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How did the trial laws at the breakdown work out in end-of-year tour internationals?World Rugby’s trial laws for 2017 included some potentially game-changing alterations at the breakdown. The end-of-year tour internationals in November provided the first crucible in which to test the new laws at elite level. Analyst Nick Bishop examines their effect and how teams adjusted.
Money talks in World Cup bid processIn the wake of their success, even France acknowledged that the current financial model and the selection criteria make it almost impossible for any nation outside the deep-pocketed French and English to take on the role of tournament hosts. Writer Graham Jenkins explores the reality of the ‘voting’ and the future tournament prospects.
Is the All Blacks midfield beginning to gel?Analyst Nick Bishop considers whether the the current All Black’s midfield combination finally starting to ‘gel’. Or should we expect more changes before Japan 2019 WRC?
Rolling, rolling, rolling… why a double movement can cure the problem of isolationIn theory, the laws of World Rugby require everyone involved in the tackle on offence or defence to move away from the ball immediately. In practice there are two chances of this happening – ‘slim’ and ‘none’! Analyst Nick Bishop explains why.
Is the congested calendar slowly killing the game?Graham Jenkins considers ongoing debate about the physical and mental demands of what is quite clearly an over-congested season.
The All Blacks scrum and the theory of marginal gains“Aggregation of marginal gains… the 1% margin for improvement in everything you do.” Put all those little micro-wins together, and one day you will see an almighty change in the world outside them. Analyst Nick Bishop explores what Sir Dave Brailsford UK cycling approach has to do with the All Black’s scrum
Running attacking decoy plays in theory and practiceThe viability of using decoys on attacking plays has become absolutely essential at all levels of the professional game. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how effective decoys/block are in attack plays.
How successful was Premiership's Philadelphia experiment?As the dust settles on the Aviva Premiership’s latest attempt to crack the United States market, Graham Jenkins reflects on what the league can learn from their Philadelphia experiment.
Exclusive: USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne talks growing the game StatesideWriter Graham Jenkins talks exclusively with USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne about various issues he’s faced in his first year in charge and looks ahead at the key areas of growth, ahead of this week’s Premiership game in the States.
Aggressive ball-placement options at the Women’s World Cup finalThe women’s game has the virtue of being different in character to the male version of rugby. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at why the women’s game is on the rise, especially after the outstanding World Cup final played last weekend between the New Zealand Black Ferns and the England Roses.
Do you love rugby more than you love your children?As coaches and referees, it is incredibly important that we teach our youngsters the safest way to enjoy our game but it is also imperative that we educate ourselves about the player welfare issues and share that knowledge with players and parents. With the northern season nearly upon us, writer Graham Jenkins looks at what measures the RFU implementing to make the game safer for junior players.
How to use your eyes – the 10/15 hybrid and engaging the last defender on attackThe first Bledisloe match of 2017 between New Zealand and Australia was decided partly in advance, by selection before the game ever started. How did the All Blacks achieve this? Analyst Nick Bishop explains in his latest article.
