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How to work the latest gadget play in short-range attackOne 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 breakdownWhen 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)
How to manage the frontal cleanoutIt is like a pitcher in Baseball trying to hit the corner of the plate, there is only a small front window.
Nick Bishop highlights how Laurie Fisher’s first-man, frontal cleanouts at the breakdown pays dividends for attacking teams.
How to cover the attacking breakdownThe premium on excellent skills at the breakdown is becoming more important, especially for a club with a positive ball-in-hand mindset.
As Nick Bishop illustrates using the resurgent Queensland Reds as an example.
How England upset Ireland’s Grand Slam plans at TwickenhamNick Bishop details the key ingredient that led to England’s upset 6N win over 6 to 1 favourite and Grand Slam-elect Ireland.
Why Super Rugby Pacific was right to drop ‘Dupont’s Law’ from SRP 2024Super Rugby Pacific have dumped World Rugby’s “Dupont’s Law” for their 2024 competition. As Nick Bishop details using the recent Scotland v France 6N’s match they have good reason to.
Why the driving lineout is here to stay as a prime attacking platformThe driving lineout is fast becoming the most creative source of offensive thinking in the professional game. Using the recent Ireland vs France 6N game for some seminal illustrations, Nick Bishop explains how the attacking potential has come about.
How to attack wide – the Toulouse way!The best attacking teams in the current era never take the apparent space they are offered on the edge without checking, or switching inside first.
Why defences need to adjust quickly to early-phase strikesWhatever the pattern of defence, every player needs to be on the same page in terms of their attitudes and adjustments. Or as Nick Bishop, using the recent Leicester vs Saracens Premiership, highlights teams can get repeatedly ‘stung’ from the same play.
How to create early attacking options from the “21”If your charges can learn to run one play exceptionally well, you will force opponents to adjust to it – and that will create opportunities elsewhere.
As Nick Bishop evidences in Racing 92’s match against fellow Top 14 side Toulon.
How to run a two-phase switchback attack with optionsNick Bishop looks at how leading teams are creating multiple threats early in the phase-count, and sustaining those threats for longer on attack than the defence can successfully manage them.