Scything through intricate defensive systems is similar to skinning a cat. There are many ways this can be done.
However, intelligence and simplicity do the trick.
This is applicable in how the kick-pass, or cross-kick, has become an important weapon in a flyhalf's arsenal.
In the rush defence era, where blitzkrieg line speed cuts down midfield space, the wider channels are fertile grazing areas for astute pivots who can pick out their wide men.
As expected, the kick-pass has already become second nature to New Zealand's highly skilled playmakers, but South African ones haven't missed the train. Elton Jantjies used it to devastating effect against the Stormers last week.
New Zealand's star flyhalf Beauden Barrett employed it smartly in creating Ngani Laumape's try for the Hurricanes against the Chiefs on Friday.
Against the Sharks, Hurricanes flyhalf Ihaia West kick-passed from just inside his 22, from where Vince Aso beat S'bu Nkosi to the ball and scored from reasonably deep inside his own half.Former Springbok flyhalf Andrew "Butch" James said the party trick might keep its novelty in light of the current defensive systems and, if used smartly, it might have an extended shelf life at test level.
"The kick-pass is a very good tool that can be used at test level but that depends on who your wings are, and their aerial ball competencies. We saw Michael Tambwe score from two kick-passes, but he does well in the air and chases the box kicks very well. It does weigh heavily on the personnel and most southern-hemisphere countries have excellent aerial exponents," James said.
"The Hurricanes do it pretty well, but anything Beauden Barrett does tends to end up with something quite positive, but the Lions have also used it quite nicely. Elton Jantjies and the midfielders at the Lions have got a good understanding. Any team that communicates well, with everyone on the same page, will get it right."
Former Springbok flyhalf Hennie le Roux said the accuracy of the kick-pass, in creating space, is similar to how the straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
Le Roux pointed out the importance of the flyhalf/inside centre combination being able to quickly identify and use the space in the wide channels.
"If the 10-12 axis communicates very well, they can recognise chinks in the defence of the opposing team, especially after organised phase play. That makes it difficult to puncture defences but phase play also offers the opportunity for space to be created out wide. Those opportunities are real and one just has to know they are there.
"The 12 becomes very important in terms of identifying this space because the 10 can be preoccupied with moving the ball quickly instead of looking for space pockets," Le Roux said.
"The kick-pass is not new but it always needed the right person to make it look fashionable. Dan Carter used it well because he had the time and space to use it well but it's here to stay like all forms of attack."..