[Wigan6/Leeds1 Andy]

The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:25 pm  

As mentioned in the Widnes thread it looks like the switcheroo isn't helping our attack, especially at the start of games. For me Powell simply isn't a 6 or 7 and needs to play hooker and only rotate with Leuluai.

I've had a look at the stats and so far it reads:

1st half points - 26

2nd half points - 80

We can't keep giving teams 16 point starts because our attack and pivots look so disjointed because we have to make three positional changes during a game in key positions to accommodate Powell.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:38 pm  

It’ll always from this day forward me known as the dreaded ‘switcheroo’

It looks more pointless by the week. I thought the benefit of it may come defensively due to Powell and Leuluai being better defenders then Escare and Tomkins but it’s not even doing that.

It won’t be shelved though. There is zero chance of that until somebody picks up an injury.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:08 pm  

I’m in favour of it in principle but Powell needs to up his game. We’ve been crying out for something new and this could be it. To bring Escare on just s teams are tiring will scare the life out of them when we hit warmer weather and a dryer track. Working on it now will make us more slick later in the season.
I’d like us to try the Switcheroo using Shorrocks instead of Powell.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:19 pm  

I wouldnt chuck it in the bin after 4 games. The coach has introduced something different (which we've all been asking for) and it should be given time for me. I would however be more flexible in when we make the switch i.e. be more responsive to what is happening in the game rather than make changes based on timings set prior to the game.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:21 pm  

Also worth remembering we haven't really trained in 2 weeks. A 9 day turnaround has come at a good time hopefully.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:30 pm  

I think we need to wait until the firm pitches before casting it to the wilderness, I think it would probably suit Escare and Tomkins more when the pitches are drier. Perhaps it is also a tactic that could be used but not in all games - the only concern I have is that it will become a fixed tactic by the clock ( a bit like Wane's subs can be in general) rather than something to use when the occasion calls for it.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:32 pm  

In principle it could work but at the minute it’s probably Powell’s lack of impact in the position which is holding it back. If we had a better option at scrum half I’d be open to continuing with it but Powell is better at hooker and we look a better side with him in there and Escare on at fullback.

We could always try Shorrocks or Josh Woods in there at some point. It wouldn’t be a bad way to ease a youngster in to the position if he’s not having to do the full 80 mins.

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:51 pm  

i would try with Escare or Shorrocks going to scrum half, powell not fitting in at scrum half he looked to slow, not giving the Widnes defence any problems. Powell on bench to swap as hooker

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 2:16 pm  

Can't get my head round not having Escare on for 80 to be honest, opposition teams really struggle with his pace and agility

Re: The "Switcheroo" : Sat Mar 03, 2018 2:29 pm  

As a shock tactic then I’ve no issue with it,but as an “everyday” one it loses its value pretty quickly,but I don’t see it going away anytime soon to be honest.