First half video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLJxIjzfNOQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUr7KmHbo3fDiRjH4C5Qhd_w
00:15
From what was a pretty average kick, Pori's fullback chases well and capitalises on a simple mistake by Kuopio. Then it's all about the gas to leave the opposition behind.
02:55
Commentators at the moment have been talking a lot about the new scrum sequence, and in particular the importance of the 'second shunt' - the drive after the ball is introduced. We can see that the combined pressured from Pori's pack completely disrupts Kuopio's attempt to move the ball back. A well-executed turnover.
09:45
A well-executed Garryowen (under-used in Finnish rugby) with the confidence to compete in the air without taking his eyes off the ball. It's a shame that Pori concede a penalty after that, but they're let off the hook immediately!
16:10
What we see over the next 2 minutes or so is that Kuopio have made big improvements to their attacking continuity: support for the ball carrier arrives quicker and clean-outs are faster than we saw in their match versus Vaasa. The stumbling point is their attempt to offload the ball in any tackle situation, even when it's clearly not on.
19:50
Again, it's an unforced error from Kuopio which costs them, and again it's a great kick chase from Pori which does the damage. Try time number 2!
24:10
This surely highlights where Kuopio need to focus training: forwards' set pieces. Or is it a lack of confidence in the backs. That close to the line, most teams would look to lock in opposition forwards to one place and try something. In the end it's panic play which undoes them: a solo ball carrier gets isolated and turned - a shame, as KRC had had that well under control until then.
25:30
That's some serious wind to compensate for! We're still not sure whether the poor Pori player deserved to have frustration taken out on him by getting pancaked!
36:30
This is the first time that Kuopio have managed to trap Pori's defence out of position, with an over-defended blindside and space to the left. As Pori's defenders have to scramble across to cover, Kuopio bash over the try.
2nd half video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPKjgGi3l3E&list=UUr7KmHbo3fDiRjH4C5Qhd_w
05:45
Here's the other part of the new scrum laws: it's a return to a situation where the hooker needs to be on his game and actually hook the ball. Well stolen!
08:00
We have to question the tactics here a little: the tap-and-go has had very limited success so far, plus you can see that Kuopio are heavily stacked to defend within a 10-15m area. Even if you do want to tap instead of a set piece, why not sling it wide to your two big attacking threats at 13 and 15?
20:55
One major issue that could be the cause of both teams' scrum problems is the position of the second row. Notice here that Kuopio's lock ends up half-way up his prop's back. This has been an issue at scrum time throughout the game.
32:30
Great call by the ref - driving up is something that packs in Finland tend to get away with, but you couldn't really miss that one!
36:50
In our analysis of Vaasa v Kuopio, we talked about the problems of 'sheep mentality' (the whole team following the ball). Now count the number of players on the near side of the pitch.
37:30
Kuopio have a preoccupation with attempting offloads in the tackle and it's costing them. The weather is clearly not on anyone's side for offloading, but given the improvements that Kuopio have made in their ruck securing, it seems crazy that they are trying it so often. Following that we can't understand why you would kick it away - KRC have only played 2 phases and there is plenty of support - why not build momentum?
Following the kick, the work done by Pori's 15 is outstanding, making a big clear-out at one ruck, then immediately following up and securing the next ruck as well!
42:30
This is why Pori need to make better use of this guy - on a drier day we'd bet this would be a try for all money.
General notes:
The weather played a big part in the game, but at the same time you would expect teams to adapt their game plan to match it. It wasn't a day a for cheeky offloads and aiming for the tail of the line-out, but rather for building momentum through clever pack play and using strike runners to punch holes into space. In the end, play was constantly broken up by scrums and line-outs, where Kuopio generally came off second best. There was clear improvement from Kuopio after their performance in Vaasa, especially in the second half, but they lacked the will and discipline to push through multiple phases. Pori's ability to disrupt set piece play, as well as their pressure in defence and aggression in attack, won on a day but both teams should look to tidy things up.
If you have a game video of you would like analysed, send it to us (or the link) and Ruck Tales will give you feedback!
Enjoy this weekend's rugby: Finnish domestic matches, second round of The Rugby Championship, the Currie Cup and the ITM Cup, as well as the French Top 14! The perfect excuse for not doing those household chores that you really don't want to do!
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