Carrick Blake
@analysisguy0502.bsky.social
Head Analyst at Pontypool RFC
Contributor to #Bajad8ta
Contributor to #Bajad8ta
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
Whether this will catch on will be interesting to follow though the use of the leg, does offer a possible chance at improved outcomes
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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
Whether this will catch on will be interesting to follow though the use of the leg, does offer a possible chance at improved outcomes
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.
This makes sense trying to avoid yellows while disrupt a pass and leave just enough body in front to tackle the opponent.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
This makes sense trying to avoid yellows while disrupt a pass and leave just enough body in front to tackle the opponent.
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
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
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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
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
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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!
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!
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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!
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!
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
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
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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
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
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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
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
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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
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
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
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.
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?
Ireland did get a few but, the vast majority relied on pressure from territory.
As the game becomes more transitional, can they adapt?
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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?
Ireland did get a few but, the vast majority relied on pressure from territory.
As the game becomes more transitional, can they adapt?
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.
To underpin 20% of their tries came from turnover while Ireland didn't manage 1.
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
To underpin 20% of their tries came from turnover while Ireland didn't manage 1.
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
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
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
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
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 :)
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 :)
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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 :)
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 :)
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.
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.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
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.
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.
Notice that the support runners are flooding ready for the pass not just the ruck.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
Notice that the support runners are flooding ready for the pass not just the ruck.
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.
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.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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.
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.