The FICA method: A tactical opinion on countering the two-minute close-out
In sport, it is universally accepted that when you’re a neutral, you'll rally behind the underdog. When we think of Japan and South Africa…
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Once upon a time I was Jonny Wilkinson knocking over the Drop goal in 2003. Then I woke up. Its all been downhill from there. Rod Macqueen, Joe Schmidt and Will Greenwood are my heroes. And my proudest moment was putting Jason Robinson in for a try at a Promotional Rugby day. It was truly Beautiful. Writer for the 1014 Rugby, and rare steak enthusiast.
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In sport, it is universally accepted that when you’re a neutral, you'll rally behind the underdog. When we think of Japan and South Africa…
The Rush 10 Triangle defence is formed of a three-to-four-man shoot portion that rushes up to pressure the first receiver, to make a tackle…
Traps exist in Rugby. Teams can lead a team into an area, or feign a weakness, to immediately rely on the opposition trying to…
The day was the 16th of October 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France, the keenest military mind on the European continent, and…
The smart rugby team want an opposition to read their systems and patterns. They'll want them to monitor these patterns and what they do…
England's attack during the Six Nations was sublime. Scott Wisemantel has come in and improved the handling and introduced certain traits into this team…
"We go again." Since 2016 these three simple words, screamed by players and captain alike, symbolise the England way. Dylan Hartley repeated it in…
In the first part of this series, Brumby Mode was introduced and examples given of why the All Blacks need to wise up to…
In modern rugby, the All Blacks are the trendsetters. Once it was Australia, then it was England. Now, New Zealand. Since the days of…
Beauden Barrett, Damien McKenzie, Stephen Larkham. The first thing we have to understand, when considering the All Blacks running ten is what all three…
“You've got to take on their weaknesses ... and they've got significant weaknesses. I'm not going to share them with you now; in 2018…
When Ireland were being criticised for their patterns of play two years ago, Joe Schmidt stuck with his players and his structured style. Two…
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was relieved to pinch a last-gasp win in France, but how will his game plan hold up against other Six…
There are many variations to Ireland's tactic of playing their 3-3-1 pattern. Here is another example of the play from a set piece, except…
Eddie Jones will be happy with aspects of England's performance against Wales, and regardless of public persona, furious with others. To not score any…
As of October 2017, nearly two years into Eddie Jones' reign at Twickenham, England don't have an attack coach. England have a dedicated defence…
With teams that have been at the forefront of their game, we can always go back and see a moment, a point in time…
For the first 60 minutes of their Six Nations match, England were flummoxed by Italy's brilliant defensive strategy, to the point where the Italians…
Last weekend's Six Nations action turned out some surprises, none bigger than Wales losing to Scotland for the first time in years. Who saw…
What. A. Game. Both teams rose to the occasion, and showcased brilliant endeavour in attack and defence. This was the hardest England and been…
Agreed on the Bok front mate. They can bring a level of physicality at their best that I only think England can just about match at peak.
Shag says he’s preparing the Abs to play a new different more physical style of Rugby, and he’s a very smart man. So expecting some new stuff coming to the fore soon.
How to target the All Blacks, Part 3: The 20-metre blind
Wouldn’t say near Nicks level mate. But thanks very much! Glad you liked it!
How to target the All Blacks, Part 3: The 20-metre blind
Much appreciated mate 🙂 I fully agree. My Rugby is heavily influenced by Sun Tzu and thinking outside of the box. So the fact that said coaches are willing to go this way to win is making me incredibly happy. And hopeful other nations might have a shot this year!
How to target the All Blacks, Part 3: The 20-metre blind
Fighting talk Tayman! ???? Though in fairness if you get it you will definitely have deserved it. Some strong challenges coming to the fore this year and the most open it’s been in years. Exciting stuff!
How to target the All Blacks, Part 3: The 20-metre blind
Cheers JD!
I actually was annoyed about that Stockdale try. I included such a move in Article 5 of the All Blacks series that I finished May last year, where I said such a move could really hurt the All Blacks on 1st phase and showed the Italian version against France from the 2018 6N. But it wasn’t released in time. I’m getting the rest of the series out before the Rugby Championship though!
Agreed that moves will be developed for it. Schmidts in particular will be intriguing!
How to target the All Blacks, Part 3: The 20-metre blind
Bloody hope so! I want to see a contest!
I think the Crusaders have added an element of ball watching into their defensive play, so opportunities may arise from the 13 taking a hard out to in line inside Goodhue of a short pass from 10/12. As long as the midfield is held and the IC Plays flat so Goodhues head is turned in, that could work.
Why things fell apart for the Brumbies in Buenos Aires
Agreed. Whilst it could’ve worked, clearly Petti’s placement was inspired. So much so that as you said, the Brumbies changed to the front but in doing so lost a lot of the potency from this option.
And If an enemy has to react to you, you’re in a position of strength. Good Analysis done on the Brumby LO clearly from the Jaguares coaching staff.
Why things fell apart for the Brumbies in Buenos Aires
Nicely done Nick! Love the usage of Sun Tzu as well. I follow the principles of that man throughout life as well as rugby, so this definitely resonates!
Why do you originally think the Brumbies were so keen to go to the back of the line-out for so long? Do you think they were trying tie up the tail-gunners and therefore isolate the 9-10 to some crash balls with quick ball?
The Jaguares back row look pretty impressive, so it makes sense the Brums want them out of the game on first phase to prevent the jackalling threats and assistance they could provide around the 10 channel.
Why things fell apart for the Brumbies in Buenos Aires
No worries at all Nick. thats a far more relevant debating point currently. Freedom of speech or not, I feel Folau’s comments aren’t in the spirit of Rugby in any way shape or form. So its important a debate is had on it!
I also agree entirely. The blindside attack with two options either side of the ruck saw quite a bit of use with the Ford Farrell axis, 21 or 31 pattern format. I suppose Daly now has taken over that role, though Sladey could step in i imagine.
I didn’t actually clock that the first receiver being a forward was taken from Coles’ in all honesty! Though the man is so skilled as a player it doesn’t surprised me in the slightest. It looks like another influence from the All Blacks, as the 2nd receiver behind the 3 Pod taking the ball to the line seems to have been copied directly from them. Cipriani does this week in, week out for Gloucester. Do you have any enlightenment on what he could bring to the side? Recently he has been playing some beautiful, smart and intelligent rugby, with the occasional razzle dazzle moments of before. Do you think he has a place in the WC squad or should?
I feel/hope that England are varying and developing plays for use close to the fringes of the ruck, and i did like the variation in the forward pod running lines. Which i feel is a definite change since last year (Though i will gladly admit if i’m wrong). I’d say its certainly opening the England team to new ideas, which i’m a big fan off. As thats not something we’re renowned at!
I think that the screen runner tactics have been brought to the forefront by Wisemantel, as Mako and Kyle taking the same lines behind Faz definitely shows a focus on. Wisey does seem a league man to a certain degree and some of the things England have done would fit the bill! Though I will be honest, I saw the same move used between Ford and Brookes against Wales in 2015 a phase before Attwoods disallowed try. Was that something Stuart championed at all? I read he was a big fan of League as well.
England's World Cup attack: All Black and Wallaby influences
Thank you very much Peter! 🙂
England's World Cup attack: All Black and Wallaby influences
No worries Muzzo. That i believe was an error by the editors in publishing. I only mentioned Savea in my manuscript. Hence why the Gifs also don’t show as they should unfortunately, but appreciate the comment regardless.
I think a healthy Australian influence has always paired well with English Sport. We had Clive bringing over the flat Australian attack to England whilst he played for Manly, Shane Sutton, who in cycling has made Britain the undeniable best in the world, and Eddie, now with England also.
Maybe its the cultural element, but the pairing does seem to work.
The New England way: The John Mitchell defence
Brilliant article as Always Nick!
I think i can safely say Mark Wilson has been an absolute revelation, and is a classic case of playing himself right into the starting 15. Just the amount of effective work and smart timing of effort he has is absolutely out of this world. Brilliant find for us.
In regards to obstruction lines, this is becoming more and more prevalent in teams out there such as Ireland and the All Blacks and nearly any coach worth their salt.
Do you reckon the fact that this is becoming so common is allowing leniency on Refereeing terms for the teams to just play on, as a now accepted but unavoidable part of the game?
Will England rule the world in 2019?
What happens when one of my favourite writers writes an article about one of my favourite teams and coach taking part in one of my favourite series of all time?
I’m a damn happy man!
Amazing work mate. Inspired.
Sliding doors: Wallaby lessons from the 2001 Lions tour
It was. I don’t think i’ve ever seen such a desperate determination in a defensive effort before.
Who were your standout performers? I thought O’Mahony was absolutely immense. As was Ryan.
Leinster academy is doing something right clearly! If players like him are in the production line.
How Ireland won the battle of the big men in Dublin
Brilliant article as always Nick, Thought Andy Farrells defence was an absolute masterclass against the AB’s.
They changed the way they defended against the AB’s compared to how they did against England, France and others! The Rush was constricted but absolutely brutal. Do you think they’ll vary back in the 6N?
How Ireland won the battle of the big men in Dublin
The great coaches and teams always push to the limits of legality I suppose. Definitely was a theme in the Rod Macqueen years. Same for Schmidt it seems!
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
They do. Though I will say England And Ireland are catching up in that department.
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Cheers mate! I’m not sure to be honest. I can’t visualise that, is it a kick chase in the triangular formation you see below you mean?
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Thanks Hoorse, appreciate It! It’s becoming a little more widespread now. So wouldn’t be surprised if Hansen and Macloud had a plan to switch it up for the WC.
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Thank you very much mate! You’re right I have done. But both sites are full of great rugby people. So seems harsh to not include all in the debate.
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Schmidt is a master of obstruction in his plays. Especially his Looper plays to a near fanatical level.
But. Macqueen was as well. And the guys my hero so. Can’t really complain here!
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Thanks Keil, and it would. But that’s dependent on Aaron Smith getting out of the ruck for the next phase. As can be seen here with quick ball in particular. That’s pretty hard to do. Also off play off 10. The ball travels far and fast enough from the previous ruck that the players don’t have the time to get there to form said diamond. Pretty good observation though.
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Thanks Sinclair. Appreciate it mate!
Targeting the All Blacks, Part 2: The shoot-drift gap
Thanks very much bro. Glad you get something from them! 🙂
How to target the All Blacks, Part 3: The 20-metre blind