Man down – how to solve problem of playing with or against 14 men
Making the right choices, preparation and defence are all key, writes Charlie Morgan
Personnel changes
There have been 17 yellow cards and six reds in this World Cup, and how to cope is a key issue for teams reduced to 14 men. If a front-rower goes, coaches must sacrifice another player and introduce a front-rower to ensure that contested scrums can continue. After that, however, coaches can take the initiative. When Sonny Bill Williams was sent off in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions two years ago, New Zealand coach Steve Hansen hooked flanker Jerome Kaino and unleashed centre Ngani Laumape from the bench. This kept the All Blacks’ back line at a full complement, which was clearly useful in defence.
However, it also provided them with a direct running threat to punch holes in the lightweight Lions midfield.
In wet conditions, Laumape eked out 23 metres from just four carries. His powerful running drove New Zealand to the cusp of victory. Although the Lions overturned an 18-9 deficit to prevail 24-21, which gave critics room to question why the All Blacks had voluntarily cut down their pack, Hansen’s proactive call was admirable and gutsy.
Preparation pays off
Following England’s win over Argentina, Eddie Jones explained that his training schedule featured regular sessions that stage scenarios comprising mismatches.
During their non-contact games in pre-season that were designed to build fitness and hone handling, players were sent to the sin-bin for deliberate knock-ons and offside offences. As charted by the Rugby Football Union’s excellent Rising Sons Youtube series, Jones dismissed Saracens scrumhalf Ben Spencer after a false start at The Lensbury.
Make sound defensive decisions
There have only been 21 instances of tier-one teams winning a game after having a man sent off. England recorded one of those, ironically against the Pumas, in November
2016 following
Elliot Daly’s sending-off at Twickenham. Daly’s aerial collision with Leonardo Senatore occurred in the fifth minute, so the hosts had to adapt.
Scrum-half Ben Youngs was a key man. He stayed out wide on the edge of the defensive line, often dropping into the back field to plug the hole vacated by his left wing and help out full-back Mike Brown. Jonathan Joseph marshalled the midfield beautifully.
Five months previously, Ireland had beaten South Africa in Cape Town despite a 23rd-minute red card for C J Stander. When a team are a man down, breakdown decision-making becomes even more important. Committing to rucks recklessly can leave your team understaffed. Fanning out and filling the field is usually a better strategy.
Interestingly, both England (conceding eight to Argentina’s 17) and Ireland (eight to South Africa’s 10) ended up on the healthier side of penalty counts in those two games.
Respect possession, take points and play smart
As a ragged Italy found out in the second half against South Africa last week, short-handed teams are more vulnerable in transition situations. A series of narrow, punchy phases can help to wind down the clock while you wait for a team-mate to rejoin the fray. Avoiding easy outs is vital, too.
On the verge of half-time last weekend, Javier Ortega Desio dump-tackled Tom Curry while an Argentina maul was rumbling forward. Not only did he surrender possession but England kicked to touch and scored a third try. International rugby is about seizing opportunities.