The opening weekend of the Prem season witnessed a remarkable 52 tries, setting a new record for the first round despite fewer matches being played. This prolific scoring has led to suggestions that the English club game is increasingly resembling basketball in its attacking focus.
However, the second round saw 41 tries, a still significant number, but one that also indicated some defensive resilience. Matches like Sale's victory over Saracens and Leicester's win against Newcastle were described as 'dogfights', with Bristol's six-try success against Northampton also attributed to defensive strength.
Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, commented that "The game ebbs and flows," anticipating both high-scoring games and "real dogfights and nailbiters this season." Courtney Lawes, returning to the Prem with Sale, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the team with the best defence might ultimately win the league.
Phil Dowson, Northampton's director of rugby, acknowledged comments about the game becoming like basketball but stated, "I don’t think there’s any lack of intent in defence." He believes that increased attacking intent, influenced by factors such as the absence of relegation and a drive for more entertaining play, along with refereeing changes and improved pitches, has contributed to more tries being scored.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has reportedly instructed referees to adjust interpretations of certain laws, aiming to better prepare his side for the World Cup next year. The first two rounds saw an increase in offside penalties and penalties for holding on at the breakdown, which may be a step in the right direction from Borthwick's perspective.