Club game has got its mojo back
WHAT La Rochelle did on Saturday was not just make a grand entrance as Champions Cup newcomers and threaten the established order, they embodied the revival of flair.
The days of endless ‘ kick and clap’ are — mercifully — a fading memory. There is still plenty of pragmatism around, but there is plenty of ambition too. The French visitors at The Stoop had no intention of tentatively easing into Europe’s premier competition. Instead, they made an almighty splash with their daring approach, beating Harlequins 34-27.
From the outset, ‘ Stade Rochelais’ were prepared to take risks, from all parts. Their second try encapsulated an adventurous streak which has long been regarded as a relic of Gallic rugby history. Jeremy Sinzelle countered from deep to ignite a sweeping, long-range attack rounded off by the quick-stepping centre, Geoffrey Doumayrou.
Patrice Collazo’s side are able to combine fearsome clout up front with athleticism and a willingness to gamble. That is becoming a widespread theme. Exeter fit a similar mould, when conditions allow. The era of defensive suffocation is over and it will not be missed.
Recent law amendments are a factor. There has been a focus on heightened collision rates leading to a spike in injuries, aligned to greater ball-in-play time, but the flip- side is a revival of artistry. Extravagant cut- out passes are all the rage again. Off-loads are the main attacking weapon of choice, as illustrated by the astonishing Leone Nakarawa (left) in Paris. Racing’s Fijian lock appears to be playing basketball on a rugby field. He wrought havoc against Leicester, releasing the ball one-handed out of tackles, often from above his head. No amount of planning by the Tigers allowed them to combat this defencebusting brilliance. But Leicester showed cavalier intent too, as did Glasgow at Exeter.
The pattern is hearteningly widespread. Teams are recognising that it is better to score five or seven, rather than three. The Premiership has been awash with try- scoring, and the Scarlets’ expansive approach took them to the Pro12 title last season.
Club rugby is not so prominent in a busy sporting marketplace that it can afford to ignore the entertainment angle. The game needs to captivate the public, or face losing ground to other sports — or even sevens.
More of this flair from La Rochelle and others will help to boost box-office appeal.