Match Analysis vs Crypt

A local derby at Fortress Oakleaze vs Crypt awaited the blue army for a final Saturday fixture of the first half term. Tommies got the game underway and started brightly. Yemm and Byron carried powerfully upfront and ensured the early exchanges were inside the Crypt half. Harley and Dunnage worked well at the breakdown and Tommies had some good clean ball to play from. Whitelock orchestrated the plays and fired the ball wide to Fenton. The Tommies 10 sensed space in behind and put in a beautifully weighted cross field kick deep inside the Crypt 22. Griffin and Ferchow chased well and forced an instant turnover. Crypt were scrambling in defence and Davidson spotted space down a narrow blindside. The Tommies 13 quickly snipped from the base of the breakdown and bundled his way over for the opening score, a smart piece of finishing.

Credit to Crypt, they responded well and were physical upfront. In tricky conditions, Tommies arguably chose the wrong options and made life difficult for themselves. Crypt capitalised from a few turnovers and progressed towards the Tommies 22. Moments later a penalty was awarded, and Crypt duly slotted the kick to bring the score back to 5-3. This time, the blue side of Gloucester responded well with flanker Satheeswaran securing a turnover in midfield. Tommies were quick to attack through Glazier upfront. A good clear out enabled Harper to explode off Whitelock. The Tommies number 8 rampaged towards the Crypt line before presenting quickly at the ruck. Whitelock sharply moved the ball onto Fenton who in turn hit O’Neill in a wider channel. The Tommies 12 unselfishly fixed his man and put Davidson in for the simplest of scores.

Tommies were back on the front foot from the kick off and Miller carried fantastically out wide, using pace and power to break multiple tackles. Tommies were camped outside the Crypt 22 and Satheeswaran demanded the ball. A brutal carry followed, and numerous Crypt defenders were sucked in to stop the Tommies blindside flanker. Satheeswaran smartly offloaded to Leney who bumped the first defender and smashed his way over for a third score of the half. 15-3 the score at half time.

The second half was an odd affair, with neither team managing to string too many phases together. Tommies played some smart rugby, with Fenton and O’Neill making good use of some tactical kicks. Griffin and Ferchow looked dangerous on the counterattack, whilst Miller provided the games big highlight with a monstrous hit after a kick and chase. The back row was in the thick of the action and Harper and Glazier capitalised to get their names on the score sheet. Glazier pounced on a loose pass close to the Crypt line before Harper scooped up the ball from a missed kick to touch to finish off the game and score Tommies fifth try.

I thought Miller had a great game on the wing but Man of the match this week goes to Satheeswaran. The Tommies blindside flanker put in a monstrous shift upfront, carrying powerfully with ball in hand and making plenty of shots in defence.

An excellent start to the season boys. Enjoy a well-earned break and we go again after half term. There is plenty to look forward to!

Areas to Improve

Ospreys – I am really pleased with our intent to run Ospreys as often as possible. Our layers in attack are starting to get there we now just need to adjust a few things. Our receiver in behind needs to be deeper. On a few occasions we have no choice but to use the Osprey runner and we physically can’t get the pass to our option in behind. We will work on this in training, but it comes back to realigning, which takes a bit of effort!

Clearing past the ball at the breakdown – Our breakdown work has been good this season and opposition coaches have been very complimentary. Now we are starting to generate quick ball, we must ensure we clear past the ball at the breakdown. The last thing we want is for our nine or first man there to have dig the ball out of the ruck. This takes time and slows down our attack.

Skills/Inspiration

Forwards – Watch this highlight reel. Look out for tackle technique, running lines and footwork!

BEST FORWARDS in Rugby - YouTube

Backs – Footwork and finishing from Kolbe but look out for some of the build up play and how the tries are created.

Cheslin Kolbe Top 20 Tries That Shocked the World - YouTube