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...

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...

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

Man City 🤝 Ireland Both teams who’s dominance was unquestioned and seemingly coming unstuck due to a more transitional version of the sport?

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 :)

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?

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

Scotland flat attack on the edge attacking with low numbers into huge space - great try

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!

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.

Quick Look at Brakes try vs France in the Perth Svns Semi Final outstanding skills from the Black Ferns. youtu.be/kEmH4f5fD18?...

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

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

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.

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.

This is excellent from Carrick

Brilliant

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

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...

This is a beauty - so nearly well defended by the 13 to double D but just gets beaten by some quick hands

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

Glad to see my fellow #bajad8ta #rugby analysts joining the #BlueSky @thedeadballarea.bsky.social @simongleave.bsky.social @analysisguy0502.bsky.social @samlstandsup.bsky.social @rugbycology.bsky.social @gddcoaching.bsky.social @ekrugby.bsky.social @rugbykino.bsky.social

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

Using Oval data I have taken a look at some of the most impressive defences of the season so far with both Benetton and Munster conceding under 125 points so far in the URC Whats remarkable is they have done it using two different approaches. Enjoy :) theanalysisguy.sport.blog/2023/12/22/f...

Been playing around with more Oval data This time examining Long Side attack Toulouse are effective when attacking the long side of the pitch, while Zebre explore shortside most frequently. Interesting to see a ProD2 cluster for less effective long side dominant teams.

Using Oval Insights we can clearly see the benefits of playing into wide channels. Use of layers becoming even more important for teams as they look to stretch the field of play - thread on the other place - with Scarlets a great example from the URC (even if their tight game is struggling).

Friday Brain Teaser For You: Which team in the European leagues this season has averaged the most sacks? Sacks = Tackles behind the gain line, on phases with exactly 1 pass and played no wider than 7 metres. 💣💣

Beginning to experiment with measuring width and other attributes of individual phases. The list posted last night showed those sides which played the highest proportion of wide_wide (over 40m of width) phases this season. But who do you think is most effective?

A first little challenge for you all on this new platform What metric are these the Top 10 sides in across Europe this season Hint: It concerns their attacking style

A first little challenge for you all on this new platform What metric are these the Top 10 sides in across Europe this season Hint: It concerns their attacking style

A little bit of rugby stats digging for you. For every metre of width you play with, you gain on avg 0.55 a metre in ground.

Great stuff from Ek

I might have a bit of free time coming up Is there anything that has caught your eyes in the Pro game recently or an area of the game that would be interesting for a deep dive?

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Well hello there Looks like the community is starting to grow Any recommendations on who to follow welcome #Rugby