Defence from set pieces

A good example of a tackle that can lead to a turnover is one by a flanker around the 10 channel, coming off the back of a lineout.

As the ball comes from the lineout, the last player flies off the back of it, aiming to deal with the 10’s decision. 

Though they are unlikely to meet the 10 man-and-ball, they are hoping to charge down a kick, or most probably tackle an inside or outside runner.

To be effective, they must remain connected to the rest of the defence. The players outside the 7, from the back of the lineout, are normally backs, and their job is relatively simple: They have to cover just outside the 10 and beyond.

The inside connection is more difficult and increasingly becoming exposed by good teams. 

As the 7 races out, they leave a gap on their inside. If they are to continue at pace to the 10, the player who was probably in the back jumping pod has to track their inside. 

They should not take the 7’s space, but aim at the hole on their inside.

Problems arise if the attacking 10 checks their outwards drift and squares up. They can now create a space on their inside and outside shoulder. 

The flying 7 has to cover two spaces. The 7 might have to take the 10 now, with the next forward from the lineout looking after the inside and the defending 10 the outside space. 

In training, you might work your way through the possible scenarios, so the three or four crucial players involved are able to make the best decisions based on how the opposition might run their attack from a lineout.

Set-piece outcomes

Off a lineout, you do not want to be broken down after the first three phases with your defence not in position.

From scrums, with more space for the attack to exploit, you have to decide on different defensive options, depending on where you are on the field.

You can vary the line speed – so, if you want to rush defence from a scrum, the 10, 12, 13 and openside winger race up. What this does is increase the pressure on the attackers’ skills to execute their moves; you are offering them the outside, and thus forcing their plans.

If they are exiting their 22m area, this is potentially a good risk. In the middle third of the pitch, you might need to be more canny and offer different defensive speeds. In your own 22, you push up hard, aiming to give them no ’go forward’.

Some teams do not take advantage of defenders who are defending higher up the pitch. These defenders have tended to switch off if the attack starts from the attacker’s 22m.

Be ready to be aggressive when the attack least expects it.