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Joined January 2014
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Professional Rugby player currently with Bristol RFC in UK. Previously with Ulster from 2010-2013 and hailing from Sydney, Australia. When I'm not training, I'm writing.
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Thanks for your insight. In regards to the body type of players changing, I wouldn’t think it would as quick line outs are always taken and forwards will always need their size and strength for set piece and the general physicality of the game which is getting tougher and tougher.
It would however place a heavier importance of the use of replacements, and coaches would have to juggle this, like league had to do when the new interchange rule was introduced a few years ago.
You can put the boot in, but rugby teams need to kick
agree 100% with the chances of scoring diminishing after more than 3 phases, that’s why such an emphasis is placed on set piece as its a chance to attack against a set defence that has to be back 5 metres at scrum and 10 at lineout. There is nothing better than working on a set move at training and it coming off in a game.
You can put the boot in, but rugby teams need to kick
All relevant points as well as great coaching tips!
I agree that you have to be able to lay the foundation of a solid rugby game before you can choose to be clever/tricky with small kicks etc, however was explaining that these kicks (even outside NZ) are being employed early on in games to counter act the strong defensive structures of teams so that the structure can be more effective.
The main thing you are coached is to always kick on the front foot, not when your going backwards, even if you are getting pressurised heavily, take time and work to get into a position where your kick can be more effective.
You can put the boot in, but rugby teams need to kick