ENGLAND BOOSTED BY INTENSE RIVALRY OF EXILES FIXTURE

[T-Bone]

http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/19675.php

England coach Steve McNamara will take his side into Game Two of the International Origin Series against the Exiles at Huddersfield on Wednesday (7.45pm) knowing his players are set to experience the most intense fixture they have been involved in this year.
Statistics compiled by the RFL's official statisticians Opta Sports Data have shown that Game One between England and the Exiles at Langtree Park last month surpassed the intensity witnessed on a weekly basis in Stobart Super League and went close to replicating the competitive levels of international fixtures against Australia and New Zealand.
The opening game saw the sides surpass the average Super League statistics on almost every count, with England and the Exiles recording almost 70 more carries, 15 more off-loads, 300 more meters and 40 more tackles than the domestic competition's average 80-minute contest.

The speed of the game was also considerably higher than an average Super League fixture, with 13 more quick play-the-balls and 15 more burst tackles, while the defence efforts of both sides were tested to the their limits with four fewer clean breaks than domestically averaged and eight less penalties conceded.

Not only do the International Origin fixtures provide greater intensity than Super League, they match the intensity witnessed during the Four Nations Final between England and Australia at Elland Road in 2011.

The ball was in play for 53 minutes in that match, while the opening game of the Origin series this year saw the ball in play for 58 minutes. There were 369 play-the-balls during England's 18-10 win over the Exiles compared to just 312 during Australia's Four Nations victory.

"The levels of intensity we are seeing in the International Origin Series is the closest we can come to simulating the intensity of top class international fixtures against Australia and New Zealand," said England Director of Performance and Coaching Jon Roberts.

"The levels we've seen from the players in Game One of the series were very close to that witnessed during last year's Four Nations tournament.

"Many of our players do experience high intensity games of this standard with their Super League clubs on occasion but their development is accelerated by playing in a representative environment.

"In order to be successful in the Rugby League World Cup 2013 we need to expose our players to the most intense competition we can and the Exiles are certainly doing just that.

"We're confident that this experience will give our players the best possible chance of delivering success in the World Cup."


2012 Super League Average- England v Exiles Game 1
Tries= 9 - 5
Goals= 7 - 4
Clean Breaks= 12 - 8
Carries= 404 - 470
Metres= 2585 - 2817
Tackles Bust= 45 - 60
Off Loads= 22 - 37
Quick PTB= 22 - 35
Tackles= 603 - 646
Misses= 45 - 60
Pens Con= 16 - 7
Kicks= 36 - 50
40/20s= 0 - 0
Retained Kicks= 8 - 12
Passes= 400 - 459

THOUGHTS??

[jools]

Why was it so boring?

[T-Bone]

When i watched the game i thought it lacked intensity but the stats say based against the average SL game it was more intense. Well the average game stats are a load of crap!! I'd like to see them base it against the Wigan and Saints Derby (which in my opinion is the biggest derby at the moment) the Exiles intensity would be nowhere near!

[The Swede]

Intense me arse. If it was so intense, why was the first game so poor? Not through forced errors, I'll tell you that for nothing. Why has McNamara made so many experimental changes, if it's such an intense-atmosphere game? Okay, maybe give everyone a taste of that 'intensity', but this just smacks of trying to big this game and this series up before it's had chance to establish itself for mine; which I believe it will, don't get me wrong, given time and commercial effort.

[Farmduck]

I though it was played in tents because the rain was so heavy.

[Fidsy87]

Sounds a bit like Phil Clarke with all these stats

[pitbull]

Intensity my arse. It was boring and dire to watch. Players weren't even trying and the best on the park was a 38yr old Aussie who hung his true international boots up years ago - ask him which is more intense - Exiles origin or State of Origin.

Lets get back to the old days but have a 4 way origin - Yorks, Lancs, North East (Cumbria & Northumberland) & South England (All south of Yorks border). This would see all possible English talent and have regional pride, rivalry and INTENSITY - true mates v mates.

From that an England team could be selected and then play home internationals in the warm ups to major inernational comps. Either that or bring back GB Lions.

[T-Bone]

(07-05-2012 12:07 PM)pitbull Wrote:  Intensity my arse. It was boring and dire to watch. Players weren't even trying and the best on the park was a 38yr old Aussie who hung his true international boots up years ago - ask him which is more intense - Exiles origin or Stae of Origin.

Lets get back to the old days but have a 4 way origin - Yorks, Lancs, NorthEast (Cumbria & Northumberland) & South England (All south of Yorks border). This would see all possible English talent and have regional pride, rivalry and INTENSITY - true mates v mates.

From that an England team could be selected and then play home internationals in the warm ups to major inernational comps. Either that or bring back GB Lions.

This was for the first game and that particular 38year old wasnt playing then

[HKR AWAY DAYS]

I'm looking forward to next year now. Nice to see the series tied, only for one team to lift some trophy... yeah.

[pitbull]

(07-05-2012 12:10 PM)T-Bone Wrote:  

(07-05-2012 12:07 PM)pitbull Wrote:  Intensity my arse. It was boring and dire to watch. Players weren't even trying and the best on the park was a 38yr old Aussie who hung his true international boots up years ago - ask him which is more intense - Exiles origin or Stae of Origin.

Lets get back to the old days but have a 4 way origin - Yorks, Lancs, NorthEast (Cumbria & Northumberland) & South England (All south of Yorks border). This would see all possible English talent and have regional pride, rivalry and INTENSITY - true mates v mates.

From that an England team could be selected and then play home internationals in the warm ups to major inernational comps. Either that or bring back GB Lions.

This was for the first game and that particular 38year old wasnt playing then

OK. But the 2nd game was last night and my points are valid and open to discussion