Franco Smith on Italy’s Evolution, Scotland Under Pressure and Top-Level Coaching | Lekker Rugby Pod

Описание: Franco Smith has coached Italy in the Six Nations and now leads Glasgow in the URC. In this episode he explains what has changed in Italy’s structure, why Scotland enter the Calcutta Cup under pressure, and how coaches analyse games beyond surface reaction.

We go into tight-five development, lineout mechanics, aerial contest adjustments, kick-chase organisation and the difference between club preparation and Test-week execution. This is a detailed look at how elite rugby is built, how small margins shape outcomes, and how scoreboard pressure forces tactical decisions at the top level.

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Franco Smith on Italy’s Evolution, Scotland Under Pressure and Top-Level Coaching | Lekker Rugby Pod

00:00 Introduction & Why Franco Smith Matters This Week
01:36 Watching Italy v Scotland – Coach’s Perspective
03:42 Italy’s Long-Term Vision & 2031 Prediction
06:08 Scotland’s Set-Piece Problems
07:35 The Line-Out Evolution
10:18 Aerial Battle & Kicking Strategy
16:38 Club v International Coaching Differences
19:07 Alignment Between Clubs & National Teams
23:20 Why Glasgow Are So Clean in Attack
27:23 Training for Chaos & Unstructured Play
33:54 Game Management & Late-Game Scenarios
37:29 Calcutta Cup Preview – Scotland v England
42:02 Murrayfield Atmosphere & Flower of Scotland Story
47:40 Italy’s Growth & Franco’s Legacy
52:21 Building Underdogs & Coaching Philosophy
55:51 Character vs Personality – Final Thoughts