Prepare to be spoken down to

“The 10 thought about finding grass, but instead chose to offload to a one-out runner. Attacking the blind side was also an option but, unwilling to risk killing the ball, he chose instead to step inside, keeping it alive to recycle another phase, which required a natural seven to police the breakdown.

With no ruck inspectors readily available, quick ball was not guaranteed. Understanding they had yet to earn the right to go wide, the nine off-loaded to his lock who, using the truck and trailer technique, ensured the gain-line was broken by forming a wedge.