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Defence articles

The best defence wins matches

Develop defensive skills and tactics from set piece through to general play for all levels of the game from some of the world's best defensive coaches including Sir Graham Henry, Ben Herring, Brendan Ratcliffe, Rodny So'ioalo and many others

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Understand how to create a successful defence system or individual player defence roles in different situations.

Plus we have categorised them by playing level to make it easier for you to find:

  • Y – youth
  • HS – high school
  • A – adult
  • All – suitable for all levels

Lam's Connacht thrives in Pro12

Connacht have racked up three wins from three in the Guinness Pro12 so far this season, with their defensive strength having played a major role in that positive start.

Murray Kinsella analyses Connacht’s stunning 10-9 win over Leinster.

Irish defence and conditioning stun New Zealand

Murray Kinsella begins a look at how the Ireland women’s team pulled off one of the finest results in the history of the game on Tuesday, as they beat a highly-fancied New Zealand 17-14. In this article Murray focuses on the Irish team’s fantastic conditioning and defensive effort.

Stealing possession in defence

There are many ways that a side on the defensive can disrupt the breakdown and turn possession over. Murray Kinsella highlights some pertinent examples.

Coming Soon - Eric Rush: 7s Defence

Eric Rush demonstrates how to build a defensive structure for 7s, from scratch.

Working the Pendulum

Leigh Halfpenny talks about how the back three works together on a rugby pitch

Courtney Lawes: Tackle Technique Trailer

“I love defending and putting in big hits, but you have to understand that the safest technique is also the best technique.” In this video Courtney Lawes takes you through the tackling technique that works for him. From the importance of foot placement in generate force through to being comfortable using both left and right shoulders and of course head placement for safety.

Wales have brought back the low tackle to stop Ireland

Shane Williams believes that the utter belief of men like Sam Warburton and George North will carry Wales to the Six Nations.

Richie McCaw: Tackle Techniques Trailer

To celebrate the start of the World Cup, we are releasing Richie McCaw’s latest video on Tackle Technique.Get some inside tips from the All Blacks captain on how to improve your tackle technique and tackle attitude.

Defence

An insight into different defensive patterns – what works for the All Blacks may not be the answer for junior clubs.

Seven

I break down playing seven into four key components: tackling, clearing rucks, putting pressure on ball carriers and carrying the ball yourself