@Joans-Town-Jones said in WRWC Final - NZ Vs England:
@Crucial said in WRWC Final - NZ Vs England:
@Joans-Town-Jones said in WRWC Final - NZ Vs England:
@Crucial said in WRWC Final - NZ Vs England:
@taniwharugby said in WRWC Final - NZ Vs England:
@Crucial as I mentioned a few weeks back, it isnt so much the kicking that is the issue, its the distance from the foot, and suggested they could probably have a slightly smaller/lighter ball (like a 4.5) but @Stargazer said this was looked at a year or 2 back and they decided to leave as is.
When you watch the last 2 games of the BFs it seemed clear that less kicking was a tactic, especially against England where a kick would often not get past the 22, meaning England would then have an attacking lineout with thier maul, so keeping it away from there was paramount.
In general I agree but some technique coaching in that area can improve things. There are some decent out of hand kickers in other teams and it's not like that have massive legs or longer levers. Technique and timing can go a long way just like in cricket.
Proper drop punting where more force is put onto the ball going onto the foot is a technique I'm not seeing much. Old school spiral punts will also get distance.
Key is finding the time and expertise to put effort into this area. Not much different to the mens game in that respect where natural kickers are the start pointYou may be able to eek out a few more meters but men just have more power through the leg drive and may also have to do with the physiological differences between men and women such as height, body shape, hips etc. There's a good video on YouTube with the differences between a helium filled rugby ball and one filled with air. The distance is crazy. Maybe they could look into a helium/air blend so distances in kicks will be increased but not to the point where it completely changes the way the women play.
Ok idea in theory only. The mix would need to be regulated and certified, the preparation of balls witnessed.......all sorts of logistical issues.
The other way would be to go full helium. I'm sure the woke movement would be against some sort of advantage though...
There’s only one ball in play. What advantage?
But you keep thinking that the womens game is a lesser version of the mens rather than thinking of it as a slight variation.
Kicking is one of the aspects that brings variation. You get more running out of the 22, less penalty shots for goal, more quick taps etc.
once you get used to that you view the game a little differently.

