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How to create breathing space on restarts

The concept of hang-time can be used as a strategy by both the kicking and the receiving team on restarts as Nick Bishop highlights in this week’s analysis.

Identifying weaknesses from restarts

Restarts are one of the biggest momentum-changers in the game of Rugby. In the recent Tri-Nations series in the games between Argentina and Australia, the Pumas enjoyed a lot of ‘pay’ out of their restarts. Analyst Nick Bishop, reconstructs some of the thinking behind their choices.

Why tackling has become high stakes

The hold-up tackle is still very much on the cutting edge of team’s defences. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how it has had to transform itself in order to remain there.

Changing perceptions at scrum-time: All Blacks-Pumas - the Sequel

The challenge facing the All Blacks’ coaching staff and players after the previous Pumas match was to reverse the perception of the left side of their scrum. Nick Bishop explains how they accomplished this in definitive style.

Why the All Blacks front row is in a bind

During their recent Rugby Championship match, the Argentenian scrum had the All Black’s scrum in a real ‘Bind’ as Nick Bishop explains. It has created some questions that need to be answered, a scrum selection bind that needs to be broken.

How to manipulate the short-side from lineout

The lineout drive is a more robust, manageable platform for set-piece attack than the scrum, especially if the short-side is the target area as Analyst Nick Bishop highlights in this week’s article.

How to deal with the rush hour in the red zone

It is no coincidence that the recent upswing in France’s international fortunes have coincided with Edwards’ arrival as their ‘minister of defence’. Analyst Nick Bishop details everything you need to know about the immediate impact of ‘the Shaun Edwards effect’.

How to ask searching questions close to the goal-line

Much of the innovation in the English game has been derived from Exeter. Again, their coaches are not afraid to question assumptions about how the game should be played. This week Analyst Nick Bishop highlights an example of their successful innovation.

Why the small man still has a place in a big man’s world

There is still a place for the small man in what is fast becoming a very big man’s game and how rugby is better them being on the field. Analyst Nick Bishop explains why in this week’s article.

How to build your D by loading the halfback

Nick Bishop illustrates how the halfback is beginning to accrue ever greater importance as a defender folding to cover behind a rushing defensive line.

History brought up to date with the ‘Teabag’

Nick Bishop completes the lineout attack options against defensive ‘joints’ through the middle with The ‘Teabag’ and variations of.