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What People Get Wrong About Defence In Rugby.
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In this mini-documentary I name the misleading rugby stat that pundits and fans love but defence coaches hate. With the help of writers, analysts and coaches, I explain the nuance of defending in rugby, what people are getting wrong and the tactics teams use to mask defensive weaknesses. The video discusses some excellent defenders like the Springboks' Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and names some poor defenders too...
References:
1. The Stats Do Lie by Wayne Smith
therugbysite.com/blog/news-opinions/the-stats-do-lie-by-wayne-smith
2. Jacques Nienaber Interview (Irish Times)
x.com/RugbyKino/status/1746465474123121104
3. Missed Tackles: What are they good for? By Sam Larner
samlarner.substack.com/p/missed-tackles-what-are-they-good
4. Will Rowlands Interview (BBC)
bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66791500
5. URC official website
stats.unitedrugby.com/statistics/2025-26
6. Gareth Jenkins Interview
x.com/jpstafford/status/1690955381155954688
7. Shaun Edwards Interview (WalesOnline)
walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/shaun-edwards-explains-wales-missed-17074287
8. Outflanked: How Ireland Exposed England's Defensive Issues Out Wide by Jonathan McCormick
t.co/vHIInFED4A
9. Complete nonsense: What are the NRL'S most overrated stats? By Mike Meehall Wood
theroar.com.au/2023/07/26/complete-nonsense-what-are-the-nrls-most-overrrated-stats
10. Jacques Nienaber and his defence playbook at Leinster by Ultimate Rugby
ultimaterugby.com/news/jacques-nienaber-and-his-defence-playbook-at-leinster/660790
11. Wales vs France Preview by Jonny McCormick
t.co/v05tPZ9xTu
12. Opta Club Rugby Stats Hub
theanalyst.com/club-rugby-stats
13. Inside Channel: Who is the best defensive Fly-half by Angus Usher
analystgus.substack.com/p/inside-channel-who-is-the-best-defensive
14. Andre Pretorius Interview on HG Rugby
youtu.be/9JjVBxg6bbs
15. Angus Usher Interview on HG Rugby
youtu.be/s7HsVMg1a7k
16. Analysis by Brett Igoe
x.com/brettruganalyst
.com/HuwGriffinRugby
Chapters
0:00 Problematic Numbers
1:17 A Broken Narrative
3:22 Not All Missed Tackles Are Equal
6:52 Making A Tackles vs Being Ran At
9:15 Hiding Weak Defenders (The South African View)
14:37 Which Stats Are Useful?
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How long is this video?
16 minutes.
