pack. 

It is noteworthy that neither team has turned over possession at the lineouts against even reasonably able opponents during the League. However, Wesley College has now managed to add a much useful and vital skill to their armoury, as they surprised everyone by turning over twice in the quarter final game last week. This shall add immense pressure to SPC’s grounded jumpers, and a migraine to their Maul defence, while making it a low-risk option for Wesley to find touch during open play to gain territory, which they have been executing elegantly since recently. The double blue’s coaching unit has also progressively strengthened their Backline’s infiltration capabilities, though this may prove inadequate against the Brigade’s three quarters. However, using these capabilities in tandem with their Forwards should unfalteringly guarantee the advancement of Wesley’s gain line throughout the game.

If the Brigade’s coaching crew has learnt anything from their last game against Wesley, or let alone remember the embarrassing setbacks they faced due to the tactics employed, then they would alter their usual game slightly to maximise Ball possession; if not, we are in for a real treat, and a chance to witness the Bamba Brigade being struck down by the double blue Thunder! 

Isipathana vs S. Thomas’ at Royal Sports Complex on 8 Sep:

When these two teams last met, and that seems like just a few weeks ago, STC lost the plot along with the game by kicking away precious possession to a possession hungry Green Machine. Hope that sanity prevails this time around to formulate fitting game tactics, customised for the unique capabilities and weaknesses of the opponent?

 Another reason for the last defeat is that Isipathana religiously rattled the Thomian lineouts by turning over a few, and thereby unsettling the Hooker and the Jumpers, preventing the formation of that perfect Maul. The Thomians were seldom good at contesting at the lineouts this season, let alone retaining them, and thereby averaged 3-4 lost possessions per game. As it subsequently dawned upon them that optimal lineout contesting skills are in fact absolutely crucial to complement, and even more essential to lay the launchpad for Maul attacks, they have worked on this weakness to pull off 2 lineout turnovers in their last quarter final game. Now it shall be motivating to see if the Greens can continue to disrupt the Maul party of the Thomians, and incapacitate their most powerful striking weapon against the Greens? 

The Greens reigned supreme with their skilful and accurate touch kicking to gain miles of territory, and then put the opposition under pressure, persuading them to make mistakes. Should the Thomians choose a ‘no kicking’ policy, then their Ball handling and game discipline ought to be immaculate, otherwise it›s ‘game over’, even before it begins for them. The Pathana Pack is much stronger now, and should be able to offer stiff defence against Thora’s ‘pick and drive’ attacks, which may prove to be futile. Therefore, the Thomians should have other penetrative options ready, other than this and the Mauls, at least for the second half. 

Lastly, it is a known fact that the Pathans usually have a mellow first half and then blaze away in the second. It is also known that the Thomians jump start the former half and lose their Nitro in the latter, and therefore it is absolutely essential for STC to get up to a substantial lead in excess of 15 points by Lemons, if they are to stand a chance of toppling the Green Machine.

(The writer can be reached at: [email protected])