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Has New Zealand solved the puzzle of the rush defence? [part 1]

Can a Kiwi attack handle an all-out Test-level rush defence?

In Part 1 of the 2 part analysis, Nick Bishop explains how since 2017 the Rush Defence has shut down the All Blacks vaunted attack.

How to construct an effective kick-chase game

Any team looking to build up solid fundamentals in a contestable kicking strategy, England’s RWC2023 semi final performance is great example.

Nick Bishop details how their kick-chase nearly took them to winning the game.

How to find a simple attacking solution from set-piece

Coaches at all levels of the game, and in all sports are always looking for simple, robust solutions that work – the simpler, the better.

Nick Bishop details what Set Piece Strike Play is working for a number of teams to date in the RWC2023.

How to find the right roles for twin number 10’s

Most number 10’s are either strategist/game-managers or they are instinctive ball-players.

Nick Bishop looks at how England are successfully fitting their number 10 ‘strategist’ and ‘wizard’ into their starting lineup and attack structure.

What does good multi-phase offence look like?

You do not have to win the lion’s share of collisions in order to play winning attacking rugby.,


It is still possible to find space in multi-phase attack if you have the will, the structures and the personnel to do it.

Using No 1 ranked Ireland and their recent RWC match against Romania as the example, Analyst Nick Bishop explains how it can be done.

Why the ‘droppie’ may be coming back into fashion!

Nick Bishop details how drop goals like George Ford’s are a simple and risk-free method of keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

How to beat the pressure with both feet

However rare the genuinely ambidextrous may be, it is still important for rugby players at all levels to cultivate the same ability to ‘play both ways’ as Nick Bishop highlights in this week’s analysis using France’s No 9 Dupont as his prime example.

Create Favourite Videos Lists

Make your training sessions easier – store your favourite videos.

How to control the game with an accurate exit strategy

Nick Bishop balances the Exit Strategy ledger outlining the exiting in the case the All Blacks dominate their exit strategy against the South African return team.

How to win the #15/ #9 battle from midfield scrums

Law changes frequently have repercussions, or send out impact ripples well beyond the original intention – for better or for worse. As Nick Bishop highlights how the Defending #9 not being allowed past the mid-line of the scrum trial law change has also changed how the backs attack and defend.

Why one ‘knee equals two feet’ against the high tackle

The solution is to drop body-height quickly and dramatically, and get at least one knee to the ground immediately. Nick Bishop details what knee on ground is a solution to and why it has become so effective in the tackle.

Why teams are feeling the need – the need for speed – at the scrum base [part 2]

Nick Bishop highlights how the new law-trial requiring the defending scrum-half to drop back rather than chase up beyond the mid-point of the set-piece are having more of a positive impact than even the law-makers may have envisaged.