The national rugby team concluded their Rugby Championship campaign with a resounding victory over their arch-rivals, banishing their six-year losing streak in the capital city and honoring a milestone for their captain and a farewell Test for a veteran player. The team’s tournament record improved to 3-3, finishing second behind the reigning world champions.
While the sentimental conclusion offered promise, much work remains. Losing the championship title for the first time in five years and a coveted trophy for the first time in 15 years dictates this tournament was a failure by their standards.
Nine Tests into their new coach’s tenure, the team’s performance has been fluctuating, with six wins and three losses. With three tough matches against top-ranked nations looming, it doesn’t get any easier from here.
The team’s attack has been inconsistent, scoring four tries in one match and then struggling to execute in others. They have been lethal from turnovers and when attacking fractured defensive lines, but have yet to consistently prove their ability to convert pressure into points through patience.
Their defense has improved, employing aggressive intent to fuel their attack. However, they have conceded too many points in some matches, lacking physicality and mental intent. The coaches must devise plans to avoid set move specials that their upcoming opponents will conjure.
The team’s set piece has transformed from a weakness to a weapon, with a strong and stable foundation. Their propping rotation has blossomed, and their lineout has been dominant. However, they must be on red alert for a key opponent who caused havoc with their lineout in previous matches.
Discipline has been a serious issue, with seven yellow cards hurting the team’s chances. The timing of those cards has been costly, and the team’s game management at the backend of tight, tense Tests has left them stuck in their half defending for long periods.
The team’s most promising prospects have emerged from youth, with a lock leading the lineout, a gifted loose forward possessing fast feet, and a winger striking form with six tries in four starts. A fullback has relished his return to the team, slicing through holes and blitzing defenders.
The upcoming northern tour will be a testing ground for the team, with three tough matches against top-ranked nations. The coaches must settle on their first-choice team to prepare for that gruelling stretch. By the time they arrive in Turin for their final Test of the year, the team will be running on fumes.
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