A victory fo Technical Skill over Athletic Ability

First of all congratulations to Japan on a well earned victory. They were by far superior to Wales today in almost all facets of play. They looked after the ball in contact, tackled and jackled to textbook definition and made clever decisions with and without the ball.

IMO this shows an alarming issue in Welsh rugby as a whole at present, granted this was Wales's 2nd or in some cases third choice starting line up however for me it shows how the whole ethos of the development of players in Wales has been based on their physicality over their technical skills, which suits how the first team national side play...too many times today the basic skills of players were found wanting, in contact ball was spilled, passes forward or dropped, support play and rucking out not sufficient to provide quick clean ball and a tendency to kick and chase (poorly) rather than keep the ball in hand....

When we have our first team out this is not so much of an issue. The sheer size and power of Roberts, North Cuthbert and Faletau gets us over the gainline and on the front foot, but even with these players against the best their skills their decision making and their execution has been found wanting....

Today Japan showed that rugby is not all about physicality and how to win test match rugby with technical competence and skill, hopefully it will be a bit of a wake up call for those responsible for player development in Wales going forward..

N.b this is not to say that the Japanese are not athletic or fit but they do not rely on sheer power to win them games

They were physical in terms of the breakdown. They used excellent body mechanics to clear the contact area very well and also to counter ruck. I agree  they were skill full but Wales lacked any intensity after the 1st 10 minutes to put them under pressure.

Japan were very fit and rapid throughout. Speed they played at times looked like watching the Reds v Lions first half last weekend. Don't think you can say they lacked for fitness.

I don't think anyone has said they lacked fitness??? 

Can someone please confirm whether this was given test match status? Thanks

MMaaxx wrote:Can someone please confirm whether this was given test match status? Thanks

Yes both Japan v Wales games were

Thanks, bit harsh on Wales. Not a nearly true Wales team. Still think that Wales 3rds should take Japan. I'd expect the Boks Junior team to do it.

I'd expect a Boks junior team to beat Japan (not the under 21's now At the RWC), a lot of them are already performing well in Super 15 regularly. The issue iis game and training time together. Certainly a Boks 3rd team should do the trick. Not arrogant, just have high expectations considering the depth SA has