England vs New Zealand November 2024 the closest of losses.
What a series this turned out to be. Three of the tightest of games, the teams separated by a measly 10 points across all three matches. All three one-score games. The final game coming down to a missed drop goal. Actually, one penalty and a drop goal attempt but who’s counting (not me). A penalty missed by mere inches, and a drop goal missed due to composure under pressure. It’s easy to look at this as a simple mistake,...
The Anatomy of a Try: Ted Hill vs Northampton Saints – September 2024
One of the most talked about Law changes/trials in recent memory is the adjustment to Law 10 offside in open play, specifically Law 10.4C, after a kick. Affectionately known as the Dupont Law, it removes the ability for an opposition player to be put on side by the ball carrier after a kick. In rough terms it means you have to make an effort to retreat towards your goalline, removing the ability for teams to creep up the pitch by...
England Defence vs Japanese Attack
It was billed as Jones vs Borthwick, their first meeting since parting ways in 2020. Jones the master tactician, has a plan for everyone. back with the all out attack of Japan, vs England’s boring Set Piece dominated game plan. In truth, as it turned out, it was the complete opposite. England’s attack was destructive and clinical, 8 tries taken against a Japanese side who recorded an 84% tackle success rate. If you only...
England Attack Analysis: World Cup 2023
Whilst not pretty it’s hard to deny England have made huge strides since the Summer Series. Improved discipline, fitness levels seem to be there or there about and defence has become as miserly as you could want conceding a sum total of 18 points in the two world cup matches against Tier One opposition to date. But, whilst all of the above might be true it remains to be seen if they can elevate their attack to similar levels....
England Discipline Issues: World Cup 2023
England’s discipline under Steve Borthwick has been well documented. It’s been long accepted that over the last 9 month, a high penalty count and 4 red cards in 10 games showed England were on a downward spiral. The Truth is somewhere in the middle. The cards can’t be ignored, and clearly, there is some failure to keep within the high tackle laws by England. But we also need to focus on the broader disciplinary...
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