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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

However against Ireland we saw the side that had given us the Fox defence give us the Flying Squirrel in its final form Whether this will catch on will be interesting to follow though the use of the leg, does offer a possible chance at improved outcomes

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

We first saw this in their game against France where under pressure 2 players went for the block rather than the intercept. This makes sense trying to avoid yellows while disrupt a pass and leave just enough body in front to tackle the opponent.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Theme 6 While a lot of the thread above has looked at attack we have seen the Azzuri bringing more variety to the defensive side of the ball. The Flying Squirrel edge defence becoming a last resort

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Theme 5 One of the interesting aspects of the tournament, was Scotland's struggles after half time. Far from their resounding come back 38-38 draw against England of years past the Scotland attack scored the lowest % of tries in the second half setting up some nervy finishes.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

France showed much the same against Italy Both sides working hard to set their pod and attacking with width off an edge Tony Brown has truly changed how the game will look for the next 6 months at least!

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Ireland showed it often against England setting the tone from round one The first example shows how good connection in defence from England pushes them to an edge But they can't stop Sheehan on the second example

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Theme 4 The Super Pod has well and truly arrived This is becoming a particularly potent weapon from kick return and is allowing teams to stretch and challenge defences with a flat pass cutting defenders and finding space.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

This is a great example of his combination in the Centres for Italy A well timed line on the outside of 13s shoulder helps him break the line with the wheels to finish. Notice how his opposite number is forced to double D, allowing Menoncello too weaker shoulder and its try time.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Theme 3 Menoncello was my stand out player of the tournament, impressive on both sides of the ball especially physiclaly. He came second for dominant tackles while he also commited 2 or more tacklers on over 70% of his tackles.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

These all helped contribute to some great performances within the opponents 22 England were second at converting entries to tries while they were very mean in defence at the same time. One worry maybe territorial control sitting 3rd for Avg Entries while they leaked more than all bar Italy.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

One key part of their attacking foundations was their collision dominance. Not even the French and their use of a 7-1 squad could usurp England. This ability in the contact area is again a promising sign for an attack and should maintain their platform to play.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Theme 2 My second key take away was how efficient England have become under Steve Borthwick. Only title winners France secured tries from line breaks at a better rate. While we don't know how many line breaks they made on OPTA, they were top for tackle evasion Signs of an effective attack

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

While all this may lead you to think that the game is becoming a run from anywhere fest fear not. The French also married it with an extremely pragmatic and switched on exit strategy No side exited via the boot, as a percentage of total exits, than Les Bleus.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

The more transitional game obviously suits a French side more suited to flair and high risk rugby. This is clear in the offloading with 16% of France's tries - Ireland saw only 4% end in tries. While this doesn't point to a quantity - it shows France's comfort and ability to spot a game-changer.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

They also scored over a 1/4 of their tries starting from within their own half. This shows a boldness that enabled them to profit from the oppositions misfortune. Ireland did get a few but, the vast majority relied on pressure from territory. As the game becomes more transitional, can they adapt?

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Firstly, it comes down to Les Bleus comfort in the chaos of transition. This is a chance for them to colour outside the lines, and exploit a more disjointed defence. To underpin 20% of their tries came from turnover while Ireland didn't manage 1.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

The Six Nations came to end last weekend and there is plenty to be learnt digging through the detail From where the two title favourites, France and Ireland diverged, to the underpinnings of England's success. So join me on this thread examining 6 themes that became prevalent during the 6 Nations

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

In what was a truly great game Biarritz came back from 19 points to secure the win on the road against mid table rivals. A clash of styles in attack and defence made for a fascinating game. While Biarritz's ability to adapt second half, particularly in maul defence was crucial. Hope you enjoyed :)

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

We see Biarritz put all this together for their final try using layers and offloads to complete the come back. The adjustment on the 1st pod is crucial enabling them to change picture forcing the defence to adapt. They then stay on top impressively and keep the move flowing with offloads to score.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

We see the same here. Starting with a penalty that is taken quickly they break the oyonnax line. While it only needs one offload to finish the job notice how close the support runners are and the work of 14 to adjust and make the final pass easy.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

One of Biarritz's best weapons was their ability to keep the ball alive. In the clips below we saw their offload game to fruition - with an adventurous chip on the exit kick starting the move for their first try. Notice that the support runners are flooding ready for the pass not just the ruck.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

However Biarritz responded in the second half. Holding out these 2 mauls. We see the change in Biarritz's 2 pod defence policy and while they give away a penalty at first they look more comfortable. For the turnover they split Oyonnax's back shift and get on ball. A pivotal point in the game.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

One fascinating battle came at maul time. Oyonnax got away to a strong start, including for their first score. Part of this was driven by the Biarritz strategey of defending front and middle with two pods. This gave Oyonnax a chance to set a drive relatively unopposed and get go forward early.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Biarritz on the other hand looked to move the ball against the narrow Oyonnax defence. We see a clear use of layers to achieve this allowing them to pin the inside defence and preserve space on the edge. Important to underline the work rate to win the race and set before each phase.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

In attack we again saw two different strategies. Perhaps looking to adapt to Biarritz's numbers on feet strategy Oyonnax looked to create short edges before using layers to create dents and half breaks. Also note the use of the scrum half to add a number for many of these attacks.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

One other interesting trend within the Biarritz attack was that they used the scrum half as their pressure man when defending box kicks. This gives the forwards a chance to save some energy and focus on resourcing the next breakdown. Wonder will see more teams adopt speed over height approach?

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

On the other Biarritz aimed low in the tackle before normally aiming to get numbers back on feet. The low chop opened a window for the second man to target the ball when there was an opportunity but the numbers on feet gave them a chance to be aggressive building a wall across the park.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

One interesting trend within the game was the differing styles in defence. Oyonnax went for a double tackle strategy aiming to choke and slow down the opposing attack through time in the tackle. An impressive performance able to force multiple turnovers and prevent Biarritz building momentum.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Oyonnax started the game fast creating two try scoring opportunities in first two minutes. The first comes a retained box kick but the final pass goes astray. The second chance comes from repeated quick ball rucks in the 22 before they are pushed into touch.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

With no Six Nations last weekend the domestic leagues took centre stage. One of the games of the weekend was undoubtedly Oyonnax vs Biarritz. But what can we learn from the tussle between of the Pro D2s mid table sides, from the maul battle to differing defensive methods Enjoy :)

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

Well came across this view point earlier, admittedly not for a head shot/poor tackle but even still remarkable to think these people watch the same game as we do.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

The final example show France's effective use of speed over shape principles. Looking to stay on top of the Italy defence after an effective launch. We also seem them causing issues to Italy's fringes helping keep momentum in the attack. Dupont - the poster boy of the style - supports and finishes

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

France start their fifth try from the scrum - the split launch controls Italy's defence and finds them a soft edge. Then we see them moving into tight shapes - working the same way drags Italy close. The Azzuri mainly defend between the 15s. This leads to a short side overload that France exploit.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

The second part of the try sees France utilising bounce back phases exceptionally well. Keeping ball alive on the first example gets them soft shoulders and a big dent. The use of Dupont as a scooting threat on the second phase adds another dimension and the offlaod sees them carve through.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

The 5th is the first try to not come from a set piece so we their principles translated to transition. The Super Pod off the edge enables them to stretch the field. The layers are repeated when they go wide the 2nd time. Italy try to disrupt this attack using a new technique - one to learn?

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

The score in the 29th minute is again driven by their tight attack. This follows Galthie's principles around lighting fires i've discussed previously. Keeping them on top and punching through the fringes. They exploit the short side, Dupont adding an extra number and offloads for the score.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

France launch their second try from a maul - the backs aiming to stretch the Italians out. Playing wider off the edge splits the Italian defence and puts the hold/fold decision in the spotlight. Italy fold hard. France then attack to an overloaded short side - Dupont's support securing the score.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

In the second part of the try we see the effect of these repeated phases. The first sign of this is them attacking down the short edge, where they get the break through. Italy's last man struggling to double defend. They then go back to their tight attack and this time get a crucial offload away

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

The first try was a high phase effort (so split over 2 clips) and we can see Frances confrontational DNA already being established. The wingers can be seen holding the paint but the majority of the France XV sit tight to each other. Repeatedly bludgeoning at the Italy Defence.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Last weekend France delivered a devastating performance in Italy scoring 11 tries against Italy. But what can we learn from the 6 tries that came from extended phase play?

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Overall it was really enjoyable breaking down an impressive Chiefs performance - both the strengths and the weaknesses sides could target. Their first trans tasman outing next week against the Brumbies hurting from the high scoring defeat to the Force it promises to be an entertaining affair.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

One area of the game both teams will look to work on is the reaction to penalties, each side scoring relatively easily from quick taps. Sometimes they can be difficult to stop, but these small efforts can make a big difference in stopping sides back into games.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

However even when the Crusaders managed to put pressure on the Chiefs the side from Waikato showed great desperation to disrupt the Crusaders attack. The efforts to stop Crusaders converting the half breaks meant that they kept them at arms length and stopped them building momentum

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The Crusaders did pose them threats to the Chiefs, most notably using bounce back patterns to hit vulnerable short sides. The mismatches the Crusaders exposed were key for their first try and enabled them to put pressure on the Chiefs.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The Chiefs when they did kick the ball back toit eh Crusaders the Chiefs matched it with a ferocious defensive effort. They were able to control the Crusaders carriers and drive them backwards. Meaning they gained ground even without possession.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

However Chiefs didn't just impress with ball in hand, but were able to consistently pin the Crusaders deep in their own half. Noticeable that they kicked early on most deep transitions releasing the pressure, while D Mac's 50/22 expertly flipped the script on the Crusaders

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Another way the Chiefs beat the Crusaders press in defence was through the use of layers. Nothing particularly novel about this method but its important to note how deep they play - drawing the pressure onto them and flanking them out wide.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

One of the major themes within the Chiefs attack was their ability to punch through the fringes. This coupled with an aggressive outside clean policy helped them get on the front foot against an aggressive Crusaders press.

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The Chiefs showed their credentials for a return to the Super Rugby Pacific final with a strong perfromance vs the Crusaders On both sides of the ball the Chiefs put on a clinic, while the Crusaders showed possible weakness teams might target to upset the Chiefs tilt for another final appearance

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Carrick Blake @analysisguy0502.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Overall this weekend promises to be a fascinating battle, as Scotland look to defend the Cup yet again. The differences in attack promise an interesting clash of styles, meaning for the neutral there will be another fascinating undercurrent.

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