Dg - interesting post - can't disagree with that
However...I do wonder about the backroom. Only because I wonder (and I'm not informed enough to know) how much our successes from 14/15 to 16/17 were down to talented individuals, Even in 2014/15 Andy Goode was top Prem points scorer and Varndell and Wade score 22 tries between them. We then got Cips back...
So were we "coasting" at all from a coaching POV? And are now and last season being caught out?
Genuinely interested as the Gatland and Edwards and McGeechan years were times when for better (mainly) or worse, we had top level coaches/leaders. But even they had their period of effectiveness
Thinking about it, probably, yes. Not building a team but having players who could feed and make holes for those who scored. The game is different now. Not so many players in the ruck means making holes is much harder.
I think the coaches and players understand this.
How many of us have criticised EJ over the years? Criticised his choices? But, his one goal has been building a team that can win, consistently, that can come away with the silverware next week.
It is not the most attractive rugby, but I don't think that the modern game is structured that way, and changes afoot will make it even less glitzy. The coaches (and Dai) have a hard job, transforming the players from the old style to what is needed.
#1 First, you get them to play together, to be more cohesive. The pack you sort first (1A), then the backs (1B).
#2 Then, you focus on the defence. Again, the pack first (2A), then the backs (2B).
#3 Then you focus on the attack. Again, the pack first (3A), then the backs (3B).
Where are we on those?
1A 80%
1B 40%
2A 65%
2B 25%
3A 30%
3B 10%
Just my gut feel where we are. I think Ackerman came into a Gloucester setup that was a lot further along in some respects than we are. But, it IS where we are. It is 1B that is letting us down. We have no effective leadership in the backs, but there ARE signs that it IS improving. I watched the game on Saturday quite closely for who was doing what in the backs to build. It HAS to come from the fly half and centres. And Fekitoa was that man. When he had a brain fart and got himself sent off, the backs fell apart. I know that Lima and Fekitoa are good mates, and that will help. But we have an obvious and yawning gap at 12. Juan is NOT a 12 and doesn't appear to be that leader. Booj is not a leader, and has a way to go to be a really top level 12.
We are reliant on Jimmy. Ageing and repeatedly crocked (I know, it could just be bad luck, but you make your own luck). I know many of you criticise EJ and keeping that Ford/Farrell axis, but they are so effective and cohesive together. And now Tuilagi has tacked himself outside them most effectively.
In my list above, 1B above is our stumbling block. And we do not have the available personnel to fix it. Thing is, I said this last season, and we have done nothing to fix this gap. We can't easily fix 1B, and without that, progress simply will not quickly happen. At #11 in the table, we are where we deserve to be. Are there any SH 12s coming free after the WC? Not this season, as we have spent to the cap.