Latest Blogs

Author Archives: Mike Penistone

The Importance of Quick Ball & Demanding Scrum-Halves Leave a comment Read more »

The Importance of Quick Ball & Demanding Scrum-Halves

The production of quick ball is an art. Quality technique is required, plus strength, composure and balance. With these components in place they ignite the game. Aaron Smith (NZ) and François ‘Faf’ de Klerk (SA) demand quick ball. They are often in place before its…


Common Denominators in Champions Cup Quarter Finals Results Leave a comment Read more »

Common Denominators in Champions Cup Quarter Finals Results

Why did the 4 teams in the Rugby Union Champions Cup Quarter Finals win over the weekend? Was there a common denominator? Common Denominators There was (1) heaps of passion at all the venues, and apart from Saracens, (2) a desire to produce quick ball.…


The Fall of Rome and Eddie Jones Leave a comment Read more »

The Fall of Rome and Eddie Jones

At its height Rome and the Caesars controlled the Mediterranean world. At his height Eddie Jones controlled the Mediterranean rugby world. Such was Eddie’s power, that the RFU tried to manufacture a game against New Zealand to prove England were the undisputed rulers of World…


Coaching Insight: Ireland v England (Six Nations) Leave a comment Read more »

Coaching Insight: Ireland v England (Six Nations)

All points to an Ireland win…doesn’t it? Grand slams are hard to win, Ireland only have two, in 1948 and 2009. England have 13. Analysis of last weekend’s performances by both sides is over. Now it’s a shoot-out at Twickenham. Selection a major issue for…


Jones beats France because England couldn’t! Leave a comment Read more »

Jones beats France because England couldn’t!

Frustration and culture force Eddie’s hand. England’s problems are at 7, 12 and Itoje! If Itoje is to play at 6 and run amok he needs inside backs who can build pressure, not kick ball away under pressure. Successful back line attack should always have…


How to beat the All Blacks at their own game Leave a comment Read more »

How to beat the All Blacks at their own game

As the 6 Nations nears, focus in Northern Hemisphere (“NH“) rugby will switch from national selection to Lions selection. The 6 Nations is an opportunity for players to stake a claim and prove themselves. However, is the starting point individual ability or is it playing…


Page 8 of 10« First...678910
8

Buy our Book!

FRN Rugby Blogs

Follow FRN on Facebook

Follow LIT 7s on Facebook

Follow FRN Touch on Facebook