An interesting piece of analysis of Harlequins number eight Alex Dombrandt’s performance against Bristol Bears on Friday night is a must see for England fans.
The back rower played a key role in Quins’ epic second half comeback at Twickenham Stoop which saw them score 45 unanswered points including a late try by Dombrandt.
The 24-year-old was recently selected by England head coach Eddie Jones for the 45-man training squad ahead of the Autumn Internationals series to face Tonga, Australia and South Africa.
However while Dombrandt made headlines for his try, the dynamic back-rower was at the centre of several turnovers and counter attack plays by the reigning English champions.
Journalist and podcast host Sam Larner took a series of screen grabs to showcase some of the unseen work of the number eight and made a Twitter feed of his analysis.
Using data collected by @analysisguy0502 last season, we can see that Dombrandt had the third best carry effectiveness, behind, Alfie Barbeary and Hanro Liebenberg for no.8s but had an average number of carries.
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— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
It’s not one that Eddie Jones tends to select his 8s for. However, more on that later.
We can see how Dombrandt was used in the wide channels to hold width, clear rucks, and use his unbelievable ball skills, as in the below clip.— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
Again he is found out wide, this time assisting the opening try. This time Callum Sheedy (I think) is pulled into his gravitational field which frees up Louis Lynagh to score on the outside.
ADVERTISEMENT— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
This is a great call by Wayne Barnes to spot that this went into touch outside the 22 and was then taken back in through the quick lineout. But, regardless, that isn’t on Dombrandt who has that speed of thought to take advantage of the relative lack of kick chase.
— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
And this one…both caused by being strong in contact and then focusing on his second job of stealing the ball, or being in a position to cause a penalty.
10) pic.twitter.com/1mPCqXSBNm
— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
My one criticism. In this clip, Dombrandt hangs in the 5m channel and makes the final pass needlessly hard. The last man is Kyle Sinckler so Dombrandt could come at least 5m further in and still win the race. Ultimately, the pass is forwards.
12) pic.twitter.com/wu6ihMSAMG
— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
But, when presented with someone of the talent of Dombrandt you have to consider changing your plan. Alternatively, just because he doesn’t do that job for Quins doesn’t mean he can’t do that job.
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ADVERTISEMENT— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
The Simmonds clamour was loud, in my opinion, Dombrandt is a better all round player and the clamour might be too loud for Jones to ignore now….
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— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) October 9, 2021
However despite his impact in the Premiership over the past couple of seasons Dombrandt has only earned a single cap for England under the reign of Eddie Jones, but given the omission of Billy Vunipola from the squad it could be his time to step up.
Quins senior coach Tabai Matson said: “I wouldn’t say Alex [Dombrandt] is unique, but he’s rare as a loose forward. He’s very skilled. His anticipation of where the line breaks are going to be means that he can put the hammer down 10 seconds earlier in his support lines and assists.
“He’s so skilful. He’s playing really well. I thought he played exceptionally well. Defensively he was bloody good and got a couple of key turnovers.”
Friday night’s game will go down as an all-time classic in the Gallagher Premiership after Quins trailed 7-24 at half time, and full match highlights are available below:
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