In today's Substack I look at how Henry Pollock is used by England and how it differs to how Northampton use him. Then I look at whether one side uses him better than the other.....
samlarner.substack.com/p/the-two-fa...
I got you ;) I can't wait for this!
Today on the Substack I spoke with legend of the game Matt Kvesic to discuss the new demands of modern forwards in attack. Plenty in here for anyone who wants to improve their game; old or young!
samlarner.substack.com/p/pros-eye-v...
Very enjoyable game in Northampton tonight.
Castres started strong then pegged back by yellow cards. Saints could've scored more chances but looks like it'll be a 1pt gap in favour of the French at half time.
In today's Substack I look at how running sideways across the pitch went from something you were told not to do as kids to something powering attacks in the modern game.
samlarner.substack.com/p/ahead-of-t...
Things that are bad for you to put in your ears: cotton swabs, ear candles, Sam's physical book.
Thing that is good for you to put in your ears: Sam's audiobook (pure rugby analytics audio gold).
Did you know!? You can also buy Attacking the Space on both Spotify and Audible if you'd prefer to listen to it on audiobook. I can confirm, it's read absolutely brilliantly by Jot Davies.
Just search "Attacking the Space" where you get your audiobooks
Thanks to @samlstandsup.bsky.social for chatting with me about his new book
Whether you're a dedicated #rugby fan or tune in and out depending on the time of year this good has got something for you to help understand what's happening under the surface of the game
shows.acast.com/5e5fba8e4847...
This is very very interesting James!
Really good video on data in Rugby (and sport more generally) from @squidgerugby.bsky.social and @samlstandsup.bsky.social.
Last year I got enough game footage from Tag nationals to stat up our games- it hugely helpful as a coach. Not just from new insights - but from confirming what you knew
If you're in the Manchester area and fancy watching the best quality rugby on show, come on down. It's all for a good cause!
3.
But he was too good and was still playing 1s the week before he passed away. He was a quality player. I spent a lot of my early matches at the club just telling him to go into contact. He'd instead give an inch perfect pass. I soon shut-up.
2)
Delighted to be playing in my first Vets' game this Friday.
The Gander Cup is in honour of the mighty Jon Gander who was the ultimate clubman. When I joined the club he was saying it was his final season and he'd be hanging up his boots.
1)
This week, I took a look at what Wales have turned around from Rounds 1 & 2 of the Six Nations to their much improved defensive improvements in 3 & 4. Lots of underlying stats which highlight just how much better things have become.
samlarner.substack.com/p/things-can...
If you've got family in the UK Gary we can send it to them!
Win a signed copy of Attacking the Space!!
Predict the combined 22 entries of all six teams in this round of the 6Ns. Closest wins.
If you retweet you get two goes...
Must be UK based!
World Rugby this week published the findings of their recent State of the Game conference, dissecting the game's laws and how to grow it. To do the same, we welcomed in rugby analyst, author and finger breaker @samlstandsup.bsky.social to have a chat...
youtu.be/KiUiiKwwiWU
In today's Substack we look at the French Back Row. They don't punch massive holes, so if they don't do that do they fail in their roles as modern back rowers?
samlarner.substack.com/p/hole-punch...
Good question! Tbh, I felt it was a law change that didn't directly address what it was trying to fix - i.e. removing players from the defensive line. So I felt it was better to just directly address that in some way. But I was wrong!
Haha that's the hope for sure!
This is wonderful! Thank you Danny, hope you enjoy it.
Haha I love it! Looks like it'll work just fine....
🚨New Pod!🚨
Epic to be joined this weekend by @samlstandsup.bsky.social
Discussing everything from France's kicking game, to backrow balance and the best restaurants in Annecy!
+ the lowdown on Rob's trip to Lille, from Belgian beers to sneaky hospitality...
🎧👇
linktr.ee/rosbifsrugby
Thank you!
Yeah I think that's certainly a possibility! I think there is an evolution ongoing in that squad.
In today's Substack I look at why England aren't firing in the opposition 22 at this Six Nations...
samlarner.substack.com/p/the-final-...
This week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch
A chat with Lyon prop Jérôme Rey, a beef and pig farmer, with France's annual agricultural show starting on Saturday
#SIA2026
open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...
Really enjoying @samlstandsup.bsky.social book “Attacking the Space”. If you’re interested in rugby and why it’s played the way it is, it’s a must read.
Thank you so much Will! I really appreciate it, what a kind thing to say.
Just arrived,
@samlstandsup.bsky.social's masterpiece on falling in love with kicking, numbers, and all other things.
PS. Chuffed to be a member of the #Bajad8ta group!