Game of drones: Cheika’s welcome call for more gut feel in 'datafied' rugby

The modern Rugby coach is blessed with a wealth of data that previous generations could only have dreamed. But data doesn’t dictate success, and certainly is no substitute for the unquantifiable aspects of the game, argues Rajiv Maharaj.It was so refreshing to hear dual NSW Waratahs/Wallabies coach Michael Cheika talk about the need for “getting the balance between the science and the old-fashioned gut feel” in selecting and preparing the national team for September’s Rugby World Cup.He made the comments during a novel mid-Super rugby season national camp earlier this week for 51 players in co…