Few more points post update.
Good
Scrums - They are much quicker, however now are nearly impossible to turn over, realistically scrums are turned over by winning a penalty. Maybe add a collapsed scrum element for badly timed meeting of the lines.
Line outs - They work fine and there is no lag now, however would like to see a fake jump element to fool the opponent.
Kicking - Have noticed the minor change to a punt kick now makes the ball spin backwards instead of a spiral which is good and looks more realistic.
Points to consider for next update.
Running mechanics - these really need looking at, I made a previous post explaining that this game would be so much better taking elements from madden games. Even the running mechanics from the madden 21 mobile app looks more engaging to play. This NEEDS to be a priority. The game creates space for wingers which is good so there is a massive opportunity to add better mechanics to beat defenders 1 on 1 (goose step, spin, juke). Adding different side step animation will not fix this problem, animations are not engaging and I know exactly what's going to happen when the animation is triggered.
Another point on this, the game should add a ball tuck running mechanic when running into contact, very rarely do players run with their arm out in front when handing off, a strong runner would tuck the ball and try barge the defender.
Kicking - mentioned in the good points adding a back spin on a punt is good and looks more realistic, to improve players need to be able to control the trajectory of their kicks, every punt the ball has the same arch, would like to be able to kick one low and flat, high and long etc. Maybe a power bar element to control how the ball is kicked for example fifa crossing the ball, hold it for longer the ball is kicked further.
Sometimes organising the kicker behind the ruck then pressing l1 and r1 the ball isn't passed to the kicker. Also when kicking the player takes an age to actually kick the ball, sometimes he will take a few steps then gets tackled.
Goal kicking - I think the whole mechanic needs changing, it's very easy even on pro. I think if goal kicking was like taking a free kick on fifa it would be a significant improvement. Timing a bar for a good kick isn't engaging, controlling power and direction is.
Also to add to this, I know its picky but the ball should spin backwards from drop goals and kicks at goal.
Add a set move for a high box kick and winger chasing, this is a major thing in today's game.
Catching - A contesting in the air mechanic needs adding, at the moment its luck of the draw when catching and no skill element is involved, this would work nicely with the box kick and winger chasing set play. This is where a timing element would be good to use, timing the jump etc.
Generally the game is okay, I personally think the running mechanics let this game down, I think that's why I would make it a priority for the next update.
Thanks
Thanks for your feedback guys!
Feel the same about the scrums They just need to add the penalty aspect because the 4 inputs are fine.
Definitely agree with the scrum comment, there's nothing better than winning a tight head, post patch there's no chance!
It also looks like backs no longer join rucks, even using the quick bind button, and even when they are standing right next to the ruck, leading to frustrating turnovers, pretty sure this wasn't happening before the patch