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Why the new ‘escort’ rules will revive contestable kick-offs

Nick Bishop examines how the ‘no glove’ kicking defence has revived the interest in contestable kick-offs again.

Why more access to the high ball makes for a better game of rugby

Removing the ‘glove defence’ results in a much cleaner and quicker development of the play, as evidenced by Nick Bishop in this week’s analysis.

How to shuffle the deck close to the goal-line

Analyst Nick Bishop illustrates how the ‘use it or lose it’ mindset now applied (under the new law), to “The ball is played or taken into in-goal by an attacking player and is then held up”, is promoting more attacking innovation.

How to exploit the ELV on defensive scrum-halves [from scrum] – part 2

Nick follows on from his earlier article on how the scrum has now became a favourite weapon of attack and the short-side was the red-hot area target zone.

Why the ‘Dupont’s Law’ change really makes a difference

The ‘Dupont’ law tweaks have already had a concrete impact on the value of the kick return, one which totally belies the relatively small scope of the word ‘tweak’ as Nick Bishop illustrates.

How to build your lineout drive attack in the ‘red zone’

Get creative with your limitations, to turn them into a strength appears yo be Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks mantra as Nick Bishop illustrates.

How to exploit the ELV on defensive scrum-halves

Nick Bishop evaluates the possible effect of the new ELV – shielding of the attacking scrum-half from interference at ruck and maul, introduced at the start of the RC2024.

How to use the use ‘the nail’ to generate LQB

With LQB at such a premium, Nick Bishop examines whether ball-placement after the tackle is a more reliable method of creating it than gain-line dominance.

Why the ‘caterpillar countdown’ can change the face of rugby

Nick Bishop provides some insights on the effect the new ‘5 second use it at the ruck’ rule will have on the game.

How to work the latest gadget play in short-range attack

One of the latest trial laws insists that it will no longer be possible to choose a scrum from a free-kick. Nick Bishop looks at what innovations may result especially close to opposition’s goal line.

How to apply R & R at the attacking breakdown

When things do not always work out as planned at the modern breakdown you need to apply some R&R.
Nick Bishop explains what type of R&R is needed in this week’s analysis.

How to cut the corner at cleanout time – using the ‘side window’

The first cleanout support player is a critical decision-maker as Laurie Fisher points out in his Breakdown Attack series.

Nick Bishop details when successfully deployed this technique can often lead to concrete attacking opportunities. (at all levels)