Effective attacking strategies in rugby union

Abstract

Evasive change-of-direction manoeuvres (agility skills) are a fundamental ability in rugby union. In this study, we explored the attributes of agility skill execution as they relate to effective attacking strategies in rugby union. Seven Super 14 games were coded using variables that assessed team patterns and individual movement characteristics during attacking ball carries. The results indicated that tackle-breaks are a key determinant of try-scoring ability and team success in rugby union. The ability of the attacking ball carrier to receive the ball at high speed with at least two body lengths from the defence line against an isolated defender promoted tackle-breaks. Furthermore, the execution of a side-step evasive manoeuvre at a change of direction angle of 20Á608 and a distance of one to two body lengths from the defence, and then straightening the running line following the initial direction change at an angle of 20Á608, was associated with tackle-breaks. This study provides critical insight regarding the attributes of agility skill execution that are associated with effective ball carries in rugby union.

Situational coupling at the ruck and its effects on phase momentum and success in international men’s and women’s rugby sevens

“…The third and fourth players in the formation are required to stand deeper than any other players due to the laws of rugby requiring passes to be thrown backwards. When the players at depth receive the ball they should have the time and space to reach maximal speed (Wheeler et al, 2010). Further analysis revealed that passing three or more times in men's rugby sevens and four or more times in women's rugby sevens was associated with positive phases.…”

“…The two players positioned furthest from the ruck are used to attack the defensive line, while the two players positioned closest to the ruck act as ball distributors. This tactic may be associated with higher running speeds (Wheeler et al, 2010) due to the depth and distance from the defensive line of the third and fourth players compared with the first two players in the formation. The third and fourth players in the formation are required to stand deeper than any other players due to the laws of rugby requiring passes to be thrown backwards.…”

“…Higher passing numbers from this formation would likely involve changes of direction in the attack. Changes of direction and running angles have previously been associated with tackle breaks and positive phases (Wheeler et al, 2010). Midfield rucks with 2&2 formations could also utilise loop passes to create an extra passing option or inside passes to change the direction of attack.…”

“…To develop positive phases, midfield rucks with 2&2 formations tend to rely on the initial receiver aiming to reach a fixation point over the gain line (Passos, Araújo, Davids, & Shuttleworth, 2008). This requires the first receiver to attempt to attack an isolated defender (Wheeler et al, 2010) with the goal of crossing the gain line. Rucks with a 2&2 formation also provide the attacking team with two equal directions of attacking opportunities.…”

The Effect of Ball Carrying on the Sprinting Speed of International Rugby Union Players

“…One key difference in sprinting performances between a track and field sprinter and a rugby union player is the requirement of rugby players to run fast, while also carrying a rugby ball. Ball carrying is an essential skill for rugby players because tackle breaks are a key element of game play that discriminates winning and losing teams [2,3]. An important aspect of producing tackle breaks in rugby is the speed in which ball carriers carry the ball towards the defensive line [3,4]; players must be fast while carrying a ball.…”