Interesting Stuff – Round 15

Run-around variation

I think the run-around is an under-utilised effective play and I will be adding a post in the near future on its use. In the Raiders vs Titans game I loved the below variation:

In the first photo usually there is a fullback out the back but because there isn’t the defensive line doesn’t shift and slide backwards (step 1 in a great play – don’t do what’s expected).

Croker running off Whitehead’s hip plus Whitehead digging so deep into the line brings Tonumaipea in. A big part of defence is the centre and winger working together – in photo 3 this is not the case. Tonumaipea is ‘hitting’ or ‘crashing’ in whilst Thompson is sliding out.

The Titan’s had a chance of stopping this if Thompson also hits in on Wighton – at least then Wighton is forced to make a pressure pass and if he does make it Brimson is facing only 1 attacker rather than 2. All up nice play Raiders.

Block play – cut out sweeper

Cutting out the sweeper on the block play is nothing new but knowing when to use it is – Manly love up and in – especially on Daly Cherry-Evans’ side.

In photo 1 Cody Walker is the sweeper and Daly comes up hard in photo 2 (check his shoulder position – nearly pointing at the opposing sideline). Reynolds appropriately cuts Walker out who is there as defensive candy. Daly’s decision to come in means Suli and Garrick both need to come in as well (cohesive defensive policy).

Souths are obviously aware of this and that is why Latrell is so deep – he’s expecting Garrick in his face. In this instance however Garrick hedges his bet and slides hard – unfortunately there’s just too much space. Hat tip to Souths for correct play selection.

Block play – sweeper doesn’t sweep

The next play is another variation on the standard block play.

In photo 1 below the Bulldogs are in standard block play formation – Doorey is the lead runner with Hopoate the sweeper. In photo 2 you can already see the Warriors rookie Paul Turner fading out in expectation of the Hopoate sweep. The fact that Doorey also slides to the outside on his run also helps ‘persuade’ Turner to fade out.

Cogger executes this play nicely after initially shaping inside he then eyes up on Turner. If Turner was shaping in then Cogger hits Doorey with a cut-out. The Bulldogs don’t get a lot of credit for their attack but this was well executed.