Tackling the tackle

Over the past few years the skill of defenders ‘stealing’ ball in rugby Union has developed into a recognised and valued skill. While some are obsessed by the offensive tackle, coming out of line to make a big hit or lifting an opponent a meter in the air before dumping or dropping him, the ball stealers have proved to be the most affective and destructive defenders. However, new rules, more penalties and stricter refereeing of the breakdown means that one of the sport’s most affective defensive tools may be in threat of becoming stamped out of the game.

The fairly recent rule of a defender having to release a defender once the defender hits the ground has not only brought about more penalties and confusion to the game, it has also hindered many talented players. It is now commonplace to see a defender tackle an opponent, remain on his feet, and before attempting to steal the ball quickly and aggressively, throw his hands in the air in attempt to show the match officials he has ‘released’ the man with the ball. This not only looks ridiculous, but it is these vital seconds that make the difference between a front foot attack and a turnover.

There have been different ways of turning a tackle into attack, and over thee years we have seen many players master the art of each different scenario. First of all we saw the guddlers, the disrupters. Players whos hands seem to be ankle-long, and who seem to run with their heads scraping along the ground. Australian back-rowers Phil Waugh and George Smith are examples of players who thrived on disrupting opponent’s breakdowns.  Seeing a grounded or semi-grounded opponent they would almost surgically attach themselves onto the man with the ball, adopting a stealing position on the ground. The position and technique had to be perfect, compact with the head in and over the ball, body position low, knees often offering balance resting on top of the opponent, and of course no hands or body parts falling over the man with the ball.

This developed over time, and the vultures hanging around the tackle area looking for scraps of loose ball to clear up have sometimes not been needed. Irish centre Brian O’Driscoll has been another master of turning ball over, more often than not from the position of primary tackler. A technically gifted tackler, O’Driscoll could take advantage of a dominant tackle, either gaining his feet before any support arrives for the ball carrier or in some instances performing the tackle without actually going to deck himself. In one swooping movement players such as O’Driscoll could use the same strict and brave techniques as the Waughs and Smiths to steal the ball without  once letting go of an opponent.

These are skills which have been learned. Players have spent years perfecting such techniques, repeating them on the training pitch as a scrum-half may repeat his passes from the ground. To change the rules is not only detrimental to the game as these skills become at risk of becoming extinct, it also stops certain players from fulfilling their true playing potential and showing their full skills.

Rugby Union has often been accused of stealing techniques from its rival code, and being late to develop its own skills. This rule change may play directly into the hands of  voices claiming such statements. Rugby Union had developed  its own skill of ball stealing, a difficult and often very impressive technique. Now this technique is becoming limited, and in time it could change the shape of the game, and bring it yet closer to Rugby League.

Upper body hits initially came from Rugby League, but not necessarily for their potential to inflict harder hits. If a defender can hit up top in Rugby League, wrestle, and hold the attacker up before controlling him on the ground, he can buy a defensive line which needs to retreat 10 metres a good few seconds. If a second, a third defender can aid this ‘wrestle’ and become dominant before the ball carrier hit’s the ground, they can insure he is slowed down and cannot offload the ball.

Like in all aspects of each code there are techniques used in this wrestle, many of which are very complicated. Unlike Rugby League, there is there is no rule disallowing multiple defenders from stripping the ball in Rugby Union, so this position could become very important for defenders. If the first tackler holds the attacker up, and the second and third attack the ball, it not only offers a great potential for turnovers, but it also avoids the risk of giving penalties away on the ground.

It may be a long time off, but we could see a change in the way the game is played. As much as body shape and types could change with the emphasis on grappling and ’squeeze’ strength  rather than the scurrying techniques we have seen adopted by back-rowers in Rugby Union up until now. No matter how long the emphasis takes to change, even if it doesn’t, the rules of Rugby Union should be promoting fast, original defence rather than the slow, suffocating defence which can often be seen in Rugby League.