Rugby kicking technique

Question
"The modern game stresses an oblique approach to the ball. The kicker places himself at an angle behind the ball of approximately four paces behind the ball and two paces to the side" - can you explain to me the science behind this? Why don't modern players run directly at the ball?  I have never played rugby & have always been puzzled by this.

Answer
The round the corner technique you are refering to is basically so the ball is less likely to slice or hook.

If you have ever played football (soccer), you will know that you are always taught to pass with the instep of your foot, this means that you have greater control over it.

See this little diagram:

-- (Toe)

--------- (Instep)

What that badly designed diagram is showing is that there is more area on your instep than on the end of the toes. Meaning that there is greater control and therefore, greater accuracy.