Good update for the passing guys has made the game a fair bit more enjoyable and good to hear there is not a regular schedule for updates so thanks for that. A few points below I know probably hard to implement but I think this would take the game to the next level even if a couple of these things could be tweaked
Support Runner Positioning & Movement
• Support runners are still too deep and static when receiving passes.
• In real rugby, they should be hitting the gap at pace and receiving the ball close to the ball carrier’s shoulder.
• Wingers and outside players should work more infield to become primary or secondary support players, arriving at speed.
Defensive AI Issue (Draw & Pass Mechanics)
• When executing a draw and pass, the defending AI is unrealistically adjusting.
• The defender commits, but after passing, they instantly reposition to tackle the support player.
• In real rugby, once a defender commits to a tackle, they rarely recover in time to tackle the next player.
• Fix required to make defensive reactions more realistic post-commitment.
Key Fixes Needed
Support runners should align closer and at pace when receiving.
Wingers/outside backs should move infield more often for support.
Defensive AI should not be able to recover unrealistically after committing to a tackle.
This will improve attacking flow, support play, and realism.
but you forgot ability to add up to 5 in the ruck.
have the Y contest tackle work in game not just the tutorial
Change the Jackle/steal animation to just stealing, (not an animation that has the defensive player bulldozen over 3 offensive rucking players) or an animation of an offensive player holding on when he gets tackled and being penalized for it or at times successful with it.
Add some real benefits/rewards to winning Mauls and Scrums, they are not rewarding enough now. Allow for more ground to be gained, when there is perfect timing. This is Rugby
Improve the AI to offload and pass more
make kicking for goal more difficult (too easy)
Add play calling and fix the formation settings so you can set the number 10 back to kick. Pod control would be nice.
Allow for high and low tackles with risk/reward to both, and have it be balanced, in RLL3 it had this but the low tackles where substantially better to the point of never using high tackles.
Many sliders so players can tune the game to their liking.
Consider you are building a master piece.
The game is most definitely improving, but has a way to go, most of the systems are in place they just have to be implemented correctly, appearance/visuals are great now let’s just continue to improve the gameplay to match the great visuals and it could end up being the best rugby game yet. And overall don’t dumb the game down Rugby is Rugby not Rugby league. Good rucks, mauls, and scrums are all equally important for it to be a good rugby game.
Today, timings depend on where you are in the world as it hits servers. Could be this afternoon, could be this evening - just keep checking your platform of choice.
Weird that at this point AI offloading and passing has not been implemented yet. It’s not like Big Ant doesn’t have rugby game experience. I say yet because I know it will. But I am wondering why they haven’t prioritized it, given 99% of users are complaining about it. Unless they are using some kind of AI to study our passing tendencies online, so the AI can mimic. I know I am stretching, but at this point, its the only thing that makes sense. But would be good for Big Ant to comment on this on this forum. As mentioned in the past , I have confidence in Big Ant, but that does not mean that I agree with every decision they make. Ross has in the past really influenced game features, this goes back to the day win him and Mario from Sidhe were battling it out. I thank them both because of that battle, Rugby gamming has benefited. I think I can right a book on the study of Rugby rucking systems in different games. Goes back 20 years or more.
There was a time during one of the EA’s when the AI was flinging the ball around like basketball so i think it will be resolved in due course. They are probably just trying to refine it. Still would be really nice to know if and when we would be able to edit international teams.
Also like it. Would suggest perhaps player in pocket can catch the ball standing still and not run on to the ball. Or the option for example if you want to run onto the ball you must push forward.
It was previously brought up about the updates not effecting already started career modes etc, anyone know if this is the case? Or will the gameplay on already started career mode also see the improvements?
Not a fan of the formation system, its too complicated on the fly. Instead keep it on D pad, but when you have the possession, the 4 directions affect your attacking formation with a single quick selection and when in defence the 4 directions affect your defensive formation with a single quick selection.
Example
Attack
Up - flat attacking line with a couple of support runners behind
Down - kicker stands deep in the pocket for a kick
Left - forward pod formations, forward focus, with fly half as support option to use the backline
Right - wide backline setup, normal depth, with a couple of support runners
Defense
Up - rushed defence, with little support behind the line
Down - kick defense with both wingers and fullback back to receive a kick
Left - heavy defense around the ruck
Right - standard defense depth spread wide
This will make a huge difference in strategy, its far simpler and should be relatively easy to do, as it is purely positioning
There have been slight improvements. But the game is still pretty unbearable. So many issues. Passing still shocking, support lines are so bad so you cannot attack. Opposition just passes once.
It is still baffling to me that it was deemed acceptable to launch a game in this state and charge £50 for it
Not sure if this has been mentioned already but will mention again if it has. When kicking into touch, I can’t kick the ball out to the nearest touchline. The furthest the arrow moves to the right is behind the goal line area:
I saw an issue with the squad for example the Sharks squad some guys that are regulars in the squad that even had face scans have been pulled out and people that are not longer with the Sharks are still there. For example Ntuthuko Mchunu is out of the squad but guys like Wright Braam Reyneke Lionel Cronje Reniel Hugo is still there but they are no longer with the Sharks. We need Mchunu, Vincent Tshituka and Tino Mavesere. I also can’t sub Dylan Richardson in when I put him on the bench
Still not enjoying rucks much in the game. There seems to be no reason or rhyme to what actually goes on - and the only animation is that 3v3 rugby league style scrum.
Also, i havent seen it mentioned recently, but are there plans to add in more camera angles? Like maybe a broadcast angle?
Support runners should align closer and at pace when receiving.
Goes back 20 years or more.
