While the majority of English gazed forlornly at the worsening situation in Paris, fans at Sandy Park were treated to a high scoring if one sided game. In the semi-final Harlequins defeated Exeter 49 points to 22. Interestingly the victors were helped by an as yet uncapped number 8 in Alex Dombrandt who grabbed 2 tries. However, it was not only his performance, managing to score those two tries but the Harlequins system which delivered the first that I want to focus on.
For the first try, Harlequins started from a lineout in the 22nd Minute, just inside the Chiefs 22. The Lineout is a 7 man lineout, however Dombrandt is positioned at Scrum Half, with Danny Care instead marking the front of the Lineout. This means that Dombrandt can immediately receive the ball from the pod as they form a fake maul.
By playing from this position Exeter are forced to make a decision with their front pod having to engage and their back pod having to hold the line waiting for Dombrandt to decide. By allowing Dombrandt to make the decision Harlequins immediately gain the initiative.
This effect is then increased as the Harlequins runners have an incredibly visible trigger to start from. Rather than having to rely on Dombrandt passing at the right time, they can be in motion as soon as the ball comes out. Normally this would result in staggered running and slow the attack, as they become indecisive while the defence can see the entire play.
However the stagnating is avoided as a result of two things. Firstly, Lasike pick a line hitting the hinge defender positioned third from the maul. By hitting his outside shoulder he profits from his in decision. This is also helped by Ross Chisholm running on a line closer to the maul. By both targeting the same defender, they can exploit the gap made by the offside line. Because the Exter defence have to be 10m back from the lineout, Harlequins have split second advantage to attack from as they know their role while Exeter are having to react to the situation.
This situation is then helped due to how Exeter have chosen to defend. As is traditional they have lined their spare back row inside the 10 deal with the crash ball. However this also means he is ever so slightly slower. This is then helped by the tail defender pushing aggressively for Chisholm and then adapting late when Lasike cuts underneath him. This uncoordinated defence helps to unbalance the defence and allows Quins to make additional yardage.
The effect of the strong carry by Lasike is then seen on the next phase. Having been dominant in the tackle Lasike has allowed Dombrandt to do his role and set his shape early. As Harlequins have also deployed two options this is key. With Dombrandt’s inside player fixing two defenders, with Exeter employing a double tackle tactic it allows Dmobrandt to hit the outside shoulder. This means that Dombrandt dominates the tackle and Harlequins only face a small drop in momentum.
Harlequins as before are also to set their shape early, with a pod of 2 carriers and a protector ready immediately for Danny Care. The latched carry is important due to Exeter’s use of the double tackle, as it enables an equal confrontation and Harlequins are able make ground again from the carry. The protector then is able to easily step over the ruck and prevent any counter drives . As well as this it means Santaigo Garcia Botta can drive past the ruck, slowing Exters fold. This is integral merely because it allows Harlequins to prevent the Chiefs line speed which had on the previous phases prevented some momentum from the carries being developed.
The next part of Harlequins structure that brings success is shown on the final phase. With Heron sitting deep they are able exploit the Chiefs lack of numbers, as they are unable to fill the entire pitch. Marcus smith receives the ball and has 3 clear options, with a short ball to Dombrandt on the inside, Morris running a tip line and Herron out the back. By having a 2 playmaker model, caused admittedly by injury, Harlequins are able to spread their attacking threat, while Herron also understands his role in offering an option. This paired with fast hands enables him to put Ibitoye away.
However it is not merely the ability to free Ibitoye on the outside that matters, but instead Dombrandt’s alertness to the passage of play.
Dombrandt has come from running an inside line on Smith and has ended up just inside the 15m line ready to react for the next phase. This well oiled play was intended to isolate Chiefs in the wide channels and with Ibitoye receiving the ball dombrandt is able to run a ‘’cheat’’ line.
Overall this play has delivered Harlequins an opportunity they can score from due to 3 key aspects of their set up.
Firstly, the fake maul at the very start enabled Quins to attack when they wanted to and expose the tail of the lineout, where Exeter were guilty of leaving Lasike unmarked.
Secondly, the ability to win the collision whether through tip balls or latched carries. This helps to develop the momentum and allows them to set their shape early.
Thirdly, by following a preset plan of attack, with a specific target they know their roles. This allows them to find a specific edge of Chiefs and exploit the weakness identified and create an opportunity. After all, you have to be there to score them.
The Analysis Guy 