The rugby world is abuzz with a new trend that's taking the game by storm: the rise of kicking as a dominant strategy. And at the forefront of this revolution are the mighty Springboks, who have mastered this art to perfection.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The recent tightening of the access law has opened up new avenues for attacking teams. Defenders, once able to block attacking players' paths, are now being penalized for obstruction. This has led to a significant increase in kicking and a higher chance of retaining possession.
Former international Dan Biggar, now a TV pundit, has observed this shift keenly. He notes that the teams who 'attack the air with a plan' gain control of territory, pressure, and momentum. It's a genuine game-changer, and the stats back it up.
Comparing the Autumn Nations Series of 2024 to 2025, we see a remarkable increase in kicking. On average, there are seven more kicks per game, and the retention rate has jumped by four percent. This has put the spotlight on the aerial skills of back-three players, with some suggesting that locks could be converted to wings to gain an aerial advantage.
However, despite the increased focus on kicking, the number of knock-ons and scrums remains relatively unchanged. It seems the referees' stricter enforcement of the access law has not led to more handling errors, as one might expect.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Springboks, the undisputed kings of world rugby, have perfected the art of kicking and retaining possession. With a 28% kick retention rate, they are streets ahead of the competition. Ireland, the next best team, lags behind with a 21% retention rate.
The Springboks, along with England and Ireland, are the only major national teams to average over 30 kicks per match this Autumn.
So, is kicking the future of rugby? And will we see more teams adopting this strategy? What are your thoughts on this evolving aspect of the game? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
