Defence
Defending the 13 channel – the modern way
In the recent 1st test of the series, the contest between New Zealand’s wide attack and the French defence of the sam...
Insight & analysis
Articles
Deep dives on the modern game from The Rugby Site's contributors and coaches.
Attack
How the All Blacks are becoming a typical Dave Rennie team on exit counters
Current New Zealand supremo Dave Rennie has brought the same principles to the running of the All Blacks that he espoused in the Waikato ...
Set Piece
Is the new maul law working out as intended?
A minor, apparently trivial change can trigger an unforeseen set of consequences within the same system, and a major chain reaction furth...
Latest posts
Attack
How back-line communication helps ‘spot’ attacking opportunities
In the modern professional era, it is no longer enough to rely on one or two players – typically the numbers 9 and 10...
Coaches Corner
Ever seen a kid rush into a sports shop to buy a cone?
Working alongside head coach John Fletcher and Peter Walton, as part of England’s U18 coaching team Russell Earnshaw ...
Set Piece
Why the Jaguares are drawing a biarticular line in Super Rugby
In round 11 of Super Rugby 2018, the Jaguares achieved their first landmark win on New Zealand soil, and they did on ...
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Breakdown
Is the ‘jackal’ a protected species? – Southern Hemisphere (part two)
Round 9 of Super Rugby has just been completed, approximately halfway through the regular season. Ideal stage for an...
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News & Opinions
Is the ‘jackal’ a protected species? – Northern Hemisphere (part one)
What is the true value of a player who can compete for the ball with his hands on the ground, after a tackle has been...
News & Opinions
Major League Rugby proves the land of opportunity
Latest edition of the US Major league kicks off next weekend, writer Graham Jenkins talks to ex Wasps and now San Die...
Catch and Pass
Is it time for the 6 o’clock pass to return?
Analyst Nick Bishop explores the relationship between individual passing techniques – passing by ‘rotation’ or by ‘ex...
News & Opinions
Top players must be hungry for homework
Preparing the body for the physical demands of the elite game is just part of the challenge for the northern hemisphe...
Breakdown
How T.J.Perenara influences the ‘new’ breakdown for the Hurricanes
The new breakdown rules are having a strong impact on this year’s Super Rugby competition, as defensive coaches strug...
Set Piece
Winning “the race” & targeting weaknesses at lineout time
Jase Ryan’s excellent series on lineout execution focuses on technique which can optimize your ability to win lineout...
News & Opinions
Does ‘retrospective refereeing’ do the game any good?
England’s narrow 12-6 victory over Wales attracted an impressive UK TV audience of 6.4m to underline the appeal of wh...
