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Integrating the forwards into phase attackWhy are teams from New Zealand the best in the world at integrating their forwards into attacks as they develop through phases. Analyst Nick Bishop shows how the Blues put into practice what Ex All Black coach Sir Graham demonstrates at his recent Stanford clinic.
Sarries focused on the journey - not the destinationCrowned Kings of Europe once again last month with a hard-fought 28-17 victory over French rivals Clermont Auvergne, Sarries then saw their hopes of a ‘double double’ dashed by Exeter Chiefs in an epic Premiership semi-final defeat just a week later. Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at what’s behind Saracens ongoing success.
How to use the ‘double pump’ to unlock the Press defenceLeading analyst, Nick Bishop looks at the use of the pump-fake or double pump as another method of dislocating the Press defence, but on this occasion by keeping ball in hand.
Talent Is Not Enough - Aviva Premiership ReviewYou don’t have to be a genius to predict future performance by using previous performance. However, Gainline Analytics review the Premiership performances based on their recruitment based methodology rather than the typical performance based. See how the nuances of their predictions and the season played out.
Lions racing against time to beat the All BlacksAs daunting the prospect of facing the world’s best side on their own patch, the most formidable challenge facing the British & Irish Lions this summer is arguably not the All Blacks but the precious little time they have to ready themselves for an eagerly-awaited Test series. Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at what Warren Gatland is doing to address the situation.
Unlocking the Press defence (part 2) – using the kick-passIn Nick’s most recent article, he looked at the chip kick and this week discusses how Beauden Barrett uses the kick-pass to great effect break down the Press defence.
New learning and a way to unlock the Press defenceOne of the biggest challenges for both sides during the up-coming Lions tour to NZ will be how to find ways to break down the versions of Press defence which will be employed by both sides. Leading rugby analyst Nick Bishop examines merits of both sides likely approach.
Psychology and the small moments of performanceMost successful rugby teams at professional level are those who emphasize ‘doing the next job’ and passing beyond failures, small or large, as quickly as possible. Leading analyst, Nick Bishop looks at the integration of mental skills coaches and the building of ‘mental muscle’ into successful rugby teams.
Is the sport really putting players first?World Rugby and the rugby union’s key stakeholders announced the latest long-term calendar for the game with great fanfare last month highlighting the ‘harmony’ it had brought to the sport.
Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at claims it appears to have promoted disharmony with many concerned that the international schedule and the changes it has subsequently triggered actually jeopardise player welfare.
Have England lost their majority vote on the Lions trip to New Zealand?Leading analyst Nick Bishop discusses what a difference one week makes. Had the British & Irish Lions squad to New Zealand been selected after the demolition of Scotland at Twickenham, as many as 19 or 20 English players might have made it. Read more here…
Should England get excited by a defeat?Such a high-profile failure to perform and complete a clean sweep may well be cause for muted celebration. Rugby writer Graham Jenkins assesses the potential effect of England’s loss to Ireland at the weekend.
There is no substitute for hard workEngland have successfully clinched the 6 nations and equalled the All Black’s 18 match winning streak. Graham Jenkins reflects on where Eddie Jones and the team are at.
