England vs New Zealand – Defensive Analysis Pt 1
Despite many protestations, 2019 was one of the most incredible Rugby World Cups to date. High drama from International Coaches not knowing the laws (Cheika) to Typhoons nearly derailing the entire competition. It also threw out some incredible games of Rugby along the way, Japan beating Ireland and Scotland, New Zealand walloping eventual winners South Africa and Uruguay beating Fiji possibly the second biggest upset in the World...
Anatomy of A Try: Jonny May vs Australia October 2019
As Australia found out knock out Rugby is a cruel mistress. You can have all the ball, try to play all the rugby. But if you aren’t accurate, don’t put the points on the board when they are on offer. Well, then you simply aren’t giving yourself much of a chance, are you? Knock out Rugby changes peoples mentality. The temptation is to play 100mph for 80 minutes with the intention of blowing your opponents out of the water. But the...
The Brad Barritt Question – Lets talk about stats.
Stats are a very useful tool, traditionally the preserve of the professional analysis team, over the last decade more and more stats have become available to aspiring Billy Beane III’s the world over. It’s an arms race my friend and numbers are the weapon of choice, often seen and defended as the one and only gospel truth. With access to stats opening up for fans it’s almost impossible to have a discussion without...
Spotlight on England Rugby: Back to Basics
I really think England need to get back to basics. I say this as I’m forced to admit to myself that in this last world cup cycle England Rugby have been, frustrating to watch. Last Autumn we saw in the space of four games a team lose it’s way and then completely re-invent itself with a switch of game plan and a change in key personnel and for the most part it worked. Post six nations I felt a little more positive, a pack...
England 2014: Where are England’s ball carriers?
View image | gettyimages.com 12 months is a long time in Rugby Union and it’s not that uncommon to see a well oiled machine start to stutter and splutter. England, whilst not awful, have gone from one of the strongest attacking teams in the Six Nations to a team searching for a spark. Additionally in the four weeks of the Autumn internationals they went from a team looking to put away the SH giants and set out their stall ahead...