1. Tackling and Defense Thanks to Dave Butcher for his technical support
111

2. Technique and attitude -
Create the attitude on the training field
Collective attitude (Defence = We)
Want to get off the line want to make the hit
Tackling is a personal responsibility
(Tackling = I)
Repetition Repetition Repetition
Footwork and transitions
222
Technique

3. Team defensive outcomes (How do we get the ball back)
My philosophy
We will consistently take away the oppositions decision making time on the ball and challenge them to make decisions under intense physical pressure
We will dominate the opposition attack in every collision and destroy their will to attack us
Team defensive outcomes (How do we get the ball back)
Get the ball back in 5 phases or less (The challenge)
Force a technical error (pressure on the pass, challenge clear out accuracy etc.)
Force them to kick
Kill the attack in 2 passes – stop momentum
333

4. Principals 2 in the tackle - 13 on their feet
Line speed – take the time away from the opposition – cause errors through pressure
Work rate off the ball – RAP = Re align At Pace (reset speed = line speed)
Working in 3’s – ball carrier + a man each side of him
Ruck organisation – foundation of our defence
Communicate – listen – transfer - small talk from player to player
Defend space not the player
Work together – know the roles and the system
444

5. Terminology – (common language is crucial
Terminology – (common language is crucial. Stay together through communication)
Ball – defender opposite the ball carrier, first man to engage Hunt – defender working inside the “Ball” ,second man to engage Jam – defender outside the ball. Responsible for jamming the space on the outside of the ball carrier once “Ball” has engaged Set + Hit” – call to move the defensive line forward (aggressive first 3 steps) Push – call from the inside defenders for the defensive line to push across the pitch
555

6. Role definitions – Ruck defense
 Guard – first defender at the ruck, responsible for stopping the pick and go. Three point stance, outside leg forward. If the Scrum Half runs or passes, the Guard doesn’t follow, he marks the space around the ruck. He must move up and the link to support the inside of the Guard.
Shield – second defender at the ruck, responsible for the Scrum Half running or Forwards coming on a one pass play. Outside leg forward and no more than a meter away from the Guard. If the Scrum Half passes, the Shield is responsible for looking after the inside shoulder of the A defender and marshalling the space between 9 and 10
A – third man out from the ruck, responsible for the first receiver and the defensive line speed. The A defender’s alignment is on the inside shoulder of the first receiver, he should have his inside leg up.
Bobby – the Scrum Half is responsible for policing the ruck. He needs to be directly behind the ruck organizing the Forwards. He is responsible for joining the defensive line if required or acting as a second line of defense (collecting chips or snuffing out breaks).
666

7. Role definitions – Line defence Ball –
Roles:
Always the fastest moving in the line
Primary tackle = low thigh tackle
Sideways and Backwards – We need to develop the techniques and attitude to knock attackers sideways and backwards
Tacklers have a responsibility to work for 5 seconds minimum - the hit, the win, the contest
Tacklers aim to regain feet and get back in the game
777

8. Hunt – Defend the space inside the ball 2 in 13 on their feet Roles:
Target ball, stop the offload, add weight to the collision (add real physicality to the tackle)
First man in to compete for the ball on the ground (compete for the ball or take the space over and past the ball)
888

9. Jam –
Roles:
Defend any support runners to the offloading pass, angle in towards the tackle area then reset at speed if not needed
Can be used as assist tackler if ball carrier gets to the outside of the “Ball” but where ever possible should look to reset and keep width
999

10. Systems and shape – Equal spacing Sight the ball for line speed
G S A – setting sequence A S G (dependant on level of player and system)
On man for man - Defensive alignment = lined up with the outside eye of the defender level with your inside eye (attackers naturally drift)
Always defend the ball first.
Always protecting the inside shoulder of the defender outside you
Equal spacing
Sight the ball for line speed
Keep width (don’t shrink)
Through phase
101010

11. Systems and shape –
Axe Defense – more or same number of defenders to attackers. Man on man, aggressive line speed
Saints Defense – numbers down in defense, force the attack to the sideline, no line speed. Stay in shape (hips square) and work hard on the inside
Through phase
111111

12. T.E.A.M T – Trust system, team mates, your technique
E – Energy (reset, inside chase, working for 6 seconds after the tackle)
A – Action (take appropriate action to the situation, recognise the pictures)
M – Mindset (offensive defence, dominate collisions, team work (communication)
121212