Defensive cues

Defending players must be able to react to the many defensive cues that arise within the defensive breakdown. Consequently, coaches should design and deliver activities which will encourage continual decision making within the breakdown contest.

Below are examples of the many cues that may need to be reacted to if a tackle has been made and completed:

Is the tackle dominant?

• Yes - Tackler rolls away or returns to feet and competes for ball / counter-rucks
• Yes - Inside or Outside Support Player joins to drive Ball Player backwards. In this situation, depending on the tackle height of the Tackler, the Support Players must decide:
  • Whether to target the ball, aiming to rip from the Ball Player
  • If the Ball Player is brought to ground and Tackler rolls out of the contest, either Jackal or effect ball presentation
  • To beat opposition cleaners through to counter ruck using good technique through body height and leg drive.
• Yes – but support to Ball Player is late or inaccurate – decision made to Jackal or Counter-ruck.

Is the tackle passive?

• Yes – Tackler rolls immediately East/West and returns to defensive line – they must try not to get trapped on the attacking breakdown side
• Yes - Inside Support Player may access a Clamp opportunity or returns into team defensive system as there is no opportunity to contest.
• Yes – react accordingly to fill gaps in and around the breakdown to nullify next attack (i.e., stop a pick and go).

Reaction to defensive cues may also be dictated by the defensive systems used by the defending team.