In the ever-evolving landscape of rugby, World Rugby's recent law modification, which bans the use of escorts during high ball play, has stirred the pot. Ben Smith, a revered figure in rugby and a stalwart for the All Blacks, now imparts his high-ball wisdom at Super Rugby Pacific club, the Highlanders. With over 80 Test caps and a World Cup title, Smith’s expertise is invaluable, especially since the new rule intensifies the aerial contest, demanding superior skill from players.
Smith, aligning with the positive feedback from Springboks coaches, appreciates the shift towards a more open and competitive play.
"I really like that part of the game that they've opened that up,"
Smith remarked, appreciating the enhanced challenge in the air which now mirrors a 50/50 contest.
The law change hasn't been uniformly received, with voices like Tadhg Beirne from the north expressing dissent, reflecting a broader unease about adapting to this rule. Nonetheless, Smith is focused on turning this challenge into an opportunity for the Highlanders, emphasizing the importance of mastering the high ball as a critical set-piece akin to scrummaging for forwards.
Smith envisions the high ball as a pivotal skill set for backline players.
"If you can do that really well, then I reckon it sets up your game to be able to attack off the back of it,"
he stated, underlining the strategic advantage of skillful high ball play. This focus has dominated the Highlanders’ preseason preparations, aiming to boost confidence and competence in aerial duels.
Highlighting the trainable nature of high ball skills, Smith acknowledged the necessity of live, game-like practice and the courage required to excel. "It’s a trained skill, and it’s a hard one because you want to make sure that you’re getting quite a few reps in... You’ve actually got to fully commit to those high balls," he explained.
Looking ahead, Smith is optimistic about the prospects of Highlanders’ wingers, particularly Xavier Tito-Harris and Caleb Tangitau, who have shown promising capabilities in preseason tests. "I’ve been really impressed with our wingers in that area around the high ball, being able to get up and compete," he commended, signaling a strong season ahead under the new regulations.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of rugby, World Rugby's recent law modification, which bans the use of escorts during high ball play, has stirred the pot. Ben Smith, a revered figure in rugby and a stalwart for the All Blacks, now imparts his high-ball wisdom at Super Rugby Pacific club, the Highlanders. With over 80 Test caps and a World Cup title, Smith’s expertise is invaluable, especially since the new rule intensifies the aerial contest, demanding superior skill from players.
Smith, aligning with the positive feedback from Springboks coaches, appreciates the shift towards a more open and competitive play.
"I really like that part of the game that they've opened that up,"
Smith remarked, appreciating the enhanced challenge in the air which now mirrors a 50/50 contest.The law change hasn't been uniformly received, with voices like Tadhg Beirne from the north expressing dissent, reflecting a broader unease about adapting to this rule. Nonetheless, Smith is focused on turning this challenge into an opportunity for the Highlanders, emphasizing the importance of mastering the high ball as a critical set-piece akin to scrummaging for forwards.
Smith envisions the high ball as a pivotal skill set for backline players.
"If you can do that really well, then I reckon it sets up your game to be able to attack off the back of it,"
he stated, underlining the strategic advantage of skillful high ball play. This focus has dominated the Highlanders’ preseason preparations, aiming to boost confidence and competence in aerial duels.Highlighting the trainable nature of high ball skills, Smith acknowledged the necessity of live, game-like practice and the courage required to excel. "It’s a trained skill, and it’s a hard one because you want to make sure that you’re getting quite a few reps in... You’ve actually got to fully commit to those high balls," he explained.
Looking ahead, Smith is optimistic about the prospects of Highlanders’ wingers, particularly Xavier Tito-Harris and Caleb Tangitau, who have shown promising capabilities in preseason tests. "I’ve been really impressed with our wingers in that area around the high ball, being able to get up and compete," he commended, signaling a strong season ahead under the new regulations.