Continuity - keeping the ball alive

understand that taking contact should only occur if the player cannot evade defenders or pass out of a tackle
continue to ‘go forward’ in contact situations, maintaining momentum, whilst striving to beat defenders
if tackle is inevitable, force the defender to make a side-on tackle, work hard to stay on their feet and move forward, allowing an offload pass
if offload is not possible, go to ground and present the ball to team mates (as far from opposition as possible)
if supporting, make the next decision based on defensive threats, e.g. pick up ball, pass ball, clear defenders