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How to chase the high kick – the Springbok wayAnalyst Nick Bishop spots some Springbox innovation in the Lions series of games where the pattern of play was both conservative and repetitive.
Getting around the 'Rush' DefenceOne the most difficult problems for coaches to solve in the modern game is the rush defence. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how a ‘single wing attack’ structure is proving successful.
How to get the ball away from the scrum quicksandWhat is the best way to avoid the scrum penalty/reset quicksand, and create usable attacking ball? Analyst Nick Bishop explains one option being used more by attacking minded teams.
How to make the pick-and-go really ‘go’The pick-and-go is often neglected, at least in field positions outside the opposition 22. Analyst Nick Bishop takes a look at some of the features that make the pick-and-go game tick over as smoothly as clockwork.
Is it better to play Rugby without the ball?The early evidence is that Test rugby is proving to be stubbornly resistant to the 2020 law changes, which were designed to promote quicker ruck delivery and more ball-in-hand attack. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at why this is the case
How to chop down the attack – the Shaun Edwards wayDefence coach Shaun Edwards has been around the game of Rugby Union for a long time. He has a history of teaching a low tackline technique known as the ‘chop’ tackle, and an equally well-documented dislike of high tackling technique (‘the choke’). Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how Edwards has safely amended and developed his low tackling, ‘chop’ philosophy with the times.
Why have the top teams stopped kicking for goal?It may just be the end of an era. The days of the penalty goal as the primary means of scoring in Rugby may be coming to end – at least if the English Premiership final is a true measure of judgement as Nick Bishop reports in this week’s analysis.
Decisions favouring the TacklerFollowing on from last week’s article, Nick takes a look at the different set of refereeing priorities which emerged during the Trans-Tasman Super competition.
Why the English Premiership is ahead of the gameIt is not often that you can say, with confidence, that the UK is leading the world in rugby innovation. It is happening again now as Analyst Nick Bishop explains – not with developments in coaching, but in refereeing.
How to use late movement on attack close to the ruckWhile a great deal of time is spent, and rightly so, on improving the speed of ball delivery from a ruck, it is just as important to focus on the movement around it. As Analyst Nick Bishop explains most rucks create their own geography, and two sides for the attack to explore.
What is the best defence at lineouts?There are always plenty of ongoing debates on lineout defence. Analyst Nick Bishop considers the rationale for each defence pattern option.
Is there a Renaissance in French rugbyOn and off the field, French rugby appears to be in a Renaissance with 2 teams contesting the 2021 Champions cup final and close to winning the last 2 6 nations titles. As Analyst Nick Bishop writes, some of those uniquely French attack characteristics are beginning to work their way back into the mindset of both club and country.
