What do we think the strategy is here?
Cut some costs while revenues recover and give some of the new generation some exposure?
We also seem to have a lot of long term knee injuries. S&C or bad luck? I know it’s an easy band wagon to jump on but worth asking the question!
I think Kieron and Will will be hard to replace. Sad to see Chesty leave. Thought TT, BV, CS & LS could have done more with us - was excited about that bunch, but on we go. All have had moments of brilliance.
I tend to think that the strategy has one eye on the salary cap reductions, and another on a mid-to-long term squad.
I suspect that there's been a review of players who have been injured a number of times over the past few seasons, with a view to ensuring that the majority of the squad we have going forwards are regularly available to play.
Couple that with a number of players who have made their own decision to leave and we end up looking like we're decimating the squad.
However, a major factor is the salary cap reduction.
We need to somehow bring in numbers while spending less money.
The only way that can be done is by removing higher paid players (Brookes, ZZ, McIntyre, TT etc) and replacing with cheaper options, often from other leagues.
Moreso than some other sports, I often feel that rugby is more about a team being more than the sum of its parts, rather than individual brilliance.
I.e. you can have the greatest centre on the planet in your team, but he won't be able to beat everyone single handedly.
Whereas you can often have a good team of players who support each other and ultimately overwhelm the opposition.
Obviously having both is best, but for mid/long term planning, I'd rather build a squad of like minded players focusing on team work, intensity and support
Always a Wasp
