Is Steve Borthwick expecting a sky-high kicking game from Wales in the Six Nations opener? The England coach might have gone a bit overboard, but he’s definitely onto something. Borthwick suggested Wales could launch around 50 contestable kicks when they face off at Twickenham. While that number might make Welsh hearts race, it’s a tad enthusiastic.
In their last campaign, Wales averaged about 26 kicks a game, maxing out at 31 against Japan. But Borthwick’s point stands: Wales will be a team aiming to use their kicking game to their advantage.
With talents like Tom Rogers, Louis Rees-Zammit, and Josh Adams on board, Wales aren’t just planning to kick for the sake of it. They’re strategising to convert those chances with some top-notch aerial skills to outmanoeuvre opponents and capture those loose balls.
Why all this focus on kicking? It’s the trend in today’s game! Over the last couple of years, kicks in Test rugby have jumped from 50 to 56 a match with tactical kicking taking centre stage. With defences struggling to catch high balls, those opportunistic moments can be game-changing.
Steve Tandy’s squad is embracing this unstructured play, looking to disrupt and play off the chaos. In a sport evolving towards more aerial action, being versatile and unpredictable on the field could be their key to success.
So, hang in there, because while 50 kicks might be a stretch, Wales’ journey to greatness might just soar above expectations! 🏉