I’m a fan of Jacob.
Used to be a big fan, but there are a few frailties in his game.
When he plays a few consecutive games, he gets confidence and plays better.
He’s very good at eyeing space, especially at 15, and then timing his run to hit the line at the right moment to cause problems.
He’s our current place kicker.
With confidence, he’s very good under the high ball. When confidence dips, he’s not as safe.
He’s very good at tackling a man side on, or from behind.
However, his main frailty is tackling a straight-on runner.
And he also offers nothing as first person to a breakdown ruck situation. He’s literally powderpuff.
I really noticed this last week. He didn’t even attempt to offer resistance…and therefore Bath were able to maintain possession easily and ultimately scored.
So psychologically, he’s got a limiting belief about straight-on tackles.
That…and poor technique (which results from a poor belief about one’s capability in that situation).
Maybe a fear of pain, to some extent. And only natural for a human being….until you go through drill after drill…and recondition your brain to think differently.
I think this is/was a key issue for Cipriani too. And probably why he never really got many opportunities for England.
Just a bit too worried about pain…and never got enough ‘enjoyment’ from the tackle.
I’m hoping Jacob can expand that part of his game. These days, there’s nowhere to hide.