Matt Hopkins

Studying Masters in Sports Coaching. Using the platform for academic research. Self Proclaimed Rugby Nause. Forwards Coach - Hunter Wildfires

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@brettruganalyst Look to be drilling their headholes on their maul defence

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@brettruganalyst @Carra23 Couldn’t agree more - more telestration needed in rugby!

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

✨ Precision Play: Kubota Spears’ Lineout Magic
⚡️ #8 locks defenders in the maul.
⚡️ Fake peel pulls defenders laterally.
⚡️ Halfback times the run perfectly to exploit the gap.

Intentional movements = unstoppable lineout strikes! 🏉
#Rugby #japanleagueone

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Great try from @scarlets_rugby to start 2025 in @URCOfficial. Another great example of sides innovating are constantly innovating how they use their maul #rugby #urc

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Ireland capitalise on their first attacking 22m entry vs. Fiji, exploiting Fiji’s maul defence tendency to condense their +1. Winning the ball at the front creates a gap between the tail gunner and +1, allowing Doris to score through clever deception. #rugbyanalysis

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

These clips show the impact of jumper delivery on 1st-phase success. Montpellier’s bent elbows give Pau time to pressure the 9, while Castres’ straight-arm delivery allows quick ball before defenders react. A key standard for effective lineouts. #rugbyanalysis #coacheducation

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Painting the Picture: How Grenoble Manipulated SAXV’s Defensive Tendencies to Finish With a Bang. SAXV’s aerial contests near their tryline opened space for Grenoble to isolate the back of the lineout, execute a strike maul, and seal the game. #rugbyanalysis #coacheducation

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@brettruganalyst Really isolated their tailgunners behaviours. it’s a great pickup from Arg vs Italy last week

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Bristol showcased brilliant defensive lineout tactics vs. Australia XV, reading a subtle foot cue to repel a 5m maul threat. High-risk, high-reward, but executed perfectly. A great example of coaching players to read and react to in-game cues. #rugbyanalysis #coacheducation

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@brettruganalyst Love it! Love the slight delay and intentionality from Barrett on the second example to create the spin. Awesome work from DeGroot to break a seam and be the leading force to go with him towards the sideline

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@NickPfitzner @brumby_fan I guess exuding passion/excitement is different when it’s not in favour of your nation? 😅

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

From double banking to double anchors. SA XV use pre-maul anchoring vs. Agen to gain a numerical edge, exposing defensive gaps and creating a crucial try. Keen to see how coaches adapt to this new trend #rugbyanalysis #coacheducation

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Biarritz outsmart Béziers post-halftime with clever lineout play. Spotting Béziers’ aggressive push to disrupt 9-10, they capitalise with a simple yet effective move. The key? Players reading and exploiting opposition cues. #rugbyanalysis #coacheducation

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@lifttheoffer Thanks Darren - appreciate your kind words!

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Bayonne's lineout law mastery vs. Toulouse. Using a 3stack, they open space and trigger movement on the throw, creating an uncontested win. Deceptive body language keeps Toulouse guessing despite a near giveaway by the +1's stutter step. Brilliant! #rugbyanalysis #coacheducation

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Fantastic way to exit your half from Glasgow. Nothing fancy about this. Just players knowing their role and executing it when it matters most!

#rugby #rugbyanalysis #lineoutanalysis #lineout #rugbycoaching #rugbyunion #urc #mhrugbycoaching

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

As a result, they create a mismatch and get their maul rolling and from there, a bit of Dupont magic to identify the space in backfield created by a dominant maul.

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Great try from Toulouse on the weekend, starting from fantastic manipulation at lineout time #lineoutanalysis #top14rugby

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

@ChubbDuncan You are an innovator and a scholar - thanks mate!!

[Matt Hopkins @mgkh92]

Anyone know what these are? Used as a lineout primer. Attached to resistance tube - clip for reference #rugby

https://t.co/EZKqHKhL4K