Breakdown Defence - HS and A with Richie McCaw

Queensland Reds and ex Wallaby great George Smith, at St Laurence’s School, Brisbane, gives insight to what is required to win the defensive breakdown.

Breakdown skills are critical for any player.
In this video, All Black captain and arguably the best player to play the game and best No 7, Richie McCaw looks at the three big decisions to make when you are a support player in the defensive line and the techniques to deliver the most effective actions.
Being effective at defensive breakdowns is about great decisions and absolute commitment.

In this video British and Irish Lions and Wales captain Sam Warburton takes you through drills for the tackler and the first support player at the breakdown.
One of the best No 7s in the game Sam will show you the techniques and thought processes he used when approaching the breakdown.
These are the techniques that have worked best for him, he swears by them and hopes they work for you too.

Queensland Reds and ex Wallaby great George Smith, gives the St Laurence’s School, in Brisbane, insight on the defensive breakdown mindset.
One of the best breakdown exponents in the game, George explains the key points to winning a defensive breakdown.
Decide your role early Communicate your decision whether its a jackal, clean out, counter ruck, or reload Repeat effort is key – maintain the effort at every breakdown.

Hawkes Bay coach Josh Syms continued his Fight on the Ground (FOG) program and this video looks at stealing and slowing the ball at the breakdown.
Emphasis is always on contesting the ball – fighting to steal or to keep the ball!
Tackler – Tackle, trace, try and find the ball and then hook and fight for the ball.
Tackled player – roll, squeeze fight for the ball.

Ex Rugby site Manager and current Otago coach Ben Herring introduces some Breakdown games for new players to play.
It is about learning, having fun and staying safe.