Rugby is a game of constant evolution. Tactical shifts, player skill development, and adjustments to new laws have shaped the current landscape of professional rugby across competitions like Super Rugby and the United Rugby Championship (URC). The start of 2025 has revealed fascinating developments in how teams approach attack, momentum, and discipline — exposing the contrasting styles of Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere rugby. The resurgence of classic attacking strategies like the draw and pass, the growing importance of momentum-building rugby, and the fine-tuning of contestable kicking have all influenced match outcomes. Equally, issues around tackle height and breakdown discipline have emerged as defining factors in determining success.

South African rugby, in particular, finds itself at an inflection point. The transition from Super Rugby to the URC has altered the playing style and fan experience, raising important questions about how South African franchises should evolve to remain competitive and engaging. The following analysis dissects these trends and explores how rugby is adapting to its modern challenges while maintaining its traditional roots.

The Resurgence of the Draw and Pass

One of the most noticeable tactical shifts this season has been the return of the draw and pass as an effective tool for creating space and breaking down defensive lines. The Queensland Reds vs Waratahs match provided a clear example of this in action. 

Instead of taking contact and relying on individual strength to generate momentum, players opted to draw in a defender at the gain line before passing to a support runner attacking the space left behind.

This simple yet highly effective strategy reduces defensive pressure and creates new attacking options. The Chiefs and Waratahs have also demonstrated the effectiveness of the draw and pass, particularly when combined with strong handling skills and accurate decision-making. The success of this approach highlights a shift away from contact-dominant rugby toward a more fluid, ball-in-hand attacking style — a move that reflects the increasing technical quality of professional players.

Momentum-Building Rugby and Offloads

Momentum is one of the most powerful yet intangible forces in rugby. The ability to sustain pressure, break tackles, and create continuous attacking opportunities often defines the outcome of a match. Teams like the Drua, Highlanders, Chiefs, and Sharks have excelled in building momentum through effective offloading and attacking support play.

The Chiefs vs Crusaders match stands out as a prime example of momentum-driven rugby translating directly into success. The Chiefs’ ability to generate secondary lines of attack through quick offloads and support running allowed them to exploit defensive gaps and sustain pressure. Offloading in motion, rather than simply retaining possession, reflects a higher level of technical skill and game awareness — qualities that separate the best teams from the rest.

This trend signals a deeper strategic shift: rugby is no longer purely about power and territory; it’s about creating multiple attacking options and sustaining pressure through fast, dynamic play.

The Impact of Contestable Kicking

Kicking has long been a central element of rugby strategy, but the rise of contestable kicking has added a new layer of tactical complexity. Teams like the Waratahs, Blue Bulls, Crusaders, Sharks, and Chiefs have mastered the art of executing precise kicks designed to be reclaimed by the attacking team.

A well-executed contestable kick offers multiple benefits: it allows a team to gain 20–40 meters of territory without taking contact, conserving player energy while putting pressure on the opposition. The ability to regain possession also creates immediate attacking opportunities, forcing defensive teams into reactive positions.

Players like Joseph Sua’ali’i (Waratahs), Canan Moodie (Bulls), and Ethan Hooker (Sharks) have stood out for their ability to contest high balls and reclaim possession. Their success reflects not only individual athleticism but also the strategic emphasis on contestable kicking as a momentum-generating tool.

Discipline and Tackle Height — A Crucial Learning Curve

Discipline has emerged as a defining factor in early 2024. The enforcement of new tackle height regulations has led to an increase in yellow and red cards, particularly in Super Rugby. High-impact body-to-body collisions and head contact have resulted in stricter officiating, forcing teams to adjust their tackling techniques.

URC teams appear to have adapted more effectively to these changes than their Super Rugby counterparts. While Super Rugby teams have struggled with high-tackle penalties, URC sides have faced more issues at the breakdown, where head-on-head contact remains a challenge.

Although no single match outcome has been determined solely by poor discipline, the pattern is clear: teams that fail to adapt to the new laws will face significant challenges, especially at the international level. Discipline is no longer just a technical requirement; it is a strategic advantage.

South African Rugby’s Development Curve

South African rugby finds itself at a crossroads. The shift from Super Rugby to the URC has altered the competitive landscape, exposing the gap between South African physical dominance and the technical consistency of New Zealand and Australian sides.

While South African teams are showing promising young talent, they currently lack the experience and composure to maintain dominance for a full 80 minutes against top-tier opposition. The Springboks’ recent alignment camp included several emerging players, highlighting the depth of talent available — but the transition to international success remains a work in progress.

Leadership remains an issue. No single player has emerged as a dominant on-field leader capable of controlling tempo and decision-making. This absence reflects the growing pains of a system in transition. South African rugby is structurally sound but tactically evolving — and this evolution will take time.

The Entertainment Factor — Balancing Structure with Spectacle

The contrasting styles of Super Rugby and the URC raise important questions about the future of rugby entertainment. Super Rugby’s high-scoring, fast-paced matches have maintained fan engagement, while the more structured style of URC rugby risks losing traction with local audiences.

In South Africa, this is already evident. The Sharks, once capable of filling a 50,000-seat stadium during Super Rugby, now struggle to draw 10,000 spectators for URC matches. The transition to a more structured style has diminished the entertainment value for casual fans.

Fan engagement remains a challenge. While the Sharks have made strides in connecting with their local fan base, financial constraints pose a long-term risk. Innovative approaches, such as the pre-game and halftime entertainment pioneered by French rugby (including Eurovision performances and interactive fan experiences), could offer a template for revitalizing South African rugby’s connection with its supporters.

To sum up this quarter standouts for me, rugby’s tactical evolution in 2025 reflects a broader shift toward a more dynamic, technically demanding game. The resurgence of the draw and pass, the strategic emphasis on contestable kicking, and the growing importance of momentum-driven rugby highlight the increasing complexity of the modern game.

For South African rugby, the path forward is clear but challenging. The physical dominance and defensive strength that have defined South African teams remain valuable assets — but success at the highest level will require improved skill execution, strategic adaptability, and stronger on-field leadership.

The future of rugby lies in balancing tradition with innovation. Teams that master both will not only succeed on the scoreboard but also win the hearts of fans. As rugby continues to evolve, the challenge for players, coaches, and management alike is to embrace this transformation while staying true to values that they bring to the game.