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For Students of the Game

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Tendai 'the Beast' Mtawarira and his trademark power

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All Blacks 2013: Rucks per Try – Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup (Part 2.3)

In Parts 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 – The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup, we isolate the same 'Rucks Per Try' stat for each of the All Blacks' tries scored against Argentina, Australia and South Africa during the competition.

This video looks at Rounds 5, 6 and the final Bledisloe Cup test against Australia. In total, 13 tries scored across 3 games from 33 rucks for an average of 2.5 rucks per try.

SUMMARY

Across all 7 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches, they scored 28 tries over 74 rucks/phases (at an average of 2.6 rucks per try scored);

17 tries came from turnovers over 45 rucks (an average of 2.6 rucks per try scored); and

11 tries came from set-piece possessions over 29 rucks (also an average of 2.6 rucks per try).

Stay tuned for NZ's final campaign of 2013, in Part 3, the End of Year Tour, played against Japan, France, England and Ireland. Can they make a dent in the All Blacks strike rate?

Watch Part 1 – France Tour: vimeo.com/82519448

Watch Part 2.1 – Rugby Championship Rounds 1+2: vimeo.com/82553456

Watch Part 2.2 – Rugby Championship Rounds 3+4: vimeo.com/82651376

Watch Part 2.3 – Rugby Championship Rounds 5+6 and final Bledisloe Cup test: vimeo.com/82793129

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All Blacks 2013: Rucks per Try – Rugby Championship (Part 2.2)

In Parts 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 – The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup, we isolate the same 'Rucks Per Try' stat for each of the All Blacks' tries scored against Argentina, Australia and South Africa during the competition.

This video looks at Rounds 3 and 4 against Argentina and South Africa and the 7 tries scored from 12 rucks for an average of only 1.7 rucks per try.

SUMMARY:

Across all 7 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches, they scored 28 tries over 73 rucks/phases (at an average of 2.6 rucks per try scored);

17 tries came from turnovers over 44 rucks (an average of 2.6 rucks per try scored); and

11 tries came from set-piece possessions over 29 rucks (also an average of 2.6 rucks per try).

Tune in for Part 2.3 as we look at NZ's Round 5, 6 and Bledisloe Cup matches and assess the execution to round off their campaign.

Watch Part 1 – France Tour 2013: vimeo.com/82519448

Watch Part 2.1 – Rugby Championship Rounds 1+2: https://vimeo.com/82553456

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Kicking It With Ma'a Nonu

In 2004, a year after Nonu made his All Blacks debut, then NZ Assistant Coach, Wayne Smith remarked glowingly about his array of skills, all in contrary to others who only saw him as all brawn and power vs deftness and subtlety.

"You'd be surprised if you saw his skill level. We see him as a runner at the moment because he's good at it. But his kicking is outstanding, which surprises me. He said he's never kicked in a game but the quality of his kicking with his right foot is outstanding. He's a highly skilled player and quite a handful."

Nonu himself remarked that he never had to kick because all his previous coaches relied on other players in the team to do it instead.

Playing down his ability following a cameo appearance against the Wallabies...

"Hopefully I can try and work on my kicking. I've said it before, I can't kick for s..t, but hopefully in the next two weeks I can try and work on it."

After a few topsy-turvy years for NZ – 2008 was a breakthrough year for him – becoming a mainstay in NZ's backline and forging a lethal trio combination with Dan Carter and Conrad Smith.

By 2009 the kicking landscape had changed and with one coaching eye on Rugby World Cup 2011, it was time to unearth that work-in-progress kicking game – with the help of kicking specialist Mick 'the Kick' Byrne – that would make the team a more dangerous threat across the park.

Wayne Smith reaffirming his belief in Nonu

"Ma'a has the capacity to kick and used the kick a bit more often in the Super 14 game, and often at the right time,

"So it is something we are aware of.

"We got through last year with a certain style of play. But we could be more dangerous with a more varied set of skills.

"So we are definitely working at that. We are confident Ma'a is coming on in that area"

Here we are, at the end of 2013 and Nonu's excellent kicking game is now widely penned, acknowledged and respected, despite the early doubters.

This video highlights some of Nonu's kicking development and 'outstanding' skill which Smith saw in him almost a decade ago.

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All Blacks 2013: Rucks per Try – Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup (Part 2.1)

In Parts 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 – The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup, we isolate the same 'Rucks Per Try' stat for each of the All Blacks' tries scored against Argentina, Australia and South Africa during the competition.

This video looks at NZ's first 2 rounds against Australia as they racked up 8 tries in total from 29 rucks (an average of 3.6 rucks per try).

SUMMARY

Across all 7 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches, they scored 28 tries over 73 rucks/phases (at an average of 2.6 rucks per try scored);

17 tries came from turnovers over 44 rucks (an average of 2.6 rucks per try scored); and

11 tries came from set-piece possessions over 29 rucks (also an average of 2.6 rucks per try).

Tune in for Part 2.2 as we look at NZ's Round 3 and 4 matches and assess the execution against Argentina and South Africa.

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All Blacks 2013: Rucks per Try – France Tour (Part 1)

In the wake of the 'perfect season' by New Zealand's all-conquering All Blacks, we decided to drill-down into their potent try-scoring ability to see if we could find a 'method to the madness' as it were. It's often remarked across TV commentaries and newspaper column inches how they punish teams off the back of ruthless counter-attacking raids, or by simply doing the basics better than anyone else. Perhaps this is the case, but we'd like to know if there's a distinguishable pattern to their attack.

In Part 1, we isolate a 'Rucks Per Try' stat for each of the All Blacks' tries scored during the June 2013 French Tour. How long do they take to get into their stride? Do they 'build tries' through sustained pressure or just attack when they sense an opportunity? And just to clarify – 'Rucks (or Phases) Per Try' is counted from the moment the All Blacks have/gain possession, either from turnover possession or from their own set-piece possession.

Summary: Across the three test series, the All Blacks scored a total of 8-tries from 14-rucks in total (or phases) for an average of approx. 1.75 rucks per try which is a remarkable strike-rate.

- 5-tries came from turnover possessions across 5-rucks for an average of 1-ruck per turnover try scored, while - 3-tries came from set-piece possessions but across 9-rucks for an average of 3-rucks per try, which is still formidable in anyone's stats book.

Tune in for Part 2 as we look at the same statistic across all of NZ's 2013 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches to see if the trend continues...

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A Short Evolution of "Tea bag"

From a training ground idea to it's implementation under pressure.

The All Blacks' lineout move known as 'Tea bag' came to fruition in the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final after a 3 year hiatus. Germinating as a training ground idea in 2008, after endless study of the Wallabies lineout defence near their goal line, the then New Zealand assistant and forwards coach Steve Hansen, now the Head Coach, conjured up the strike move to help exploit a perceived Australian weakness.

Kept in hibernation until 2011, it was pulled out from obscurity and executed to perfection on the biggest stage of all as the world watched it unfold seamlessly. This short video highlights it's evolution from a less than perfect execution in 2008 (despite the prop Woodcock still scoring) to an evolved version in 2011 (and again in 2012) that illustrates the small but detailed differences.

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Core Roles of The Backrow - Part 3: The Link Man

Ball Carrier to Tackler to Link Man — How Do You Fit In To The Picture?

In Part 3: The Link Man, we look at the backrow players who pride themselves on their assists. Their ability to be wherever the ball is and to make the decisive plays for their team. Having a big engine is key to ensuring a constant presence around the field and these players pick their moments to make their presence and option-taking count.

Featuring: Richie McCaw, Lawrence Dallaglio, Justin Tipuric, Duane Vermuelen, George Smith, Alistair Hogg, Jerome Kaino, Faifili Levave and Keiren Read.

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Watch Part 1: The Ball Carrier — vimeo.com/grubbr/core-roles-the-backrow-ball-carriers Watch Part 2: The Tackler — vimeo.com/grubbr/core-roles-backrow-the-tackler

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Core Roles of The Backrow - Part 2: The Tackler

From The Ball Carrier (Part 1 here: vimeo.com/79083772) to The Tackler.

In this video we look at the backrow players for whom tackling is an addiction. From destructive to desperate tackles, these Loose Forwards crave the bone-on-bone contact most people would shy away from. Having players on your side with their courage and mindset often tends to lift the confidence of those around them—knowing their tackling impact can not only intimidate the opposition but swing momentum back in your favour just when you need it most.

Featuring: Willem Alberts, Schalk Burger, Dwayne Haare, Kieran Read, Ben Mowen, Ryan Kankowski, Richard Hill, Jerry Collins, Sebastian Chabal, Dan Lydiate, Samu Manoa and Akapusi Qera.

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Core Roles of The Backrow - Part 1: The Ball Carrier

Behold Rugby's Thoroughbreds. The Backrow (or Loose Forward) has traditionally been the domain of the fittest, fastest and most athletic players in the forward pack. The skill-set required to play across the backrow is arguably the most varied and having more than one of these core abilities sets players apart even in today's modern game. Capturing the array of backrow skills into one package would require hours of viewing time, so it's only logical to split them up! In this video we look at Ball Carriers and some cracking exponents of this core role. These rampant runners set out to punch holes in opposition defences through sheer size and power, winning that all important 'advantage line' for their team-mates to profit from. Featuring: Mamuka Gordodze, Opeti Fonua, Willem Alberts, Billy Vunipola, Kieran Read, Sisa Koyamaibole, Sean O'Brien, Toby Faletau, Rocky Elsom, Chris Masoe, Louis Picamoles and Radike Samo.

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Shotgun Fends and The Art of the Handoff

The Big Don't Argue. The game of rugby presents a myriad of ways to beat a defending player – sidestep past them, swerve around them or kick over them – but not all players have the ability to skilfully negotiate an opponent at pace before literally swatting them out of the way as if they weren't there. Therein lies the art of the handoff or fend as it is also known. This video brings together some mighty exponents of this skill, using the handoff to send opposing players sprawling like skittles or left grasping thin air in their wake. No beg your pardons!

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Core Roles: The Prop Forward

... or The Pillar, as they're known in France.

An apt name, even in English, for these juggernauts of the rugby field. The stereotype is of brute strength and rotund waistlines coupled with low intelligence.

Perhaps at one point in time (long ago) this may have been the case, but the modern game demands far more of The Pillar, both physically and mentally.

While the 'core' fundamental skills for a Prop Forward have not changed, the techniques and tools used to apply them effectively, have.

In this video, we take a look at the core foundations on which any Prop Forward worth their salt, bases their game.

Music credit: David Dallas - Runnin.

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Footwork and The Art of The Sidestep

"Win the collision! Hit more rucks!"

These are frequently heard calls on rugby training paddocks the world over. Some astute coaches are now asking a different question — why go through, if you can go around?

It's true that not all teams are blessed with players with feet like Fred Astaire, but to ignore the development of footwork is akin to ignoring the development of 'draw and pass'. Marrying these two skills across backs and forwards can present great opportunities throughout a game, from half to full line-breaks, that consistently unlock the tightest defences.

In this clip we take a look at some dazzling footwork in its various guises from sidesteps to goose-steps, across forwards and backs and out wide or in close.

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Core Roles - The Halfback

From the game's tallest timber to the game's smallest (generally speaking!).

Enter the natural passers, the aerobic machines and sniping terriers that set the team's marching rhythm.

Halfbacks around the world wear their ability to bark at giant forward packs that dwarf themselves like badges of honour, right alongside their ability to get in the referee's ear and one-up manship on their opposite #9, knowing how combatative and nippy they tend to be themselves.

We take a look at some of their core roles and how they influence their teams.

For the first instalment - Core Roles: The Second Row: vimeo.com/77006028

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All Blacks – The Second Man Play

Dummies, decoys and deception.

In this new Signature Series, we shine the torch on the plays which have become hallmarks of top sides recently. While each application of the play may vary slightly, the effect on shaping the opposition is generally effective and it allows us to highlight the trends in both attack and defensive structures.

In the first instalment, we go straight to the top. The All Blacks, under Steve Hansen & Co, have taken the 'second man play' which evolved under Sir Graham Henry & Wayne Smith and have refined it's application. A play that is generally found in the domain of back-lines or the 13-man code (Rugby League), Hansen's 'all-court' game now requires all players, 1 to 15, to understand and apply the play when called upon.

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Contrasting Mindsets: Attack

"Build pressure"

It's a commonly used rugby mantra thrown around by players, coaches and fans alike. How that pressure is built can take various guises, but the general approach is through multiple rucks/phases until the defence eventually caves in. For the top sides, subtle changes to this approach can be the difference between them.

In this video we look at the similarities and differences in phase play attack from Bledisloe Cup III between New Zealand and Australia. If both teams are setting out to "build pressure" as it were, what observations separate the two?

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Contrasting Mindsets: Kick Restarts (Bledisloe Cup III)