"France are the best at it. They're the best at most things, they've scored eight tries from their own half, the most from first phase and have developed into the leading nation when it comes to the aerial contest. It's important to remember that we're not just talking about winning the ball cleanly in the air. What France have done so well is the deliberate placement of their slip catchers, sending runners beyond the ball and ready to pounce on it if it has been tapped back by the defending team."
"Part of the problem is personnel. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's absence is a huge blow in this championship and for all Henry Arundell's qualities, he does not have the same aerial prowess. Tom Roebuck has been in and out, coming back from an injury, so England just haven't had the same cattle."
"England have not been able to develop or evolve their kicking game from the autumn and it's tempting to say that they haven't adapted in the Six Nations and moved away from it when it's been ineffective."
England's 12-match winning streak was built on superior kicking execution following law changes around escorting. However, rivals have now matched and surpassed their capabilities. Personnel issues, including Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's absence, have weakened England's aerial prowess. France has emerged as the dominant force, scoring eight tries from their own half through first-phase play and mastering deliberate slip-catcher placement to win second balls. Italy's Louis Lynagh has also proven exceptional in the air. England has failed to evolve their kicking strategy during the Six Nations, struggling to adapt when tactics prove ineffective. With critical matches ahead, questions remain about whether England will adjust their gameplan.
#england-rugby #kicking-game-strategy #six-nations-championship #aerial-contest-tactics #second-ball-play
Read at www.theguardian.com
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