Graeme Forbes
@thedeadballarea.bsky.social
Graeme Forbes
Producing Rugby Analysis since 2014.
I'm the former Head Coach Jordan Men and Women's Rugby (Sevens and 15's).
Producing Rugby Analysis since 2014.
I'm the former Head Coach Jordan Men and Women's Rugby (Sevens and 15's).
Pinned
Ok, slightly late this week, as had a lot on but 6 Nations Squad Composition by Caps.
First Up England vs France (we'll come back to this).
1/
First Up England vs France (we'll come back to this).
1/
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
🌹England Rugby
Attack: Under Jones good to very good but began to decline 2021 - 2022. Improving again now under Borthwick.
BUT
Defence: Problems started in 2020 and increased to the point where Jones was sacked. Now as bad as it was in the days of Robinson/Ashton/Johnson.
#SixNations
Attack: Under Jones good to very good but began to decline 2021 - 2022. Improving again now under Borthwick.
BUT
Defence: Problems started in 2020 and increased to the point where Jones was sacked. Now as bad as it was in the days of Robinson/Ashton/Johnson.
#SixNations
February 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
🌹England Rugby
Attack: Under Jones good to very good but began to decline 2021 - 2022. Improving again now under Borthwick.
BUT
Defence: Problems started in 2020 and increased to the point where Jones was sacked. Now as bad as it was in the days of Robinson/Ashton/Johnson.
#SixNations
Attack: Under Jones good to very good but began to decline 2021 - 2022. Improving again now under Borthwick.
BUT
Defence: Problems started in 2020 and increased to the point where Jones was sacked. Now as bad as it was in the days of Robinson/Ashton/Johnson.
#SixNations
Took another look at some Svns play.
This time a set piece from Australia Women to put Dennis away for a cracker vs NZ.
https://youtu.be/nPGQz-fNnrI?si=7EHaD8rjE2kS7_Nn
This time a set piece from Australia Women to put Dennis away for a cracker vs NZ.
https://youtu.be/nPGQz-fNnrI?si=7EHaD8rjE2kS7_Nn
The Anatomy of a Try: Dennis vs New Zealand January 2025
YouTube video by The Dead Ball Area
youtu.be
February 16, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Took another look at some Svns play.
This time a set piece from Australia Women to put Dennis away for a cracker vs NZ.
https://youtu.be/nPGQz-fNnrI?si=7EHaD8rjE2kS7_Nn
This time a set piece from Australia Women to put Dennis away for a cracker vs NZ.
https://youtu.be/nPGQz-fNnrI?si=7EHaD8rjE2kS7_Nn
This is really worth following.
Analysis by Simon on the bookies accuracy vs the teams performance (kind of)..
Analysis by Simon on the bookies accuracy vs the teams performance (kind of)..
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
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 7:56 PM
This is really worth following.
Analysis by Simon on the bookies accuracy vs the teams performance (kind of)..
Analysis by Simon on the bookies accuracy vs the teams performance (kind of)..
Quick Look at Brakes try vs France in the Perth Svns Semi Final outstanding skills from the Black Ferns.
youtu.be/kEmH4f5fD18?...
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
Quick Look at Brakes try vs France in the Perth Svns Semi Final outstanding skills from the Black Ferns.
youtu.be/kEmH4f5fD18?...
youtu.be/kEmH4f5fD18?...
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
February 9, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
Rugby is trending away from multi-phase play and more towards starter plays. Against Italy, Wales had 17 line-outs from which to launch attacks. Here’s what happened at ever single one. 🧵
—
1. Italy disrupt, a few pick and goes, Wales kick
—
1. Italy disrupt, a few pick and goes, Wales kick
February 9, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Rugby is trending away from multi-phase play and more towards starter plays. Against Italy, Wales had 17 line-outs from which to launch attacks. Here’s what happened at ever single one. 🧵
—
1. Italy disrupt, a few pick and goes, Wales kick
—
1. Italy disrupt, a few pick and goes, Wales kick
Ok, slightly late this week, as had a lot on but 6 Nations Squad Composition by Caps.
First Up England vs France (we'll come back to this).
1/
First Up England vs France (we'll come back to this).
1/
February 9, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Ok, slightly late this week, as had a lot on but 6 Nations Squad Composition by Caps.
First Up England vs France (we'll come back to this).
1/
First Up England vs France (we'll come back to this).
1/
Non-Rugby. My good friend Darren Aka Syon Ward put out his LP, Last Sane Man, and 50 digital copies are going free.
If you like techno and electronica it might be your thing...
If you like techno and electronica it might be your thing...
TEN'SHUN! I've setup a promo bot to give away 50 copies of my Last Sane Man EP over on Bandcamp. To get a unique code that'll get you the whole EP for free, just email darren@motiveunknown.com with Last Sane Man as the subject of your email. You'll then get a promo code mailed back. Enjoy!!
February 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Non-Rugby. My good friend Darren Aka Syon Ward put out his LP, Last Sane Man, and 50 digital copies are going free.
If you like techno and electronica it might be your thing...
If you like techno and electronica it might be your thing...
Shane Williams... there has to be numbers, someone needs to step up and say right let's have 2 passes and have a go!
Getting paid for that sh*te!
Getting paid for that sh*te!
February 8, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Shane Williams... there has to be numbers, someone needs to step up and say right let's have 2 passes and have a go!
Getting paid for that sh*te!
Getting paid for that sh*te!
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
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
Fantastic piece of analysis by Carrick!
Full Contact.... the "conversational interviews" are appaling.
Just ask a question, and let them answer dont pretend they are sat with their partner chatting like this....
Awful!
Just ask a question, and let them answer dont pretend they are sat with their partner chatting like this....
Awful!
February 4, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Full Contact.... the "conversational interviews" are appaling.
Just ask a question, and let them answer dont pretend they are sat with their partner chatting like this....
Awful!
Just ask a question, and let them answer dont pretend they are sat with their partner chatting like this....
Awful!
Not gonna lie, Fantastic 4 trailer looks great.
How i hoped it would look.
How i hoped it would look.
February 4, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Not gonna lie, Fantastic 4 trailer looks great.
How i hoped it would look.
How i hoped it would look.
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
Why join?
Recently awarded 2024/25 Outstanding Club of the Year (Balbriggan Town Awards) & 2025 Club of the Year for Inclusivity (Fingal Sports Awards).
• 6-week Mini member: €10!
• 50% off new Youth/Adult membership!
• Bring a friend: 20% subs back!
Call Jeff: 0857245733
Recently awarded 2024/25 Outstanding Club of the Year (Balbriggan Town Awards) & 2025 Club of the Year for Inclusivity (Fingal Sports Awards).
• 6-week Mini member: €10!
• 50% off new Youth/Adult membership!
• Bring a friend: 20% subs back!
Call Jeff: 0857245733
January 31, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Why join?
Recently awarded 2024/25 Outstanding Club of the Year (Balbriggan Town Awards) & 2025 Club of the Year for Inclusivity (Fingal Sports Awards).
• 6-week Mini member: €10!
• 50% off new Youth/Adult membership!
• Bring a friend: 20% subs back!
Call Jeff: 0857245733
Recently awarded 2024/25 Outstanding Club of the Year (Balbriggan Town Awards) & 2025 Club of the Year for Inclusivity (Fingal Sports Awards).
• 6-week Mini member: €10!
• 50% off new Youth/Adult membership!
• Bring a friend: 20% subs back!
Call Jeff: 0857245733
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
#AutumnNationsSeries kicking statistics
792 kicks in 18 games
Most frequently used kick? Yes, that's right, the box-kick: 290 (37%)
But there's one huge surprise, marking perhaps a possible shift in exit strategy. The @springboks.bsky.social haven't contributed much. #Georgia, however
1/
792 kicks in 18 games
Most frequently used kick? Yes, that's right, the box-kick: 290 (37%)
But there's one huge surprise, marking perhaps a possible shift in exit strategy. The @springboks.bsky.social haven't contributed much. #Georgia, however
1/
January 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM
#AutumnNationsSeries kicking statistics
792 kicks in 18 games
Most frequently used kick? Yes, that's right, the box-kick: 290 (37%)
But there's one huge surprise, marking perhaps a possible shift in exit strategy. The @springboks.bsky.social haven't contributed much. #Georgia, however
1/
792 kicks in 18 games
Most frequently used kick? Yes, that's right, the box-kick: 290 (37%)
But there's one huge surprise, marking perhaps a possible shift in exit strategy. The @springboks.bsky.social haven't contributed much. #Georgia, however
1/
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
You won't find better kicking stats and analysis than Jacek's.
#AutumnNationsSeries kicking statistics
792 kicks in 18 games
Most frequently used kick? Yes, that's right, the box-kick: 290 (37%)
But there's one huge surprise, marking perhaps a possible shift in exit strategy. The @springboks.bsky.social haven't contributed much. #Georgia, however
1/
792 kicks in 18 games
Most frequently used kick? Yes, that's right, the box-kick: 290 (37%)
But there's one huge surprise, marking perhaps a possible shift in exit strategy. The @springboks.bsky.social haven't contributed much. #Georgia, however
1/
January 31, 2025 at 2:55 PM
You won't find better kicking stats and analysis than Jacek's.
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
Ben Curry and Ben Earl have taken precisely zero line-outs between them this season for their clubs.
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
The ‘impossible’ line-out move England can turn on against Ireland
One suspects Steve Borthwick’s side will have to be squeaky clean with this intricate tactic during Six Nations
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 31, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Ben Curry and Ben Earl have taken precisely zero line-outs between them this season for their clubs.
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
Spoke to some referees about refereeing Maro Itoje and what sort of England captain he will be.
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Maro Itoje will be an upgrade as England captain, according to referees
Despite a mild-mannered persona, the Saracens lock has a reputation for playing risk and reward with officials
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Spoke to some referees about refereeing Maro Itoje and what sort of England captain he will be.
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
My preview of the 2025 Six Nations. Have a read, so you can make fun of my predictions when they're all proved badly wrong in a few weeks.
hugomongoose.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/s...
hugomongoose.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/s...
Six Nations 2025 Preview
We head into the 2025 Six Nations at a fascinating time for Europe’s top international sides. Ireland are back-to-back champions but seem to be struggling for form and fluency; France look ba…
hugomongoose.wordpress.com
January 27, 2025 at 9:25 AM
My preview of the 2025 Six Nations. Have a read, so you can make fun of my predictions when they're all proved badly wrong in a few weeks.
hugomongoose.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/s...
hugomongoose.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/s...
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
Before #GuinnessM6N kicks off, I'll have something for you
Detailed kicking statistics from #AutumnNationsSeries based on nearly 800 kicks analysed
1. Kicking profiles: contestable %, 50/22, under pressure and much more
2. Brand new aerial contest database as #Tableau dashboard
Detailed kicking statistics from #AutumnNationsSeries based on nearly 800 kicks analysed
1. Kicking profiles: contestable %, 50/22, under pressure and much more
2. Brand new aerial contest database as #Tableau dashboard
January 31, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Before #GuinnessM6N kicks off, I'll have something for you
Detailed kicking statistics from #AutumnNationsSeries based on nearly 800 kicks analysed
1. Kicking profiles: contestable %, 50/22, under pressure and much more
2. Brand new aerial contest database as #Tableau dashboard
Detailed kicking statistics from #AutumnNationsSeries based on nearly 800 kicks analysed
1. Kicking profiles: contestable %, 50/22, under pressure and much more
2. Brand new aerial contest database as #Tableau dashboard
So head to head this is how the squads stack up for Round One of the 6Nations.
Bigger and higher equals more caps, you can see the clusters of caps where teams maybe have many mid-tier cap experience.
Here France vs Wales.
1/
Bigger and higher equals more caps, you can see the clusters of caps where teams maybe have many mid-tier cap experience.
Here France vs Wales.
1/
January 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
So head to head this is how the squads stack up for Round One of the 6Nations.
Bigger and higher equals more caps, you can see the clusters of caps where teams maybe have many mid-tier cap experience.
Here France vs Wales.
1/
Bigger and higher equals more caps, you can see the clusters of caps where teams maybe have many mid-tier cap experience.
Here France vs Wales.
1/
Mens 6 Nations Kicks off with France vs Wales.
For Round one: Ireland will field the most experienced Squad with 1190 caps between them. Scotland the next with 842m followed by Italy with 739, England - 649, Wales - 628 and France at the back with 544.
1/
For Round one: Ireland will field the most experienced Squad with 1190 caps between them. Scotland the next with 842m followed by Italy with 739, England - 649, Wales - 628 and France at the back with 544.
1/
January 31, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Mens 6 Nations Kicks off with France vs Wales.
For Round one: Ireland will field the most experienced Squad with 1190 caps between them. Scotland the next with 842m followed by Italy with 739, England - 649, Wales - 628 and France at the back with 544.
1/
For Round one: Ireland will field the most experienced Squad with 1190 caps between them. Scotland the next with 842m followed by Italy with 739, England - 649, Wales - 628 and France at the back with 544.
1/
Jordie Barrett really has been excellent since joining Leinster.
Easy to overlook how good he is at international level but the fact he stands out in a team like this tells you everything.
Easy to overlook how good he is at international level but the fact he stands out in a team like this tells you everything.
January 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Jordie Barrett really has been excellent since joining Leinster.
Easy to overlook how good he is at international level but the fact he stands out in a team like this tells you everything.
Easy to overlook how good he is at international level but the fact he stands out in a team like this tells you everything.
Zebo on co-Comms is exceptionally bad.
/theend
/theend
January 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Zebo on co-Comms is exceptionally bad.
/theend
/theend
Reposted by Graeme Forbes
My take for @dailymaverick
ahead of the final round of the Champions Cup pool phase, where SA teams are scrapping for survival rather gunning for home advantage in the playoffs.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
ahead of the final round of the Champions Cup pool phase, where SA teams are scrapping for survival rather gunning for home advantage in the playoffs.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
SA’s Champions Cup prospects on the rocks
South African clubs may have already blown their chances of advancing to the latter stages of the Champions Cup and contending for the title itself.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 17, 2025 at 5:09 AM
My take for @dailymaverick
ahead of the final round of the Champions Cup pool phase, where SA teams are scrapping for survival rather gunning for home advantage in the playoffs.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
ahead of the final round of the Champions Cup pool phase, where SA teams are scrapping for survival rather gunning for home advantage in the playoffs.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...