Debate: Attack vs Defence

As a manager which do you value most, a strong offence or a solid defence? Maybe you subscribe to the theory that attack is the best form of defence or perhaps you believe the best way to win a game is simply by not conceding any points at all.

When I think of a strong offence I see agile centres cutting angles through defensive holes you didn't even know existed, grizzly forwards relentlessly bulldozing their way up the field and monstrous up and under kicks chased by jet-propelled wingers. A brick wall defence can provoke equally inspiring imagery, just picture your lads lined up on their own try-line holding firm against a brutal battering. Desperately clinging onto that one point lead in the dying moments, even forcing would be try-scorers backwards and proceeding to smash the ruck and gain that precious turnover!

So what’s your preference, a strong offence or a solid defence? There is no “both or “neither” option that’s for indecisive wet bags just make a choice and cast your vote over on the BR England Offsite.

Last weeks poll was a little closer than the other week with a 12-7 win for rounded players over specialists so it looks like the majority of you appreciate a Jack of all trades, master of none approach to your players.

It seems our “Forwards vs Backs” poll is still quite popular on the Offsite at the moment we've even had a Forwards vs Backs Thursday friendly arranged between mmm and Mr Kearns. You can view the match Click here tonight at 7.35pm, come along to the Offsite and chat with us while you watch I know I'll be there I've got my fingers crossed for mmm's forwards

Most skills are relevant to both. Save perhaps attack and defence for the other, and handling in defence.

Mark me down as a wet bag.

I'm definitely all about defence even in a real life playing point of view, I've always considered myself a defensive player in that my tackling and rucking is far superior to my attacking ability but that is just the way I've approached the game personally.

I'm much happier to not concede any points as opposed to run in 4 or 5 tries like, I feel not conceding anything is a much more powerful statement.

I've clicked Defence, but it's a very close run thing, as with no attacking skills you're hardly going to win, but to me (as an ex-flanker) rugby's all about finding the man with the ball and crippling him, that's defence right?

PS: Harmsy, in-game I'm just known as M, but this forum, or maybe the last one, didn't like 1 char usernames.

Crippling him and his friends I think you'll find is what defence is, crippling him is just a single tackle .

Aha! so that's where I was going wrong!

Absolutely, big hits are THE most exciting thing about rugby for me

All about defence, that's my best aspect of my RL game, everyone loves a big hit

There's a big difference between a big defensive game and a big tackling game.

Yeah fair enough, I did mean a defensive game with big hits thrown in for good measure, not every tackle can be a huge one after all.

I'd say attack if I had to favour one. If only because I suspect so many will focus on defence firs, and t it's easier to differentiate your squad by travelling a route less followed.

Or not just seeking an advantage, but a competitive advantage.

I'm gonna come down off the fence and go for attack, simply because as a twinkle-toes back, I'd rather run in 10 tries in an 80-79 win than have a 3-0 win.

And at the end of the day, I'd rather cross the whitewash than put in a crunching hit, sorry all of you forwards!