The Great Ruck Debate.

[DJC]

Yes, BUT ...

We got a brief look at how bad we can be if that solitary ruck is injured.  Apart from the centre clearance issues, losing McKay from the forward line for an extended period makes it much easier for opponents to negate Curnow.

If we are going to play only one ruck, I would seriously consider selecting Young as the injury substitute in any must-win game. I don't believe the substitute has represented a significant tactical benefit and Young would represent a true injury-sub option to provide a tall option in the ruck and in case any of our injury-prone defensive talls goes down - even Weitering has been shown to be prone to being hobbled.

Xerri is a very good ruckman and his dominance over a hobbled De Koning and our second stringers was North's driving force.  I can see the logic of a ruck-capable tall as a genuine injury sub but I'm not sure that Young would have made much difference,

I would have played Pitto and De Koning as their combined attributes would have reduced Xerri's influence.