From exposing Scotland’s lax backfield coverage to taking advantage of a quirky defensive ploy, a breakdown of how Ireland can prevail on Saturday
Ciaran Frawley and Jack Crowley appear dejected after a late defeat to England following the Guinness Six Nations match at Twickenham Stadium. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Wireweakness to target is their defensive backfield. Scotland have been caught out multiple times in recent months by clever attacking kicks that expose a tendency for lax backfield coverage.For Louis Lynagh’s try on Saturday, during Italian phase play, Scotland’s backfield was completely empty.
This is to match lineout numbers, since Italy have also positioned a winger at the front. By mimicking that move, Scotland can leave a forward in the backline to avoid a size mismatch, given Italy have done the same. Comparing stats to games against Italy and Wales, two sides that lack the power of an English pack, isn’t a fair reflection, but even against France, the individuals Ireland rely on most for go-forward ball were significantly more effective than at Twickenham.
However, a significant part of the problem was simply being physically outmatched by an England side hitting an emotional fever pitch. That cannot happen again when playing Scotland.Ireland got caught by England transitioning quickly from defence into attack last weekend, Ollie Lawrence and George Furbank both scoring off kick returns. The bad news for Andy Farrell’s side is Scotland have a better recent history of being a dangerous counter-attacking side.
It’s clear to see why they want to go long. If successful, the tail of the lineout offers the best quality ball to their dangerous backline. The other benefit of throwing to the back comes at the maul, given drives starting further from the touchline are harder to defend. Scotland are the joint-best side in the championship for maul-metres made per match while they comfortably make the most metres per maul .
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