Breakdown- Defensive set up
Dont over commit if Ruck is lost- maximum of three- one holding contact over the ball, one on either side bound on as guards protecting the skirt of the ruck
Next two forwards body guards ( 1 each side) to pressure 1st recieving player if ball goes back or reposonsible for making first tackle if forwards carry through that channel. These five need to be in position at every break downa and can be made up of forwards or backs.
From their on outwards we want to try and achieve forward and back alternate across the back line to ensure we have strength and speed covered at every tackle. You will need to make desions on the pitch at matching tacklers to players depending whatsi n front of you.
9 will sweep behind the 1st defensive line covering the little chip over the top or to cover tackle if someone breaks through to slow them down giving us time to realign defensivly.
15 will cover deep covering between the line of play and the touch line ready to catch a deep kick or make a last ditch tackle if lines if tackles are missed.
14/11 the winger whos side is closest to play will come up into the 1st defensive line (see 11 on diagram) The winger who is furthers from play will drop to between full back distance and sweeper to cover the longer kick two the far quarter or cross field/kick to touch.
Then as play moves acroos the pitch the pedulaum between the back three will need to tak place
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Restart kicks are now the most common set-piece in rugby and the easiest to lose. Treat them like a lineout: prepare options, drill the catch, and own the reception.
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