Carrick Blake
@analysisguy0502.bsky.social
Head Analyst at Pontypool RFC
Contributor to #Bajad8ta
Contributor to #Bajad8ta
these are excellent - as a non-hockey fan do you have an explainer for the graphic and why those particular stats are important
October 8, 2025 at 6:22 AM
these are excellent - as a non-hockey fan do you have an explainer for the graphic and why those particular stats are important
@rugbynewsplus.bsky.social and @rugbykino.bsky.social are good ones. Kino has some decent lists made up.
April 8, 2025 at 9:15 PM
@rugbynewsplus.bsky.social and @rugbykino.bsky.social are good ones. Kino has some decent lists made up.
No worries thanks for taking the time
March 20, 2025 at 3:42 PM
No worries thanks for taking the time
Well I hope you have enjoyed this dive down the rabbit hole that was the 2025 Six Nations
From Super Pods to Flying Squirrels a tournament full of continual innovations.
While we also saw France nail their adaptation to the highly transitional arc that rugby is travelling down in impressive style!
From Super Pods to Flying Squirrels a tournament full of continual innovations.
While we also saw France nail their adaptation to the highly transitional arc that rugby is travelling down in impressive style!
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Well I hope you have enjoyed this dive down the rabbit hole that was the 2025 Six Nations
From Super Pods to Flying Squirrels a tournament full of continual innovations.
While we also saw France nail their adaptation to the highly transitional arc that rugby is travelling down in impressive style!
From Super Pods to Flying Squirrels a tournament full of continual innovations.
While we also saw France nail their adaptation to the highly transitional arc that rugby is travelling down in impressive style!
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.
Theme Number One
We saw France win the title, overcoming defeat to England and putting on a resounding display in Dublin.
But what set France and Ireland in particular apart?
We saw France win the title, overcoming defeat to England and putting on a resounding display in Dublin.
But what set France and Ireland in particular apart?
March 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Theme Number One
We saw France win the title, overcoming defeat to England and putting on a resounding display in Dublin.
But what set France and Ireland in particular apart?
We saw France win the title, overcoming defeat to England and putting on a resounding display in Dublin.
But what set France and Ireland in particular apart?
In the loose manner I follow football seems to me that they’ve still got their possession based hyper structured game while other sides are becoming more reliant on counter attacks and winning through more chaos.
March 16, 2025 at 2:23 PM
In the loose manner I follow football seems to me that they’ve still got their possession based hyper structured game while other sides are becoming more reliant on counter attacks and winning through more chaos.