Recently, the invincible 1977-78 Australian Schools team that I had the great fortune to guide enjoyed a 30-year reunion. Much discussion involved the changing laws and particularly the poor quality of rugby in general being presently offered. It was agreed that in all respect the appalling Waratahs caused the most concern.

Surely, the fare being presented by the Waratahs must be doing considerable damage to our game and frustrating its diminishing public support. My critics will suggest that I am a romantic and biased towards the running game and that my famous team were mere schoolboys. My answer to that is obvious. If schoolboys can play the game at a high level, why can't the supposed professionals?

It makes me wonder what the Waratahs do at training. Perhaps too much gymnasium work and photo and media attention? The standard of handling and ball retention is diabolical. Aimless kicking and virtually no attempt to counterattack exists, coupled with an apparent lack of back-line imagination exacerbated by cross-field running and stationary ball receivers.

I respectfully suggest the players and coaches put aside their mania for "field position" and negative tactics and cease the meaningless excuses and the erroneous platitudes that are offered. By the way, whatever happened to tap-penalty moves? Perhaps reconnection with the following might be relevant.

1. Insist that the ball carriers stay on their feet, make the ball available and that a ripper secures the ball and the other forwards drive from directly behind the ball. Take the ball to ground only when possession is assured. Perhaps this might assist in maintaining continuity and avoid turnovers and penalties.

2. Have all players receive short, soft passes at the gain line having approached from depth at top pace running parallel to the side line. It is the straight-running approach that causes defenders the greatest difficulty.

3. Have all players, particularly the backs, play closer together to enhance support, avoid isolation and assure the maintenance of possession.

4. Recognise no matter where positioned geographically on the field, utilise available space through counterattack, stressing the significance of swift realignment and close support.

Surely, this is a better ploy than kicking straight back to the opposition. Disallow kicking in the opposition quarter, and use the more sensible policy of respecting possession.

The adage remains true: "Never speculate and pass to a player in a lesser position than oneself but never fail to pass to one in better position and then support him in turn." Adroit handling, contrary to common belief, is not a simple matter, and its skills need constant attention, particularly when under pressure. No team can play adequately until they master passing in front of support players who are moving at pace from depth.

It is pointless attempting sophisticated rugby unless the highest quality of catching and passing is achieved. Count the numbers, catch, straighten, draw, pass and back up.

Geoff Mould was the coach of the famous 1977-78 Australian Schoolboys team, which included the Ella brothers, Wally Lewis, Michael Hawker, Michael O'Connor and Tony Melrose, and won all of their 16 games in Japan, France, Britain and Holland. Since then, Mould has coached overseas, at Sydney club level and in NSW Country areas. He remains a close student of the game.