Lets not forget that the Cimbri-Teutones had dealt numerous brutal defeats on the Romans consistently for seven years before until Marius took charge of the situation during his fourth consulship. Now you blame that on the manpower shortage or the animosity of the Roman commanders if you want. But even sources from Caesar mentioned the Gauls and even the Suebi as fighting in something akin to a phalanx formation, while Polybios speaks of the Romans as being "intimidated by the fine battle order of the Celtic host" at the Battle of Telamon. So it is an inaccurate assumption that northern European tribal societies consistently fought in unplanned headlong rushes.
and thats true
didnt know about the Phalanx part though..only about shield walls
heey...I just learned something..thanks