So why do teams kick so much in modern rugby?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
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    We've all heard the complaints. We've all tried to field questions from a mate wondering why teams stick the ball on the boot so often. And we've all heard commentators scream as a side kick whilst in the attacking ascendancy. And yet it's impossible to play attacking rugby in 2022 without booting the ball. So why do teams kick, what are some common modern tactics, and what should you be looking out for to get the most out of a kicking exchange?
    If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , so I can be a kick myself

ความคิดเห็น • 411

  • @waynemurray5084
    @waynemurray5084 ปีที่แล้ว +385

    This video is silently sponsored by Faf De Klerk and Springbok management.

    • @Woolfie902
      @Woolfie902 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      🤣😂🤣

    • @kylelouw7875
      @kylelouw7875 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      As a Springbok fan this is still hilarious 🤣🤣

    • @waynemurray5084
      @waynemurray5084 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @Hamish Banish It wasn't mockery. I'll be a Bok fan until my casket drops.

    • @MrPoepope
      @MrPoepope ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @Hamish Banish don’t be so sensitive it was a joke lol - by a bok supporter.

    • @happyChappy96621
      @happyChappy96621 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @Hamish Banish it’s a joke you absolutely melt

  • @Josh-ze6xo
    @Josh-ze6xo ปีที่แล้ว +5

    the hatred for kicking has always confused me

  • @pietjanjou1398
    @pietjanjou1398 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. Only Australia and NZ hates this kicking game. Cause of the league bias, which actually kick every 6th tackle, lol. Kicking was always at the heart of rugby.

  • @ieuanreynoldsrocks
    @ieuanreynoldsrocks ปีที่แล้ว

    I can hear Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies crying somewhere about how teams are kicking too much or kicking wrong lol. I love this video, thanks again SQUIDGE for a great video.

  • @jasonpickens9839
    @jasonpickens9839 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. I'm convinced. Now if you can create one on why legalised obstruction, sorry I mean mauling, is not boring and a broken rule then you will have truly outdone yourself.

  • @jeanvansittert8814
    @jeanvansittert8814 ปีที่แล้ว

    So, I HATE kicking in rugby. But after watching this video, you have changed my mindset to try and embrace it. Like I see it I have two options. Embrace it or watch another sport. Its just how the game evolved.

  • @eddiewatson2415
    @eddiewatson2415 ปีที่แล้ว +618

    this is fantastic. why have i had to wait through 10 years of commentators bemoaning 'kick tennis' for someone to stand up and explain what is actually going on? i genuinely think this video might transform my appreciation of the game. thank you!

  • @oulurugby8325
    @oulurugby8325 ปีที่แล้ว +157

    "Haha, that pitch looks a lot like ours in that aerial footage. And those jerseys. And the opponent's jerseys. Wait, what is going on?!?!?" Well, being featured on a Squidge Rugby video is definitely our greatest achievement so far! Thanks for throwing in some grassroots rugby from the northernmost club in Finland!

  • @Paul-wd4uy
    @Paul-wd4uy ปีที่แล้ว +65

    The fact you have made a 24 minute video on how kicking isn’t boring is just fantastic

  • @PyroManSir
    @PyroManSir ปีที่แล้ว +126

    Seriously appreciate how much work you put into making every aspect of rugby enjoyable! All the commentators and pundits should watch this, and then add a kicking coach to their teams.

  • @gordon1545
    @gordon1545 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    When I was learning rugby as a teenager at Cartha Queens Park in Glasgow in the early 90s we were sometimes invited to go down to the club on hot Saturdays in summer for kicking practice. I was a big lumpy lock but it was for everyone. You weren't allowed to run, only walk; you could only kick from where you picked up or caught the ball. The idea was to push the other team back until you could kick it over their goal line.
    Only many years later did I realise the genius of what I thought was just a fun pastime for days too hot for training. Our appreciation for the tactical kicking game, for where to find holes and how to plug your own, was excellent.
    I've no idea if other clubs did this but I think it was indicative of how Cartha moved up several tiers in the following couple of decades, to the second tier where they stand today.

    • @1112-g1x
      @1112-g1x ปีที่แล้ว +3

      SHit does it gt tht hot in scotland ? and tht game is called force back

  • @callummorris7771
    @callummorris7771 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Interesting how France focuses on precision as they have two of best kickers, but South Africa focuses on disorder as they have the 2 of the best chasers. This video was massively enlightening, thanks!

  • @FantasticIrishFox
    @FantasticIrishFox ปีที่แล้ว +40

    Would love to see more content like this. It really helps further my own knowledge of rugby

  • @dooker15
    @dooker15 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    I feel kicking has a bad connotation to it because 10-15 years ago, a lot of kicking was kind of aimless. (same way the topic of the breakdown was dull until...) in the last few years its been properly looked at and strategized so that each kick has a defined purpose. Loved this video, really does enough to explain just how important kicking has become (always was) and how to better realise what kicks we're seeing happen in the game and the likely aim the kicker is trying to achieve.

    • @paulrobinson8704
      @paulrobinson8704 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, I seem to recall the complaints about kicking exploded around the time of the ELVs being implemented and not working as intended.

    • @Alfonzridesagain
      @Alfonzridesagain ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very true, you used to have punts for touch, chips ahead, grabbers and up and unders - basically either kicking for territory or kicking to regather the ball in attack. Now tactical kicking is much more sophisticated and a generation of pundits have not caught up.

    • @1oscarbravo
      @1oscarbravo ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Nah. Kicking has always been tactical. Just that you never noticed before.

    • @Alfonzridesagain
      @Alfonzridesagain ปีที่แล้ว

      @@1oscarbravo What are you talking about? I know that, I was representing the view of annoying boomer pundits who don't get that

    • @dgrahamwithers604
      @dgrahamwithers604 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@1oscarbravo fair to say that not all kicking tactics actually fed a strategy, no?

  • @mrwhiteshorts
    @mrwhiteshorts ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Well explained. I used to play rugby 28,29 years ago but i was crap. You made that make a lot of sense, so as i watch a 6n game over 3hrs youve allowed me, and other numpties like me comprehend what we are watching. Thanks again Sir. m

  • @paulbismuth10
    @paulbismuth10 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    I love how Squidge mixes both guys and girls game in his videos. Also i learned a lot with this one.
    I can also confim that Galthié first reason for selecting his 15 is the length and quality of the player's kick (Jaminet, Ramos...).

    • @nathjones77
      @nathjones77 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      and mixed in, it is hard to tell at first sight (at least from wide angle) which is which. 👍

    • @paulbismuth10
      @paulbismuth10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@nathjones77 from wide angles it must be tough i know ( almost same height and built ).😂

    • @rek1827
      @rek1827 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And maybe also why he didn't stick with Dulin, who's the most classy FB of the lot, but also the weakest kicker.

    • @jean-michel.a
      @jean-michel.a ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I too appreciate the mix of male and female players to demonstrate the importance of a good kicking game

    • @paulbismuth10
      @paulbismuth10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rek1827 it's a shame for Dullin, he's a wonderful counter attack player, like the stereotypical full back with (french) flair. But you're right his kicking must be too weak compared to what Galthié would like. Also Dullin takes risks from the 22 and nowadays it doesn't work with the team game plan.

  • @samrowe8752
    @samrowe8752 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    It should be a requirement for every dad/pub man to watch this video before the WC

  • @johnleo2668
    @johnleo2668 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    It's also difficult to see how "kick tennis" works to the average spectator when the camera pans with the ball and you cannot see positioning of the players sitting back out of frame.
    Also this is very difficult to train at club level because you will have four props yelling at you after three volleys.

    • @kobusg7460
      @kobusg7460 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting comment. As "not much of a fan of soccer", I found the same with soccer some years ago: I was privileged enough to watch Bayern-Munich vs Barcelona live. I was amazed by some serious long-distance clever passing and the amount of running off-the-ball by soccer-players (each minute of a game) so as "to get into position" / fob an opponent. Having only seen soccer on TV up to then, a whole new perspective opened (same as yours): "[Watching soccer on TV], it's difficult to see how "kick tennis" works to the average soccer-spectator when the camera pans with the ball and you cannot see positioning of the players out of frame." It gave me respect (which I never had before) for soccer-players' fitness and planning / scheming. So now when I watch soccer on TV (i.e. basically only at World Cup) I have respect and a much better inkling of what is happening "off-camera".

    • @21cup
      @21cup ปีที่แล้ว

      100% agree, it's all about getting them out of position and if all you can see is a zoom in, you're not going to see that. I used to watch Top 14 a lot and they kicked all the time so you could see it super clearly.

  • @adamb9931
    @adamb9931 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    it takes a special kind of talent to combine this much insight into such a well edited package. not only is the info critical, but the rhythm of the cut used to deliver it. smashing.

  • @Forest9528
    @Forest9528 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    I don't get why people think kicking is boring because I personally find it very entertaining. Only time I don't like kicking is when it's constantly going back and forth for like 5 minutes but otherwise I'm pretty cool with it

    • @Chaz4543
      @Chaz4543 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Whats boring is storming down the field and being forced to stop all your momentum and have to kick the ball away because its the 6th tackle. Thats a reason why Rugby Union is superior. Storming down the field trying to get over the try line when youre oh so close is very exciting to watch. Being forced to chip kick it or kick it straight up and often resulting in a turnover and no points in League is equally as boring IMO.

    • @Jamie-ye7fu
      @Jamie-ye7fu ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Chaz4543 This would make sense if Union didn't have fewer average phases per possession than League does despite having no tackle count. The difference is we kick to attack, you kick because it's better to defend in their 40 than have the ball in your own 40.

    • @Chaz4543
      @Chaz4543 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Jamie-ye7fu If youre close to the tryline and you have to kick after the 6th tackle thats not kicking to attack, thats kicking because you are forced to kick. 9/10 times it fails so I dont see how its a attack move. Its literally a desperation move/kick.
      I hear so many people say NFL/American football fans would like League better but NFL/American football you get more downs and get to keep on going if you get enough yards. League isnt like that so I would think Americans would have trouble understanding why they cant get more than 6 possessions and are forced to kick it away.

    • @Jamie-ye7fu
      @Jamie-ye7fu ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Chaz4543 you kick to force a repeat set or to start your defensive set in a good position. same idea as behind union except there's actually variance in kicks. in the 2019 Union World Cup, the most expansive ever, it had the highest average number of phases per possession than all its predecessors and it was still only 3.0 on the dot so you can all moan at being "forced" to kick after the 5th play the ball in league when on average you don't even get through half of that in your game. not that every team does just kick, some might run it and prefer to handover the ball close to the try line than risk kicking it dead for an optional kick, and others might contest a bomb, a grubber, a lateral, etc. people talk about league as though the biggest difference is the tackle count when it's not, it's the tackle itself. the count came 50 years after the play-the-ball as a consequence of the tackle

    • @Jamie-ye7fu
      @Jamie-ye7fu ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Chaz4542 As for NFL, they only have 11 minutes of action in a 3 hour slot so ye tbf I don't disagree, they would probably understand union a lot better.

  • @sirfrancis6058
    @sirfrancis6058 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Was fully expecting to see Ntamack's in goal bit of magic in this video. Started to worry I wouldn't see it.
    But Squidge is like Ntamack's hair, always reliable.

  • @jamesonevers3262
    @jamesonevers3262 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Since finding this channel, I have completely changed from some that doesn't like kicking to someone that now would kick at every opportunity

  • @retlwiz
    @retlwiz ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've always preferred a bit of "kick tennis" to the endless running it and running into a brick wall you often get without kicking. Close range pushover tries, like the ones you mostly see in the Premiership these days have now become the staple of boring rugby, imv.

  • @pbtyrrell
    @pbtyrrell ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I have been watching this channel for a number of years. This is the first time I have commented; absolutely fantastic work. Well done Squidge. The idea of educating casual fans to enjoy something that is often maligned is a tight rope of a topic. You nailed it! Great job!

  • @benkratz4320
    @benkratz4320 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Superb video ! With the new 50-22 rule I always wondered why it wasn't so common in the game ?

    • @jasonpickens9839
      @jasonpickens9839 ปีที่แล้ว

      Because your forwards would smash you in the sheds at half time for making them run around so much 🤣

  • @seanm7445
    @seanm7445 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    A great explanation video!
    Here’s a relevant example from recently:
    In our tag rugby league I’m recognised as ‘the kicker’.
    There was this one game where we were on last play, and the ball gets passed to me.
    The defender shouts ‘He’s going to kick and chase it’ (which I had been planning on doing) except half their team drops back to cover the backfield, leaving their defensive line with more holes than swiss cheese!
    Easiest 50meter dash I ever made, simply because they knew we could kick!

    • @Minimoimaximus
      @Minimoimaximus ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @sumboi2321 And when you're saying Swiss cheese you're thinking Gruyère or Emmental (who have holes). But what is terrifying with Hogg, Capuozzo, or Dupont, is that they could make that run through Comté or Tome (who don't have holes) as long as the slice is thin enough. They run when your defense doesn't even have holes yet but just has become a bit thinner than it was.

    • @samlwb
      @samlwb ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Minimoimaximus delicious

    • @gordon1545
      @gordon1545 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's a big part of Scotland's recent relative success - you have to decide how much to cover the back field for Finn's kicks, but take the risk of Hogg, wee Darcy and VDM running through you. Ireland have coped well with it but England have notably failed.

    • @tsherwood2112
      @tsherwood2112 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Minimoimaximus You're just making me hungry

    • @Jeffisawesome536
      @Jeffisawesome536 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      What tag rugby if you dont mind me asking

  • @hyprz5
    @hyprz5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Great informative video! Would be nice to have a series on different areas of the game like this. This will be really helpful for introducing rugby to new people

  • @damienfayant8775
    @damienfayant8775 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ahah, well not entirely convinced. As a french, I thought the kicking game was sometimes boring, and not necessarily good. Plus I told myself "we look like england", almost threw up my frog and snail sandwich

  • @siphesihlejanuary6198
    @siphesihlejanuary6198 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I remember a time when SA were eing hammered for kicking too much, but now surprisingly its key to the game but no credit given to SA for revolutionizing a small part of the game.

  • @neverbrokeagainjohnny8228
    @neverbrokeagainjohnny8228 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    GREAT VIDEO, loved it. Especially (as an italy fan) the quick analisis of the kick against Australia (Lamaro is great ).

    • @jean-michel.a
      @jean-michel.a ปีที่แล้ว

      The victory of Italy over Wales was also the result of a superior kicking game.

  • @Frodanatee
    @Frodanatee ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Fab video. Love the old offloads and all, but a great kicking tussle is great too. But will definitely be keeping an eye out for some of the things you pointed out. Its going to enhance my watching for sure. Well done - your videos are great, but i thought this one was particularly so.

  • @mateiyu-4082
    @mateiyu-4082 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    All right, here goes. I've enjoyed most of your videos, and this one was long overdue. As a casual but passionate rugby fan, I had not much of an idea of the importance and real impact of kicking, and now I think I'm beginning to get it. I actually found myself trying to analyze the kicking in the France - Ireland, Wales - Scotland and England - Italy games (can't wait for your input on that so I can compare it with my own xD).
    Thanks mate, you gave me a whole new appreciation for the game I love ! ^^

  • @RayWellsEllensburg
    @RayWellsEllensburg ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Having finally caught up on this video, I was struck by a few things:
    1) People complain about kicking in rugby, despite the sport being rugby union *football*
    2) Some of those complaints are because of the fruitless kicking that happened late in the amateur era -- the era of 10-man rugby (I'm looking at you, Rob Andrew -- but not exclusively).
    3) Modern kicking helps create space, in some of the same ways that the midfield maul and 6-7 man ruck -- and lack of substitutions -- used to
    4) There's a comparison between the balance of kicking and running in modern rugby and the balance of running and passing in the gridiron game. In gridiron, pass-heavy teams still need a ground game, or the defense will focus on the receivers; and run-heavy teams need to pass to keep running lanes open. Kicking in modern rugby helps keep the running lanes open for the attack.

  • @malibongwenkunkuma1343
    @malibongwenkunkuma1343 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    The rugby world needs you more than ever! Please continue with your work! The sport is growing exponentially ❤

  • @finlays3minutedebate
    @finlays3minutedebate ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Such an amazing insight into the kicking game. You say that this is only scratching the surface but I would love for you to gouge your way through any subjects like this that you can. You're making the game more accessable and enjoyable to the viewer, thank you.

  • @joedubsnwubs
    @joedubsnwubs ปีที่แล้ว +2

    People forget rugby originated from football, a sport solely based around kicking

  • @derekmiddleton6237
    @derekmiddleton6237 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great to learn more about this side of the game. Appreciate all the work you put in to your videos. On the subject of kicking, why is so little use made of the drop goal these days, or indeed ever? Seems such a useful way of racking up some points when tries are so hard to come by. Would love to hear your thoughts on that.

    • @maverickmak
      @maverickmak ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Probably because its quite difficult, and relatively low percentage. There's a good chance you're going to give up a lot of ground from a 22, or put yourself under pressure if the defence is ready. Higher percentage play is to keep the ball, play for 3 points, or kick a la this video. Going for the dropgoal on advantage also almost feels like a waste. I don't think enough players are good enough at it these days to make it particularly viable, and why it is still the most satisfying way to win a match at the death.

  • @Mojo16011973
    @Mojo16011973 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I feel the the 50:22 will be huge this RWC and has been sandbagged up to now. We might see more of it in this 6ns.

  • @jasonkraus2831
    @jasonkraus2831 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The kicking game is a bit like some WW2 battles, like Midway, where you are trying to understand where your enemy is, where you can project power, and how to get your opponent off balance or at enough of a disadvantage to the point where a well placed shot gets you to your goal. Love your analysis and totally agree about your view on kicking. Instead of 'kick tennis' a smart commentator would start talking about winning that chess match the same way the try to make scrummaging like chess when it's not even checkers - more like Connect 4 to me.

  • @wot4922
    @wot4922 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Which other Saffa feels that we're still going to hear about " our boring kicking game " 🤣🤣🤣

    • @gusferr01
      @gusferr01 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol...took them a long time to see the light...sa rugby streets ahead on tactical kicking...now the whole world is coping our style

  • @LB_die_Kaapie
    @LB_die_Kaapie ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Us South Africans tried to tell you..

  • @johnmartin7370
    @johnmartin7370 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you. I have always wondered why so much kicking.

  • @DJYoue
    @DJYoue ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Well explained, far too much hate for kicking which has always been a part of the game, what I love about rugby and which sets it above football for me is that there is so much going on in rugby and so many important parts of the game, kicking being one of them!

  • @mikhailswartz
    @mikhailswartz ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The RWC 🏆 MUST be renamed: The William Web Chicken Cup! 🤣

  • @MrSallesTeachesEnglish
    @MrSallesTeachesEnglish ปีที่แล้ว

    Yeah, I really tried to appreciate this, but 13 minutes in I simply had to pass.

  • @dimitardobrev3296
    @dimitardobrev3296 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You had me at lil' piss boy. Nice one Squidge, keep it up.

  • @Runningtaco
    @Runningtaco ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What perfect timing to come across this video! I really don't know much about rugby but I had on on tv the other day because why not it is always interesting to watch when I don't know really what is going on. There was a moment I was watching when for like two minutes straight the guys in the back field kept kicking it back to each other and that just made no sense to me why they kept doing that. After watching this video I understand what was happening there much better and has boosted my interest in the sport more because I understand the strategy a little bit more thank you!

  • @BeefyGreek
    @BeefyGreek ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Honestly really well presented, as someone who actually plays rugby professionally it’s hard to explain to family and friends what’s happening why kicking important. And as a prop people have a similar view on scrums so thank you for making it easier to understand!

  • @ovven1767
    @ovven1767 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just because something is strategic, does not make it exciting to watch. If you had an excellent knowledge of chess at the grandmaster level, it's still boring to watch.

    • @commentarytalk1446
      @commentarytalk1446 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agree with your premise or pointing out the fallacy in this video.
      With that said, Chess is FUNDAMENTALLY different to Rugby. In Chess the more knowledge you have the more interesting the game is. In Rugby the fundamental concept is converting the ball over the try-line.
      What makes for the best Rugby is "ball in hands running and passing the ball to "keep it alive moving forwards to the try line"."
      Rugby League evolved under professionalism for several or more decades before Union and converted to this above form of Rugby. In League you can kick anytime but because of the rules, it's generally for 2 main reasons:
      1. 6th Tackle to gain more territory from which the opposition has to run the ball forwards to your try-line
      2. Statemate-Breaker on the tryline to put up a 50-50 or wide ball to wing or grubber behind the defensive line to convert more visits to the opponents 10m line from their try-line.
      3. This is a modern rule change: 40-20 kick for another set of 6. But again it adds to the game not detracts.
      Now that's the fundamental difference with RU: RU is kicking simply because running with ball in hand is SO INEFFECTIVE and RISKY with the breakdown for penalties.
      This whole video is pure advertising for "putting lipstick on a pig".

  • @ericbloedorn
    @ericbloedorn ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Please keep making videos focused on tactics alongside the team and match reviews!

  • @WEBBERSPADE
    @WEBBERSPADE ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a video I never wanted to see. :-(
    Never enjoyed kicking (being a forward), but the evidence shows it's a necessity. Andy Goode was right all along!

  • @chrishodgson2247
    @chrishodgson2247 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You constantly made the argument that kicking was used to create opportunities to run.
    YES, we know that. Kicking is still the boring part of the game!
    I just finished watching the Eng v Arg RWC game and all points were gained by kicks. IT WAS THE MOST BORING GAME OF THE COMPETITION SO FAR!!
    I turned it off after 70 mins.
    Kicking is boring. That’s why tries were increased to 5 points to incentivise running and try scoring.
    And bonus points are given for 4 tries.

  • @johnleo2668
    @johnleo2668 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I thoroughly enjoyed this.
    With you,
    A fullback

  • @commentarytalk1446
    @commentarytalk1446 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What makes for the best Rugby is "ball in hands running and passing the ball to "keep it alive moving forwards to the try line"."
    Rugby League evolved under professionalism for several or more decades before Union and converted to this above form of Rugby. In League you can kick anytime but because of the rules, it's generally for 2 main reasons:
    1. 6th Tackle to gain more territory from which the opposition has to run the ball forwards to your try-line
    2. Statemate-Breaker on the tryline to put up a 50-50 or wide ball to wing or grubber behind the defensive line to convert more visits to the opponents 10m line from their try-line.
    3. This is a modern rule change: 40-20 kick for another set of 6. But again it adds to the game not detracts.
    Now that's the fundamental difference with RU: RU is kicking simply because running with ball in hand is SO INEFFECTIVE and RISKY with the breakdown for penalties as well as too many players and fresh subs on the pitch meaning there's not enough space while all players are bigger and faster than ever before eg Stewart at full-back is a good eg.
    This whole video is pure advertising for "putting lipstick on a pig".
    RU is:
    1. Random penalty (more kicking)
    2. Kicking contest and hoping for a mistake
    3. Breakdown lottery/risk (more penalties)
    It's a broken rule-set and game design.

  • @NeilDeBarna
    @NeilDeBarna ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes kicking is incredibly important. But there is a world of difference between purposeful kicking for some big positional or distance gains, defensive necessity, creative attacking, grubbers etc. and what people are normally referring to when mentioning "kicking is killing the game": Unchallenged box kicking.
    You do briefly touch on box kicking Squidge, for about 5% of your video. Unfortunately, box kicking in a match can account for 80% of the total kicking and it really is boring af to watch.

  • @MrJameseder
    @MrJameseder ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Firstly, I appreciate you making analytic videos about rugby, and here explaining the tactics of kicking.
    In this case, I haven't been convinced. You are arguing that kicking in rugby is interesting. But when people say that it is boring, it's because they are comparing it to running rugby, not because they don't understand how it is tactical and effective.
    Compare to football. You could say that parking the bus or passing the ball around the back when your team has a lead is actually interesting because, tactically, it forces the other team to advance their players, which can open up an opportunity to attack. It is effective and strategic, sure. But is it interesting? No, because it rarely actually results in anything exciting, and when it does it's because they momentarily stopped doing that tactic.
    Also, every kick is not boring. Opportunistic chip-and-chases, grubbers, and 50/22s are great. But we are seeing teams that rely solely on their kicking game to win matches. When the first thought of an attacking team is 'kick', then it leads to a boring game.
    I should add that it's not Rugby's job to be interesting. If a kicking-heavy game plan is effective, then so be it. But with many countries' youth player counts dwindling, and a burgeoning interest in rugby from other countries, I worry that we will not attract players to the game if it revolves around kicking.
    In summary:
    1. It's not that kicking is boring in itself, it's that it's boring compared to running rugby.
    2. Yes it is tactical, but this alone does not make it interesting.
    3. Every kick is not boring, but constant kicking is.
    4. Players from new countries with the potential to elevate the sport such as the U.S. are interested in the game because every play is a running 'flea-flicker', not because every play is a punt.

  • @chrismckenna2573
    @chrismckenna2573 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think the issue with kicking (and I understand and largely enjoy it) is that unless you REALLY like rugby it's difficult to understand the nuance with it and how technical it is. It therefore can make the game look boring to the new/casual fan.

    • @theodoreroberts8524
      @theodoreroberts8524 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think just watching for that net gain doesn't take much (any?) real rugby knowledge. If you pay attention to where the first kick was taken, you can then pay attention to where that team next have possession to see if they gained territory. Even if you don't fully understand how they managed it you can see whether they kicked well.

    • @chrismckenna2573
      @chrismckenna2573 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@theodoreroberts8524 I suspect you might be overestimating the casual fan. I watch the games occasionally with friends who don't follow rugby and regularly have to explain the kicking game in particular and why it's important. I grant you some are obvious but many aren't.

  • @Grayson_Baker
    @Grayson_Baker ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Kicking is great, if you have chasers, and a devent gameplan. However, watching England kick is excruciating!

  • @arandombard1197
    @arandombard1197 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The kicking is the best part, there's huge amounts of strategy
    There's also a more boring, probability element in play as well. You're more likely to score, regardless of possession, if the ball is close to the opponent's try line. Kicking the ball puts it close to the try line. They either: 1) kick it back, so nothing is lost. 2) Try to hold onto it and lose possession - now you're in a scoring position 3) take possession and start pushing back, in which case they have possession on their end of the pitch and not yours, still better than losing the ball closer to your own try line.
    Basically, you kick it enough times and something will usually happen.

  • @tiquays9342
    @tiquays9342 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What we need to make the 'tennis' of the kicking game more exciting is a camera angle from above or behind the try line, like in tennis, or at least zoomed out enough to see the whole pitch.
    Even Djokovic v Nadal in a GrandSlam final would be considered dull to watch if the camera view was from the side constantly swinging left to right and just tracking the ball.

  • @ivanmynhardt
    @ivanmynhardt ปีที่แล้ว +1

    funny how there was this witch hunt on South Africa because we kicked so much after we won the RWC and now when other teams are applying it more now its fine. If memory serves me correct Squidge rugby even had digs at SA for kicking to much.

  • @MrPicklerwoof
    @MrPicklerwoof ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Modern rugby union is an attritional mess nowadays. I barely watch it any more. Mauls, rucks, etc. Everything getting bogged down constantly; it never used to be this way. It makes me sad how the intention of the game got warped so much.

  • @MrX-wd8cm
    @MrX-wd8cm ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great breakdown of the underrated kicking side of RUF and well timed with the WC 2023!

  • @mobogdan4683
    @mobogdan4683 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As a newer Rugby fan, i think one of the weak points on the broadcasts is the angle doesn't allow you to see the angle of kicks very easily. They all look roughly down the middle a lot of the time until they land, which can make it difficult to see the players' ideas. Also, the pitch is so damn big that they can't be relatively zoomed in and still be able to see the men that are back deep to see kicking opportunities, they just kind of happen as the players do it so it can be difficult to see as a fan.
    I think rugby is a sport that is challenged this way, the large playing surface and the spread of the players sometimes make it difficult for the broadcast to capture everything. This is much less of an issue in football because the is rarely kicked 30m+ except on goal kicks and the action can be easily contained in one shot with the players out of that shot playing little importance at the time.
    For this reason, I've liked sitting on the touchline stands at matches because it lets you really see the strategy on kicking and also the mismatches and overloading

  • @foxyboiiyt3332
    @foxyboiiyt3332 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A bunch of Leinster fans who constantly complain about Conor Murray will feel personally attacked!

  • @MrJabbothehut
    @MrJabbothehut ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's the same with pretty much everything performance based in life. The most effective method isn't the most glamorous and doesnt aim to entertain. It just aims to win which is what pro sports is about.
    Look at Ireland. I personally don't find them entertaining at all but their base is so solid and consistent that it got them to number 1 in the world rankings.

  • @ianhall702
    @ianhall702 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There is nothing like getting up from a scrum to see your scrum half kick the ball 60 yards upfield and into touch! Bliss!

  • @therealuncleowen2588
    @therealuncleowen2588 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this. I really enjoyed last weekend's Six Nations matches.
    I'm an American with limited exposure to rugby. Without quite knowing why, I don't enjoy watching Rugby League. You're videos have helped me realize what a casual viewer like me suspected already, there's far more strategy going on in rugby union. I'll be watching next weekend's matches with a more educated eye, though surely will miss much.

  • @ricellisfrost620
    @ricellisfrost620 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Weed out the commentators that denigrate our game... kicking is Ok, scrums are a thing of beauty!!!

  • @Sourdust
    @Sourdust ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good stuff as always. I can't say I'm entirely sold on "Kick Tennis Is Beautiful" but the main point stands repeating; kicking wins rugby matches.
    I have banged on for years about how the famous RWC99 NVvFRA semi-final is lauded as perhaps the ultimate example of "French flair", when in fact it was ENTIRELY built on kicking, with not a single try-scoring pass involved in France's barrage of 33 unanswered points. Creative, opportunistic tactical kicking rather than a strategic masterplan, but still, a victory for the boot. :-)

    • @jean-michel.a
      @jean-michel.a ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was also thinking about this game and how Lamaison (10) destroyed the All Blacks with so many stars including the one and only Johan Lomu. 💔

  • @JOHNORR1
    @JOHNORR1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "People often use the term kicking tennis as an insult like tennis isn't a more popular sport than rugby anyway" 😂

  • @Avm68CC
    @Avm68CC ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Superb analysis and editing as ever!

  • @Frodanatee
    @Frodanatee ปีที่แล้ว +7

    And well done for including the women's game in your videos. I have only started watching it recently myself, but it is full of skill, entertainment, heroism, bravery and characters! I will be so sad when Johnny Sexton retires lol - you better keep squeezing his name into videos somehow

    • @maverickmak
      @maverickmak ปีที่แล้ว

      I genuinely think Zoe Harrison is a good enough kicker to play in a professional men's side.

    • @calvluc8316
      @calvluc8316 ปีที่แล้ว

      Indeed. Same can be said for Ruahei Demant.

  • @biggyninja
    @biggyninja ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Kicking is boring. What if Jonah Lomu kicked the ball instead of running?

  • @chrishowse914
    @chrishowse914 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely brilliant. Having watched this can you do a deep dive on Bath's kick game because I don't get it.

  • @insertgenericusernamehere2402
    @insertgenericusernamehere2402 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can't call it rugby union have to call it rugby like its the only version to exist. 🙄

  • @gillesseguin4510
    @gillesseguin4510 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a french (and Toulouse) fan, I still prefer to see Ramos trying impossible and dumb breakthrough rather than a Jaminet kick as it's much more entertaining.
    But now I understand well why Jaminet was preferred last year.
    I consider myself as someone who understand rugby pretty well but this opens a bunch of new perspectives that I never explored before, thanks a lot !
    This is a brilliant video, really one of the most interesting one's I've seen on TH-cam.

  • @tsherwood2112
    @tsherwood2112 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As a fullback on a team where every forward hates kicking, rest assured this will be sent in the group chat. It's like they don't even want tactics, but rather wanna be the cocaine bear for 80 mins

    • @jakeclough8090
      @jakeclough8090 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I mean it’s likely to be a lot less effective and necessary in amateur rugby where good running moves will likely result in more net gain and retention of the ball, in most occasions

  • @troystaunton254
    @troystaunton254 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you have to explain why it’s not boring. It is.

  • @teyentapper1483
    @teyentapper1483 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I see Joe Simmonds is now the new Johnny Sexton of these videos 😅😅😅😅

  • @adrianpheiffer9960
    @adrianpheiffer9960 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Please make a video about the late 2000s Bulls.. the way they implemented their kicking game was basically cheat code. The kicking ability of Fourie Du Preez and Morne Steyn, combined with the line out ability of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha was something special.

  • @melvinesmith
    @melvinesmith ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the content...so much to learn from videos like these. Thanx!

  • @jean-michel.a
    @jean-michel.a ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have watched the first day of the VI Nations with a new eye.

  • @Alaster-
    @Alaster- ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant video. Needs to be watched by every juniors team:
    1. So the kicker understands and practices where they need to kick with relative field positions of both teams (and not just kick blindly down the field), and
    2. So the piggies don't bash their own kicker for kicking it away all the time. Although I played with a few #10s that would kick every damn time because they were scared of getting tackled - this may not help them...

  • @jsduntrees8175
    @jsduntrees8175 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome video yet again. Thank u. Best rugby analysis around

  • @GGRUGBY
    @GGRUGBY ปีที่แล้ว

    great video mate helps lot of people to understand how rugby plsurf

  • @conor9848
    @conor9848 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    9:32 nice pun but that's Ringrose not Henshaw 😉

  • @andrewlowry2142
    @andrewlowry2142 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Why do I love the game? The 3 S's ... different body Sizes, different positional Skills (and here I include place kickers who are now being devalued by time limits )and Strategy, all are accommodated .

    • @SoLazy100
      @SoLazy100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's true for just about any team sport.

    • @jakeclough8090
      @jakeclough8090 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SoLazy100 wouldn’t say body size really. Rugby is one of the only real sports where all sizes are useful. Because if you’re fat growing up you’re not getting into any other team sports lol

  • @grantwhitbourne
    @grantwhitbourne 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for this fantastic video... Very informative ✨👌

  • @MartGordon
    @MartGordon ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A brilliant paradox, being that this is an example of a great breakdown about the kicking game.

  • @christopherthewreckerthats2295
    @christopherthewreckerthats2295 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Round about three hours ago I went to Lidl and got a England rugby ball.iv got back in to the game 👍union or league

    • @jakeclough8090
      @jakeclough8090 ปีที่แล้ว

      Union ofc, not even a question

  • @konradheinz2544
    @konradheinz2544 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great explainer, thanks Squidge! Very useful for a casual rugby fan, and an excellent antidote to the shit-tier punditry on major broadcasters. I would be all for more of this kind of "video essay"- style content around a central theme rather than (or better: as well as!) the breakdowns of individual games/teams/players.

  • @tanguy6288
    @tanguy6288 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So many things you just said about kicking seem so obvious now, I feel like I have never appreciated a rugby game as much as I should have!

  • @adrianr1579
    @adrianr1579 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'd love more content like this !

  • @PaulHolder
    @PaulHolder ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These are good examples of when kicking leads to a try or at least an attacking play but you could watch examples of bad kicking from now until the end of time. Also, when the footage of kick tennis were being shown I couldn't help but think "this is boring" 😄. The problem with the jackel is that more often than not it kills the game by getting a penalty rather than winning the ball and starting the counter attack. Should be bigger punishment to players hanging on to the ball on the ground so jacklers can actually turn it over more often.

  • @juanpierrebosch
    @juanpierrebosch ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, your understand of the game is second to non. Now I feel rugby supporters including myself will understand the kicking mind set and the value of kicking in the game much better. You deserve recognition from RWU with your education skills, plus you are just gass/ so funny. I hope you will pick the fruit of success in the Rugby World. Man I go so far that I think Russie should appoint you for marketing :)

  • @doylersafl8728
    @doylersafl8728 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Why league is better than union

  • @JADowdall
    @JADowdall ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As an explainer, this is incredible. Top stuff Squidge, I'd love to see more content like this from you.

  • @Vermathorax
    @Vermathorax ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing as always! Your analysis on South Africa's kick and chase a few years ago greatly increased my enjoyment of watching that tactic. Thank you so much for expanding on this topic, and for all you do to explain the sport without preaching the same old boring rhetoric!

  • @mreasy6313
    @mreasy6313 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolutely brilliant, has really improved my appreciation of tactical kicking, Squidge you are the MVP