Go_You_Good_Things
Well-known member
Please email this to BM.Game Plan to defeat the Dogs?
Canterbury wpay simialr style to the Riff and currently boast the best defence in the NRL. Their structure is disciplined, compact, and rolling; built around Ciraldo’s Penrith‑style system whare fast moving forwards and swarm the threat.
The Dogs are elite defensively centre‑to‑centre; however, we know that Galvin is an arm grabber and is suspect under sustained pressure. We also have threats on both wings so can utlilise them early in attack to take the energy out of their mobile pack.
Identified Defensive Weaknesses
- Galvin has been exposed in edge misreads.
- The compressed nature of their defensive line exposes them on quick shifts to the outside backs.
- Winning the ruck and shifting quickly can catch the edge defenders narrow or fatigued.
- Fast shifts can unlock the edges before they can slide enabling the edges to be stripped of numbers.
Identified Attacking Weaknesses
We usally struggle to win the ruck; however, with the smaller Dogs pack we should be able to maintain parity and and with effort win the ruck at times. When we win the ruck we must be on the ball to capitalise on quick PTBs to compress the defence then shift quickly to take advantage of this.
- Their attack is structured but can be predictable.
- They rely on forward roll-ons and Burton bombs which does limit their flexibility.
- Galvin when pressured does make errors; however, he also takes chances that do come off so the application of too much pressure is also a risk.
- the Dogs lack spark in second-phase play — they have few offloads and unpredictable movements.
Attack
Early Set
Aim: Force the markers/edges into overcommitting, allowing our ball-players to shift quickly.
- Play tight for first 2-3 tackles to force Bulldogs to compress.
- Quick play-the-balls through the middle are key to unlocking their edges.
Shift
Aim: Target the areas where they leak the most points.
- Structure the shifts with Bula sweeping to pressure the edges, especially Galvin who is prone to over read the play.
- Critter and Xeri are good defenders so the opportunity will come when they are engaged. Use our edges to commit the defence and isolate Galvin back oneither the inside against the grain winger to enable Taruva/Skelton/Bula space.
- Cut-out, double lead runners and inside balls should be effective plays.
Kicking Game
Aim: Disrupt the defensive pattern
- Use a combination of early kicks to get in behind the compressed defence to slow their defensive line and create space to attack.
- Kick long to space or high to the kick chase to limit return meterage.
- In the red zone force repeat sets rather than bombs; the Dogs defend bombs well but their highly mobile defense can suffer from fatigue when sets are stacked.
Momentum Change
Aim: We control the tempo
- Early kicks/touch finders to maintain or slow tempo as required. Play the game at our pace - not theirs.
- Use bench impact to change tempo as needed.
- Shift on early tackles after a momentum plays—especially off a long break or quick PTB. Royce Hunt can be the game changer this week.
Defence
Aim: Frustrate the attack and force (Galvin especially) to push the pass and capitalise on the mistakes.
- Compress in the middle third, but be ready to slide if Burton/Galvin shift early.
- Edge defence is critcal - this is the Dogs strength. Strong communication and trust in the system is required. We can not afford to shoot out of the line - be quick off the line but commit to what is happening not what is perceived.
- Make them go the long way and fatigue the forwards by having to support a wide attacking structure.
To defeat the dogs we need to control the tempo of the game. They are a highly mobile team so the game will not be won in the first 20 minutes; however, if we have them constantly moving to counter our attack we have the ability to change momentum, compress the defence and take advantage of our strike players. This week is about patience; we have the troops to compete with them if we play smart.
That's my crack. How would you guys play it?
Love your work, Jolls.