In Rugby ATL’s first game as an MLR side, admittedly pre season, they tasted victory against long-standing MLR team NOLA Gold. They played well to break down NOLA and especially well to hold on. For a first true outing, despite the slightly odd structure of 40-20-40 minute thirds, they were very composed and exploited NOLA very well.

Rugby ATL played a very expansive game, with lots of variation. This resulted in 60% progression rate, over 20% more than NOLA. However, while this ability to escape each zone (broken down by Own 22, Own 50, Opp 50 and Opp 22) is crucial it is the transition for their first try I want to focus on.

1st Phase turnover allows Atlanta to build an attack

Atlanta’s initial possession begins from a turnover. The disorganized nature of defence caused by the turnover allows Atlanta to immediately create momentum. Because of the interception happening rather fortuitously in between the lineout and the NOLA Gold backline it means that the extra defenders for NOLA have to wrap behind the ruck and can’t immediately cover the wing. This happens while the Atlanta team can wrap round and prepare a second phase attack.

Atlanta attack the width pulling NOLA with them

As pointed out above, the NOLA defenders covering from the right wing are covering more ground allowing Atlanta to cover the width of the field and reach the edge of NOLAs defence with ease. As well as this Atlanta use a forward as a dummy short option close to the break down. This again helps to split the line while also forcing a deceleration in the outside defenders worried about their inside man.

Atlanta have played 2 phases and now settle into a 1-3-3-1 structure

Having reached the edge, Atlanta can settle in to their preferred structure, 1-3-3-1. The 1-3-3-1 refers to the positioning of the forwards on the pitch. With two central pods of 3, it allows multiple option when their running. However, crucially as in the clip above, the 2 additional forwards will clear the ruck allowing quick ball.

Again Atlanta play within the structure

Again with 3 forwards carrying hard Atlanta play off 9. A strong NOLA tackle stops them, but Atlanta continue to work round the corner. The key part of this 1-3-3-1 structre is that the ball is quick, and that the carries generate at least partial momentum as they have done so far for Atlanta.

Atlanta find the width and attack with speed to expose the holes against an unadjusted NOLA defence

This momentum then pays dividends as Atlanta again reach the edge of the NOLA defence. With the hard carries previously putting NOLA on the back foot, Rugby ATL slow the line speed allowing the hole on the right to be exposed.

However, despite not scoring, it sets the final phase. They have stopped NOLA wrapping and as such have created the easy opportunity.

Atlanta generate quick ball and form a full field threat

The speed of the ball of these final two phases has to remarkable effects both on attack and defence. Looking to the right, we can still see one of the NOLA defenders retreating. This shows the true pace and speed of the ruck. The second effect, while not having an impact on the play helps show Atlanta’s intent and why their going to be a threat this season. The speed of the ball has allowed them to set an attack on both sides. As a result, Atlanta manage to expose NOLA on the blindside but using their intensity would have been more than comfortable attacking the openside.

This brilliant try shows 2 key things for attack in rugby. The ability to transition and the importance of quick ball. Rugby Atlanta maybe a new franchise but their ability to transition for this try and generate quick ball while staying in their structure was remarkable. I for one, can’t wait to see how this expansion team can improve and challenge the already established teams.

Quick Breakdown of Rugby ATL’s Debut win