The World Cup in France has two matches left to crown the podium, and the rugby landscape for 2023 is taking shape. The sport remains fast and physical, with players bigger and quicker, and a shift in the way defenses operate. The goal area is treated with new caution, and the notion of staying afloat has become a strategic defense in some games. When the fishing opportunities turn favorable, teams can seize chances; otherwise, the best outcome is to hold the line and form a stout shield around the try zone.
kick the can
Defences are kept standing and the kicking game remains central, especially the long kick to the penalty area. The Almond kick is a type of punt that makes sense when it climbs high enough to give a teammate time to reach the ball at the summit, creating a meter or more of ground gain. If the receiver cannot catch, at least pressure is applied to the returner or the ball is contested. In this World Cup, box kicks have often been directed into the opponent’s half with little to no contest, allowing counterattacks to develop with the aim of clearing danger from the defending half.
Then comes the contest at the heart of modern rugby: the struggle for possession and territory without always having the ball. Modern teams win by forcing errors and by making meters through tackles, even in the absence of possession. Double tackles and tackles aimed at the point of contact can deliver gains if they disrupt the opposition. Wales stands out, finishing the tournament with a high volume of tackles and occupying a top position in the standings. A higher rate of defensive effort is noted across teams, with New Zealand showing a strong, component-driven approach that emphasizes balance between defense and counterattack. Individual performances from Kremer, Talitui, Earl and Rowlands are highlighted for their significant tackling contributions across multiple matches.
Touch, assault weapon
Rugby intensifies when defenses stand firm and the ball is kicked into the penalty area amid relentless tackles. The touchline spell becomes a strategic platform for restarts, where formations and timing decide the next wave of attack. When the lineup forces the opposition to defend, the aim is to disrupt entry into the defense and create space for a quick secondary phase. Ireland has demonstrated how quick restarts can set up a penalty try moment, while teams from the Southern Hemisphere often rely on relentless pressure to grind defenses down.
The most dynamic pattern involves drawing the defense in, removing the traditional strike from the play, and launching a powerful backline attack. Alternatively, some teams prefer a more conservative approach because certain restarts can invite counterpressure. This tactic has been a constant in the World Cup, and it has been used against holding defenses in numerous games. It remains a key resource for organizing a structured attack and keeping the tempo up when a breakthrough is needed.
Supports and unloading
One element has grown increasingly decisive in this compact field rugby: support lines. After contact, the support runner becomes a vital option, a teammate who travels with the ball carrier to secure the next phase. What used to be a Polynesian or Southern Hemisphere specialty has become a universal feature of the game. The supporting players must be in sync, ready to accompany the ball carrier on a long journey toward the try line. Today, almost every player can contribute to this phase, which has raised a new emphasis on high ball retention and quick recycling. Referees also emphasize player safety, often issuing cautions during these clashes. Red cards have appeared at times, underscoring the physical nature of contemporary rugby and the tension around on-field decisions.
Arbitration criterion
Disparities in officiating have sparked intense discussion during the World Cup. Decisions are not uniform, and interpretations can vary by referee background. Different refereeing styles impact the flow of games, with some officials dialing into more stringent interpretations while others favor a looser approach. The impact of technology has grown, as TMO reviews provide an additional layer of scrutiny and influence on the final calls. This season has highlighted the challenge of maintaining consistency across a global tournament, where the team selection and coaching staff expect a fair standard regardless of the country on the field.
Scrums have not often decided matches this World Cup, but a few notable moments did emerge. The England versus South Africa contest showcased a pivotal sequence, with key tackles and strategic decisions shaping the late stages and influencing field position. The old idea that the scrum is central was challenged in this campaign, while the game continued to evolve toward faster, more continuous play. Attention also turns to how coaches manage their squads in front of the cameras, with the coaching staff’s decisions and on-field communication contributing to the drama beyond the white lines.
The broader media narrative around rugby coaching and strategy has become part of the spectacle, provoking analysis and debate. High-visibility coaches and assistants associated with several nations have become focal points for broadcasts and social media reaction, underscoring the media’s role in modern rugby as a continuous theater around the sport.
Is there a lot of rehearsal? two speed
There have been many tries this tournament, with a high scoring pace driven by group stage performances and the emergence of stronger teams. The group stage showcased a mix of dominant margins and spirited performances from smaller nations that added depth and variety to the competition. As the tournament progressed, the surprises diminished but the quality rose, and the best teams demonstrated resilience and adaptability under pressure. The tournament has shown that the landscape of international rugby continues to shift, with a continued balance between physicality, speed, and tactical variety. The sport seems to be in a phase where the best teams often rise to the top not by a single facet but by a coordinated blend of all elements—attack, defense, set pieces, and smart game management. The result is a spectacle that can feel equal parts athletic contest and strategic chess match. The rugby world remains hopeful that the best team will win, and the players understand that success often hinges on a fortunate bounce of the ball and a timely decision under pressure. The sport carries a sense of inevitability when a team combines skill, strength and focus, but it also rewards those who stay prepared for the unexpected and adapt quickly to the ever-changing moments of play. The year closes with a sense of reverent optimism about the future of rugby and the enduring charm of the game. Blessed almond. Blessed rugby.