Carrick Blake
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analysisguy0502.bsky.social
Carrick Blake
@analysisguy0502.bsky.social
Head Analyst at Pontypool RFC

Contributor to #Bajad8ta
The @lospumas and @lionsofficial served up an enthralling encounter on Friday.

The game gave a good indication of the Lions' desired style, especially in attack.

But it was the Pumas who were victorious, in part due to their control on chaos.

Enjoy :)

theanalysisguy.sport.blog/2025/06/24/l...
Learning From The Lions: Argentina
The Lions tour is one of the biggest events in the rugby calendar, and we were treated to an enthralling encounter in Dublin against the Pumas. Argentina became the first team to beat the Lions in …
theanalysisguy.sport.blog
June 24, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The State of Origin series is a defining moment of the rugby league season. But how did the Blues claim the advantage in Suncorp Stadium?

From a variation in exit strategies and four well-taken scores, they seized the initiative.

Enjoy :)

theanalysisguy.sport.blog/2025/05/29/s...
How NSW’s Physical Edge and Calm Execution Secured a Game 1 Win
The biggest series in Rugby League got underway this weekend, with the Maroons and the Blues going to battle in Suncorp. It’s the 44th series between the two sides, and since 2020, the Queens…
theanalysisguy.sport.blog
May 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
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
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Man City 🤝 Ireland

Both teams who’s dominance was unquestioned and seemingly coming unstuck due to a more transitional version of the sport?
March 15, 2025 at 2:33 PM
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 :)
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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?
February 28, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Given recent news might be of interest to the Munster fans on here as well @thelooseh.bsky.social @threeredkings.bsky.social @overthehillprop.bsky.social
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
February 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
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
February 25, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Scotland flat attack on the edge attacking with low numbers into huge space - great try
Rather than adopting a two sided approach Scotland instead have looked to stretch teams under Townsend.

The use of a flat attack had mixed results against Ireland's aggressive defence but they will hope with more time on the ball against England.
February 22, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The return of the six nations is quickly approaching and it comes with rugby's most historic fixture. The Calcutta Cup!

But what can we learn from both England's and Scotland's last outing, and how might they go about their business on Saturday evening.

Enjoy!
February 20, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Spent some time looking over the six nations ahead of the weekend - these are some great examples of work rate from scrum halves off scrum defence

Showcases the change in defensive mentality, with teams looking to up the pressure at every opportunity.

Includes my play of the weekend by JGP.
February 19, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
Quick Look at Brakes try vs France in the Perth Svns Semi Final outstanding skills from the Black Ferns.

youtu.be/kEmH4f5fD18?...
The Anatomy of a Try: Brake vs France January 2025
YouTube video by The Dead Ball Area
youtu.be
February 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
What a try - Daly’s movement is just so good. (Look away French fans !!). Mitchell takes a huge risk/ref & touchie don’t spot him. #ENGvFRA
February 10, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
How are the Six Nations teams performing against bookmaker handicaps (sourced on the morning of the first game(s))?

England +8.5 (+1,+7.5)
France +7.5 (+15,-7.5)
Ireland +6.5 (-1,+7.5)
Italy +5 (+4,+1)
Scotland -11.5 (-4,-7.5)
Wales -16 (-15,-1)

Thanks to @rugbykino.bsky.social for the handicaps
February 10, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
This is outstanding from Carrick. Gives real insight into both sides kicking and defensive strategies.
I think France used a similar tactic to England on Friday night and it will cause Ireland problems.
The idea is to let Ireland run their patterns and allow the defenders time to read and react.
The Six Nations returned this week, and the latest iteration seems off to a flier.

Ireland started with an arm wrestle of a game until the bench made a pivotal difference but what else can we learn from their clash v England
February 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
A superb look at some of the tactics employed both sides of the ball by both teams.

Have a look, I *guarantee* that you'll learn something.
The Six Nations returned this week, and the latest iteration seems off to a flier.

Ireland started with an arm wrestle of a game until the bench made a pivotal difference but what else can we learn from their clash v England
February 5, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
This is excellent from Carrick
The Six Nations returned this week, and the latest iteration seems off to a flier.

Ireland started with an arm wrestle of a game until the bench made a pivotal difference but what else can we learn from their clash v England
February 5, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
Brilliant
The Six Nations returned this week, and the latest iteration seems off to a flier.

Ireland started with an arm wrestle of a game until the bench made a pivotal difference but what else can we learn from their clash v England
February 5, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
Fantastic piece of analysis by Carrick!
The Six Nations returned this week, and the latest iteration seems off to a flier.

Ireland started with an arm wrestle of a game until the bench made a pivotal difference but what else can we learn from their clash v England
February 5, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The Six Nations returned this week, and the latest iteration seems off to a flier.

Ireland started with an arm wrestle of a game until the bench made a pivotal difference but what else can we learn from their clash v England
February 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Had chance to have a glance at Northamptons win against Bath

Some interesting things to see as they combatted Baths press and some awesome launch plays

Enjoy

drive.google.com/file/d/1S6L9...
Saints v Bath Final.mov
drive.google.com
January 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM
This is a beauty - so nearly well defended by the 13 to double D but just gets beaten by some quick hands
January 5, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Weird game so far

Australia start so strong but Wales grinding back

A game so dependent on having the ball. Defence making few dents to momentum and attacks flowing

Superb game to watch though
November 17, 2024 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Carrick Blake
That was quick😅 Thanks for helping the account reach 1K! Here's some great rugby analysis accounts to follow:

@analysisguy0502.bsky.social
@j52wallusch.bsky.social
@rugbykino.bsky.social
@rugbycology.bsky.social
@thedeadballarea.bsky.social
@gddcoaching.bsky.social
@samlstandsup.bsky.social
November 12, 2024 at 5:29 PM