Articles
News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
6 Nations 2017 – The Broader PictureBen Darwin from GAIN LINE Analytics gives his view on the prospects of the 2017 6 Nations tournament. What the underlying drivers to each teams success are and what they need to look out for over the tournament.
Farrell is a captain in everything but nameEngland flyhalf, Colin Farrell appears to have taken another step forward in his game development under Eddie Jones. Leading writer Graham Jenkins highlights Farrell’s progress and growing leadership influence within the national side.
The prospect of the Six Nations never fails to lift the gloomThe prospect of the Six Nations never fails to lift the gloom that can descend as quickly as the sun at this time of year in the northern hemisphere.
What are the challenges facing each coach and who will bolster their CV with a Six Nations title? Who will take a step nearer the exit?
Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at the respective coaches prospects.
Reviewing the Autumn International - Part 2Looking at each team in isolation does not give a true reflection on their realistic performance, only a perception of performance.
Read part 2 of the autumn international review by Gainline Analytics.
Coaches must lead quest to change collision cultureA spate of dismissals have hogged the headlines in recent weeks, and often divided opinion, with referees determined to underline World Rugby’s commitment to player welfare and eliminate dangerous play. Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at what’s behind the actions and who is to lead the behaviour change.
Perception versus reality regarding Wales’ performance during the Autumn InternationalsLooking at each team in isolation does not give a true reflection on their realistic performance, only a perception of performance.
In part 1 of the autumn international review, Gainline Analytics look at understanding the power of perception and the first step in understanding a team’s actual ability to perform.
Argentina still on the rise after a massive yearAs the dust settles on an historic year for Argentina rugby that saw their introduction into Super Rugby, Argentina Rugby Union general manager Greg Peters chats to Graham Jenkins about the challenges they have faced on and off the pitch.
The Art of Selection & the Soldier Field meltdownThe All Blacks selectors get very few things wrong. So what went wrong in Chicago? Leading rugby analyst Nick Bishop investigates.
Premiership Rugby – Predicting Future Performance Part 2Ex Wallaby and Gainline Analytics founder Ben Darwin has ‘done the numbers’ on what creates team success. Ben highlight’s why money does not necessarily buy team success – part 2.
All Blacks in Pursuit of Ongoing ExcellenceWhat motivates this All Black team to unparalleled success? Records or the pursuit of excellence? Leading rugby writer Graham Jenkins considers the question in his latest article.
English Premiership – Predicting Future PerformanceEx Wallaby and Gainline Analytics founder Ben Darwin has ‘done the numbers’ on what creates team success. Ben highlight’s why money does not necessarily buy team success.
Coaches get the boot. It’s a fact of life.A team fails and the coach gets fired – an unfortunate reality of professional sporting team life. Leading writer, Graham Jenkins reflects on a coach’s ability to bounce back from a career setback.
Offloading from kick receiptsThe success at the top level can often be measured by player’s capacity to offload in contact, accurately and under control. Leading analyst Nick Bishop looks Israel Folau’s ability in this area and how it relates to Gregor Townsend’s Offloading & Continuity module.
From Preparation to ExecutionExpert analyst Nick Bishop explains how The Professor – Wayne Smith’s modules translate from the training ground to on field success at the highest level.
Olympics makes lasting impressionLeading writer Graham Jenkins looks at the effect of Rio’s Olympics Rugby 7s competitions, the highlights and opportunities it hopefully presents for the game.
Is Joe Moody's All Black's long term replacement for Tony WoodcockOur rugby analyst Nick Bishop, takes an indepth look at Joe Moody’s recent loosehead scrummaging performance for the ABs.
How to put the super back into Super Rugby?How successful has this year’s expanded super competition been? Graham Jenkins reflects on the merits of its expansion and future.
Chiefs Support PlayNick’s latest article on Support Play and it’s processes follows Wayne Smiths coaching module.
Wily Jones yet to put a foot wrongEngland rugby revival in the past 12 months has been Lazarus-like and leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at Eddie Jones’ central role in this revival.
Fine margins at No.7 – the two halves of Sam Cane in the 3rd TestThe margins between winning and losing Test matches are very fine, and nowhere is this axiom truer than in the actions and decision-making of the open-side flanker. This week Nick Bishop reflects on Sam Cane’s 3rd test performance as he steps up as Richie McCaw’s No.7 replacement.
How did Eddie Jones unlock Wales?Eddie Jones is coaching England against Australia but leading rugby analyst Nick Bishop shows how his Attack off 9 module unlocks Wales’ defence in recent matches.
How does England combat the Wallabies' 1-3-3-1 attack shapeOn the eve of England’s 2nd test in Melbourne, Murray Kinsella look’s at how England need to shut down the Wallabies’ attack.
What's Eddies SecretWhat is the secret to Eddie Jones’ coaching success? The Rugby Site’s Ben Herring investigates in this week’s article.
Lessons from Eden Park - Conrad SmithLeading rugby analyst, Nick Bishop explains how the use of basic hands and the miss-pass, (as shown in the 2nd module of Conrad Smith’s series) both had a key role to play in two of the All Blacks’ tries against Wales at Eden Park.
Does success no longer guarantee job security?A premiership final 12 months ago and now out of job, Graham Jenkins looks at whether Mike Ford’s sacking at Bath is the start of a Football like trend for UK Rugby coaches.
Creating the space for paceWe take an indepth look at the first of Perry Bakers four tries against NZ to unlock the fantastic team play that lead to it.
Contesting your own High BallHigh balls and contesting them is an increasing part of the modern game. This week leading writer Nick Bishop, looks at ways teams contest them to turn into attack.
Crusaders holding their shape 2-4-2Leading rugby writer, Murray Kinsella takes an indepth look at this season’s development of the Crusaders long standing 2-4-2 attack.
Great Britain drop the ball in quest for Olympics gloryGraham Jenkins looks at the challenge ahead for Team GB 7s coach Simon Amor as he prepares his team for the Rio Olympics.
Counter attack from Practice to ExecutionTRS welcomes English writer Nick Bishop’s first article, which provides an excellent analysis of how one of the tries of the 6 Nations, by Stuart Hogg, is straight out of Wayne Smith’s Counter Attack modules.
