Something for the pundits to discuss. We've already seen PSDT making some strange decisions on defense, and AB try 1 is another example. I realize it is a near impossible situation to defend due to numbers, but Steph's action here still strikes me as strange.
This is for discussion, not a fight. No one is trying the get anyone. I'm interested in hearing opinions about this.
Frame 1: Below
As the ball leaves the ruck the ABs have two dummy runners heading inside, one visible on this shot, one just outside.
Frame 2: Above
Steph shoots out of line, heading somewhere in the direction of Mo'unga. It is a strange decision - he is never going to get there, nor will he get to the guy waiting deep on the left edge of the screen. Dummy runner two is already in front of the passer and can't get the ball. Steph ends up nowhere pressuring no one.
Frame 3: Below
Rushing the circled guy or any of the blokes heading inside makes little sense - he won't get there and we are well stacked on the inside, while we are thin on the outside. If there was any cutting off to do, it was to the outside. Prime target: Barrett, who was more reachable for a spot tackle or for cutting off a pass outside than anyone else from where Steph started. As it happens, Steph runs into the second dummy runner, achieving nothing.
Frame 4: Above
That leaves a big gap for Barrett to run through, offload to Bridge, easy try.
My take: put pressure on Barrett with the rush instead, you maybe force a slow skip pass, you maybe get him ball and all, you maybe cut off the pass wide. Near impossible situation to defend, but made so much easier with a nothing rush opening a barn sized gap.
What say the pundits? Could this try have been stopped in any way or was it over skedovers from the moment the ball left the ruck?
