Tactics talk: Small details make big difference for Stockdale’s second try

Throughout the Six Nations, we have spoken about the importance of each Irish player knowing their role down to the finest detail. Garry Ringrose typifies that in this example.

1 There has been a huge emphasis placed on the skill level of the players, and in particular the forwards. James Ryan shows great hands to gather an over-thrown Scottish lineout before a lovely offload allows Rory Best to make a strong carry. Ireland quickly switch defence into attack. Look at how early in the move Ringrose, who has his arm stretched out and calling, spots that it is on out wide.

2 Johnny Sexton recognises that and moves the ball left. The out-half’s beautiful pass allows Ringrose to play a sumptuous flick onto Rob Kearney who makes the line break. Kearney feeds the ball back inside to Conor Murray. Ringrose, who has run a clever support line is the first on the scene, with Dan Leavy to help drive Murray over.

3 Ireland win the five-metre scrum when Bundee Aki is held up, but Ringrose’s job isn’t finished yet. It was noticeable how often Joe Schmidt used the outside centre to great effect for his famed power plays and this was a perfect example. Ringrose makes a big carry off the set-piece and does well to recycle the ball for Murray.

4 By now Ringrose has repositioned himself as first receiver, which is something that Ireland have been desperately lacking as a second option to Sexton. Ringrose runs a Sexton-esque loop off Aki, who has drawn in two defenders – also watch (blue circle) Best’s decoy line here as he keeps the Scottish defence guessing. This is another tactic, previously highlighted here, that Schmidt emphasises. The space has opened up, and 11 seconds after Ringrose has made the initial carry, he is about to play a perfect try-scoring pass for Jacob Stockdale to go over in the corner.