ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Rugby Tactics: Scotland's Attacking Play Examined - Part Two

BY thedeadballarea  ·  Thursday Mar 10, 2016

In our last article we looked at Scotland’s exciting attacking play against Wales and how they stretched the Welsh defence by using quick ruck focused attack patterns until they were able to break them down, creating a scoring opportunity.

In part two we’re going to look at their attacking play in their win against Italy in Rome.

This time we see a slightly lower phase attack pattern that moves the Italian defence across the pitch in one or two phases, with Russell using wider passes to stretch the defence before Scotland rewind, utilising the space they’ve created by dragging the defence from touchline to touchline.

This time both scores come from turnovers that surrender possesion to the Scot’s in prime attacking position. It’s then a case of Scotland transitioning into attack mode, identifying the space and then making that space in the defensive line move to a position where they can exploit it.

Something that’s quite interesting is how even though Scotland don’t necessarily create overlaps, their system creates a thin defence that allows their talented back divison the space to break the line, as seen with Stuart Hogg’s class above.

It’s exciting Rugby and further illustrates why we think they are one of the most enjoyable teams to watch right now. They host France this coming weekend at Murrayfield.

Watch Italy vs Scotland Highlights »

As always please feel free to leave feedback and comments below

About The Deadballarea

An Englishman living in France, Graeme Forbes runs Rugby Analysis website, thedeadballarea.com.

An IRB qualified coach, in his spare time he helps coach a junior men’s team in Paris. You can catch him on twitter lazily re-tweeting other peoples comments and the Green and Gold Rugby website where he contributes Super 15 and Wallabies based analysis articles.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 140 WEEKS AGO

    Referee Romain Poite set to join high profile...

  • 210 WEEKS AGO

    Sam Underhill's flawless tackle technique...

  • 245 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Leinster S&C coach gives some handy...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 4 HOURS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

View All

Amateur

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 6 HOURS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

View All