Wet-weather rugby: How to thrive in rain

One-pass plays in your half will also limit the chance of handling errors before you set up your kicking plan.

2. Short-side attacks

Utilising the short side, or blindside, is a great tactic to attack and gain metres up the field.

Defences will generally want the attack to play to the longer - or open - side, where a number of passes will have to be completed in tough weather conditions in order to execute to the space.

Instead, attacking in a short 10-15 metre channel limits the risk of multiple passes and can force the same defenders to make multiple tackles, opening up the opportunity to line-break. 

Like kicking signposts, if there is a handling error on a short-side attack, you are better positioned to transition into defence with a full line having to defend only one side of the attack.

3. Use an attacking kicking game

Attacking kicks in extremely wet conditions can cause havoc among a defensive back three.

Grubbing the ball on the ground with a disciplined chase and making the opposition have to play the ball will increase the chance of an error or turnover. 

In their own 22, teams will often defend with 14 players in the front line; therefore, kicking space in behind the front line is a good area in which to score or try to force an error.

4. Employing an aggressive line speed

One of the best tips in wet-weather rugby is to employ an aggressive line speed defence system that applies pressure on the skill of the opposition.

Defensive width is less of an issue as it will be harder for the attack to get the ball into that space (see illustration below).

Therefore, a tight, connected defensive line that keeps coming up after each pass will continuously apply pressure on the opposition and help you gain territory.

5. Breakdown discipline

Discipline at the breakdown is a must in poor weather conditions. Giving away penalties will always lead to a territory loss, usually of 30 metres or more.

Therefore, decision-making on whether to compete at the breakdown is important in defence. 

It can be more beneficial to leave the breakdown and have as many defenders on their feet as possible to employ an aggressive line speed defence that pressurises the opposition’s skill level in the wet.

In attack, having players closely connected to support the ball carrier is vital to ensure ball retention and maintain a territory position.