Copyright Rugby Football Union & Paul Westgate, 2007.

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THE PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF DEFENCE
IN RUGBY UNION
BY
PAUL WESTGATE


The author is an RFU Level V Elite Coach. He was Director of Rugby at Nuneaton RFC and is now
Director of Rugby at Eastbourne College, Sussex.
The article is taken from his recent lecture to Applied Sports Science students at Loughborough
University and he wishes to acknowledge the influence of Phil Larder, former England Defence Coach,
Mike Ford, current England Defence Coach, and Ged Glynn, Spanish National Coach.

1. The Aims of Defence.

Today, defence is a major part of rugby union and teams need constant practice. Given that in a game
of rugby, possession of the ball is generally 50%-50%, do we as coaches spend at least 50% of
training time on defence? Probably not, as our players generally prefer to run with the ball than run
after the ball! However, in rugby you can either attack with the ball or without the ball and for me the
concept of attack without the ball is an accurate description for the mindset needed to be
successful in defence. It is based on dominating your opponent making him reactive to what you do!

Defence, or attacking without the ball, has two aims. The primary aim is to regain possession and the
secondary aim is to prevent the attack crossing the gain-line. These aims are achieved by either
dominating the tackle or pressurising the attack. Successfully dominating the tackle will result in the
ball carrier losing the ball in contact or being turned over. Successfully pressurising the attack will
force them backwards or across the pitch, by not letting them get over the gain-line until the attacking
team is forced into an error or tackled into touch.


2. Ten key factors for a successful defence.

i. Attitude. Players must defend with attitude! There is only one ball on the field
and it is yours! The opposition only have temporary ownership of it (i.e. when
you make a mistake!).
ii. Confrontational. This is both physical and mental. Players must be physically
tough, aggressive and relentless in defence. They must make powerful, driving
tackles that stop attackers. But they must also be mentally tough, displaying a
warrior-type mentality and an aggressive mindset. The best defenders impose
themselves on attackers.
iii. Communication. The team must organise its defenders and identify the attacking
threats - and communication is vital. Defending players inside and outside the
ball carrier must communicate clearly and loudly while pushing forward.
Communication is not only for the team`s benefit but it also exerts pressure on
the opposition: big talk (intimidation) and small talk (organisation) are vital.
iv. Go Forward. Defenders must exert pressure through correct line speed, thereby
limiting the attackers` time, space and options and protecting the gain-line


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v. Technique. It is essential that the tackler and the first supporting defender know
their roles, responsibilities and the Laws (and crucially the difference between a
stand-up 1-on-1 tackle and a tackle on the ground). The tackler must track the
inside shoulder of the ball carrier and take his space; he needs (a) quick footwork
with a strong square hip base; (b) the front foot forward and close to the ball
carrier, low body height and eyes on the target area; and (c) hit, stick, squeeze
and chase the feet as the shoulder makes contact. Decision-making on what type
of tackle is needed is also important. The first supporting player must know as
much as possible about his entry to the tackle area; if the ball is not visible, he
must attack the body or legs; if the ball is visible he must target the ball, either
looking for a turnover or to slow it down (legally!).
vi. Enthusiasm. Defenders must like tackling! They must have an eagerness to hunt
the ball and an exceptional work ethic off the ball.
vii. Fitness. Players need to be fit and must have the urgency to reload (and start
again).
viii. Alertness. Players must be alert and react to quick taps, turnovers and attacking
kicks.
ix. Commitment. Players must have total buy-in to the team`s defensive
systems(s). They must maintain a disciplined line and good defensive shape,
irrespective of fatigue, injury, laziness and/or pressure. They must also trust their
team-mates!
x. Discipline. Players must know the Laws and they must play the referee at the
tackle area. After all, most penalties are given away here!


3. The Battlefield.

Defence starts with the battle for possession and the battle starts at first phase. Teams will have
defensive strategies at game restarts (i.e. at scrums, lineouts and restart kicks). The aim is to
regain possession or, if that is not possible, put the team in possession under pressure by not
allowing them quality ball. A team that has quality ball has any number of attacking options
without pressure, so any opportunity to cut down an attacking team`s options will swing the
balance in favour of the defending team.

Before battle commences, battle-lines are drawn up in attack and defence. (See Diagram 1)

Diagram 1.


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The attacking line is where the attackers line up.
The defensive line is where the defenders line up.
The gain-line is always extended along the middle of a scrum or lineout.
The offside line can vary (e.g. the back foot of a scrum or 10m back from the lineout).
The tackle line is basically where the attackers and defenders meet. It will vary depending on the
defensive system and defensive capabilities of the team. It is usually nearer the attacking line than
the defensive line.

The rules of engagement on the battlefield are set down in the Laws and again it is vital to know
these and use them to your advantage!


4. Defensive Shape.

All defensive systems will have a recognisable defensive shape and this shape is an important key
in building a defensive wall that can absorb and nullify various attacking threats. The defensive
shape is the angle in which the defensive line advances forward. This is obviously different for
different systems but the shape, or line, must be maintained and the defenders must commit to it.

The attackers are continually trying to create situations that lure defenders out of their line in order
to disrupt and break their defence and/or create space. They will do this by using inside runners,
players running at angles or by using two waves of attack (option runners entering the line late, at
pace and attacking space). Very simplistically, in an In-to-out or Drift defence, the defensive
shape is a moving line with the inside defenders ahead of the outside defenders, pushing the
attackers towards the touchline. The shape rule in a Drift defence is that under no
circumstances must a defender advance ahead of the defender inside him. In an Out-to-in
defence, the defensive shape is a moving line with the outside defenders ahead of the inside
defenders, pushing the attackers back inside.

In an In-to-out or Drift defence, once the ball has passed the defender`s zone he should continue
to push forward into the space inside the ball carrier. If this shape is maintained for at least 2
zones inside the ball, then it will be possible to defend against any inside passes or switch(es).
Defenders must always resist the temptation to follow the ball and be alert to defending the space
inside as well as outside the ball. Defenders closest to the scrum or lineout must lead and develop
this shape. This is usually the fly-half who, after addressing the immediate threat in front of him,
then leads the defensive line forward. Many teams now have good defensive shape leading from
the first defender, which is why attacking teams often attack the seam of the defence (the space
inside the fly-half). It is also the space where the attackers are nearest to the gain-line and more
likely to get some go forward rugby.


5. Defensive Zones.

To help maintain a team`s defensive shape, it is important to think of defence in terms of
defensive zones (Diagram 2a). A defensive zone is the space a defender is responsible for. The
key defensive zones are the ball carriers space and the two spaces or zones either side of the ball
carrier. A successful defence will ensure that these key defensive zones are covered and that the
relevant defenders stay strong and square in their zones.


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Diagram 2a.




Diagram 2b.




The players inside the ball carrier should execute a hustle line (Diagram 2b). Their role is to
push forward onto the inside shoulder to cover the inside channel. They must not fold in behind or
fade out of the defensive line. They have a vital role as primary support at the tackle contest.

The players outside the ball carrier should execute a jam line (Diagram 2b). Their role is to
defend the outside option for the ball carrier. They must remain square (i.e. hips facing forward)
as long as possible in their zone so they can jam the outside channel (no way through!) and also
be an effective defender outside (by tracking the next attacker).

Tracking is the first stage of the tackle sequence when a player moves from a stationary start to
the point of contact (i.e. the tackle) while controlling the ball carrier. When tracking an attacker,
the aim of the defender is to position himself to his advantage and strength (i.e. he stays square
with a strong body positioning and correct shoulder presentation). The defender`s positioning
should be at least a body width inside the attacking player in his zone. This reduces the ball
carrier`s option of a late change of angle and running at the weak shoulder of the defender.



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Staying square allows the defender a good vision of his zone and of the zone of the defensive
player on his outside.

Defending the zones inside and outside the ball carrier is vital. Attacking teams are always
looking to isolate a defender and to put a supporting runner through the space either side of that
defender. An astute ball carrier will spot an inside or outside defender who is compromised
because he has faded out of line, his hips are turned in or because he has folded in behind another
defender.


6. Defensive Spacing.

Spacing is the distance between defenders and the appropriate spacing will depend on the
defensive style and system of the team, the defensive abilities of the players, the attacking threats
of the opposition and the position on the field.

In an In-to-out defence, maintaining good, equal spacing is vital as the defensive line moves
forwards and sideways. However, equal spacing does not mean that every space between the
defenders is the same. It should be equal to the spacing of the attackers or at least organised so
that all the attacking threats are covered.

Players nearest the set piece or breakdown will be more compressed (the bodyguard, for instance,
being closer to the guard on his inside than to the next defender on his outside), but as you move
outwards along the defensive line the spacing will become gradually wider. Again, the important
spacings are the zones inside and outside the ball carrier. Familiarity of the inside and outside
man`s capabilities (e.g. his speed and tackling effectiveness) is important so that space between
defenders is disciplined. In phase play, for example, a back would stand closer to a prop than he
would to another back. It is vital, therefore, not only to look up at who you are defending but also
to look inside at who is protecting your inside shoulder.

A vital component in effective spacing and maintaining good spacing is the defensive line`s
starting position. Being fully prepared in the line with scanning and awareness, talk and urgent
reloading will ensure that the defensive line begins with the appropriate spacing.


7. Defensive Line Speed.

The speed which the defensive line moves forward towards the execution line is very important.
The execution line is the critical point or line of pass of the attacking play. You must, therefore,
identify what the attacking team is trying to create and adapt your line speed accordingly. For
example, a fly-half standing flat should be put under pressure with fast line speed.

The ball carrier and his support players are attempting to exploit the space between them and the
defenders. He is trying to either break the line himself or give the telling pass just as the attacking
line and defensive lines meet. Pass too early and the threat is covered by the defenders. Pass too
late and there is contact, an interception or a turnover. Meanwhile, the defenders are attempting to
cut down the attacking team`s options by closing the space between the two quickly and



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effectively. So, as the defensive line moves forward, it must continue to scan and communicate all
threats. Awareness and judgement are vital. It must not allow itself to be pulled out of shape. It
must not allow any defenders to become redundant at the critical point where a defensive decision
has to be made (e.g. a loop pass or switch). Line speed must be varied to create uncertainty and to
make attackers pull moves early.

Correct line speed is essential and will depend on the shape rule of a team`s defensive system. A
Rush defensive system will demand faster line speed than an In-to-out or Drift defence, where a
holding pattern is more likely to be adopted (i.e. allow the play to evolve without interference to
the defensive shape). The defending team can now influence the pass and push the attacker(s)
towards the defender who has never missed a tackle the touch line! In a Drift defence, the line
speed is usually determined by an inside player (e.g. the fly-half) whereas it is usually an outside
centre in an Out-to-in defence. Line speeds can even change between players if you want to
create alleys or if the attackers outnumber the defenders and an outside defender deliberately
breaks the line to tackle man and ball.

Correct line speed should take into account that the defender will slow down before contact and be
balanced before making the tackle.


8. Defensive Organisation from 1
st
Phase.

Attack from 1
st
phase has a relatively high chance of success because there is more space available
while the forwards are engaged in the set-piece play - up to eighteen players can be concentrated
into a small area. Also, the initiative is with the attacking team because it can dictate where the
defence sets up. However, defence from 1
st
phase is easier to manage because the defenders know
exactly who is defending next to them and this allows for better communication and execution.

Defensive systems will reflect the defending team`s strengths but also the attacking team`s style of
play. There are basically three defensive systems: (a) Man-on-man (and its variations), (b) In-to-
out or Drift and (c) Out-to-in. Most teams use a combination of these systems.

1. Man-on-Man Defence (Diagram 3)

This is the traditional rugby union defence. Each player tracks his opposite number from the
inside, pushing the attack towards the touch line. Defenders usually align flat and may come
up together fast (D1 tackles A1, D2 tackles A2 etc.).

The blitz type of defence is based on the Man-on-man system (i.e. fast line speed and
aggressive communication). Defenders defend the ball carrier and support players near him,
aiming to block out any passes. This can be very successful in phase play and when there are
more defenders than attackers.








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Diagram 3.















Advantages:
- Intimidating.
- Effective against a flat backline.
- Puts ball carrier`s support players under pressure.
- Can be used with another defence system (e.g. Drift or Out-to-in).
Disadvantages:
- Defenders are more committed so are vulnerable to miss passes and kicks in
behind.
- In its aggressive form with fast line speed, defenders are prone to conceding
penalties.
- Less effective against a deeper lying backline outside defenders will not get to
their opposite numbers.

2. Man-on-Man Isolation Defence (1) (Diagram 4)

Diagram 4.

















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This system identifies the target runner, usually an extra man joining the line close to the
attacking 10 or 12 (A5), and aims to isolate the extra man. All defenders stay with their
opposite numbers, including the defending openside winger who should stick to his man.
The defending blindside wing (D5) or full-back (D6) will tackle the extra man.

Advantages:
- Effective from a lineout.
- Effective if extra man comes into line.
- Exerts pressure.
- Closes down options for extra man by defending his support.
Disadvantages:
- At a scrum, the defending blindside winger must come across and be closer to the
defensive line. The space left by the covering blindside winger is thus vulnerable to
attack.
- Defender must isolate and nullify his opposite number. This emphasises the
importance of the one-on-one tackle.
- Space left by covering blindside winger is vulnerable.
- Defender must get between the ball carrier and his inside support.
- Defenders need to be alert to where space will open up and beat attackers there.

3. Man-on-Man Isolation Defence (2) (Diagram 5)

Diagram 5.















This system caters for the extra man (A5) coming in outside the 13 (D3). The openside
winger (D4) will attempt to defend both the extra man and his opposite number. The role
of the defending openside wing is to anticipate the 2 v 1, so he must stand narrow and turn
and shift outwards as the inside player receives the ball. He must position himself so that if
the pass comes he can make the tackle. The full back (D6) will tackle the extra man (A5)
and D4 will stay with A4. If D6 has to make the tackle, D5 (blindside wing) moves to the
corner at full back.




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Advantages:
- The fastest opponent is unable to get clear and so the cover defence does not need
to stretch itself.
- By leaving attacking player directly opposite in that position, it will rarely result in
the defending wing having to make a tackle or stop a pass.
- Full-back will cover any line-break.
Disadvantages:
- Lot of responsibility on the defending winger. He has to psych out his opposite
number and be in a good position to catch him.
- Full-back has to read what happens and react quickly.

4. Man-on-Man Overlap Defence (Diagram 6)

Diagram 6.














This is yet another variation! When the attacking team brings in the extra attacking player
(A5), usually the full-back, it forces the defence on the outside to adjust and move in one.
This allows the overlap to be created on the wing. The cover is directed to the touchline
and the defending full-back (D6) takes the last man (A4). The defending blindside wing
covers across at full-back. The defending full-back (D6) and blindside winger (D5) must
stay inside the ball and shift across as needed. This is the basis of the pendulum
defence.

Advantages:
- Good use of touchlines, forcing any line-break out wide.
- Cover defence already moving out wide to support at breakdown.
Disadvantages:
- If line-break is inside defending 13, it could exploit space between defending
blindside winger and full-back (full-back already committed to reaching touchline).
- Blindside wing must cover space left by full-back.
- Emphasis on one-on-one tackling by full-back.

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5. Out-to-In Defence (Diagram 7)

This type of defence has been successfully employed by some international teams such as
South Africa and some Premiership teams such as London Wasps. The defensive line
comes up fast on the outside shoulder of the attacking line. Note that the line speed
reduces from 14 in to 10 (D4 into D1). The defender then makes the tackle on his inside
shoulder. Variations include Banana shape of the defensive line and Rush defence,
with either the 13 or 14 (D3 or D4) up very fast to cut out any outside option. The players
will line up flat but on the outside shoulder of the attacker.

Diagram 7.














Advantages:
- Defender hits ball carrier blind as he is looking inside for the pass.
- Very intimidating.
- Defenders defend gain line quickly and effectively. This slows down momentum of
attack and limits attacking options.
- Leads to errors as immense pressure is exerted.
- Attackers forced back and deep in order to make their passes.
- Difficult to go around. Defending openside wing alert for interceptions.
- Effective from slow ball.
- Tackles made behind gain line.
Disadvantages:
- Players must come up as a line or gaps in defence will be exploited. If outside
players are up too quickly, this will create space inside and give advantage to the
ball carrier.
- Relies on players organising themselves and each player knowing his role.
- Individual type of defence.
- Emphasis on communication and decision-making as defenders must pick up
option runners.
- Openside winger is last defender and vulnerable until sweeper/full-back comes
across.
- There is space behind the attacking line so it can be vulnerable to grubber/chip
kick.


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- Vulnerable to long pass around or over the furthest forward defender.
- Defenders need to be fit as system requires frequent up and back movements.


6. In-to-Out or Drift Defence (Diagram 8)

This is the most common form of defensive organisation and has its origins in rugby
league. It requires excellent communication skills. Basically, three players can now defend
against four because the defence is drifting across the pitch towards the touchline and can,
therefore, cope with the extra man.

Diagram 8.













From set piece, the attacking fly-half (A1) is tackled by the defending openside flanker,
the attacking inside-centre (A2) is tackled by the defending fly-half (D1) and so on The
blindside winger (D5) defends across, up and across to cover any line-break. If no extra
man comes into the attacking line, the defending openside winger (D4) takes his opposite
man and the 13 (D3) comes in to contest possession.

Defenders usually line up inside their opposite man but the outside option may be
necessary if the attack is spread. The In-to-out or Drift defence is more a concept than a
pattern. This is because, unlike the other systems, it does not identify a definite target.
Instead, it works on shepherding the attacking backline across the field, pushing it across
the field by giving them the outside. This hopefully eliminates the threat of a midfield line
break. As the attacking team moves across the field, their options are limited and time is
bought for the second line of defenders.

Advantages:
- Effective if defence outnumbered.
- Forces attack towards touchline and out of space.
- If alignment slightly staggered, drift much more effective.
Disadvantages:
- Defenders rely on inside help.
- Vulnerable on inside/at seam of defence.
- Communication not always effective or aggressive.
- Drifting players have side-on body positions.
- Less proactive. Defenders are reacting to attackers.
- Vulnerable to unders lines from attackers.

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- Attackers just need to run straight and take advantage of outside space.
- Vulnerable to inside cut and chip kick because defenders committed to outside
man.

7. Arrowhead Defence (Diagram 9)

This is a combination of Drift and Out-to-In defence that targets specific players as the
danger. An arrowhead is formed at 12 or 13. D3 rushes up to put pressure on A3, hoping
either to tackle him in possession or to cut out a wide pass.


Diagram 9.














Advantages
- Puts pressure on a key player in the attacking back line.
- Forces play back inside (if you have a good back row).
- Can create alleys.
- Flexible you can call it as the game unfolds.
- Effective if attackers outnumber defenders.
Disadvantages
- It is a complex system.
- Needs great communication.
- Hard to maintain physically for whole game.
- Risky if defender misses tackle!


9. Defensive Organisation in Phase Play. (See Diagram 10)

In phase play, defence now becomes more complex due to a greater number of variables. It
is more challenging because forwards and backs are in the defensive line. The key to
successful phase defence is to get as many players as possible to the breakdown first. This
is so that the ball can either be turned over or slowed down sufficiently so that the
defensive line can reorganise, thus creating a situation where there are more defenders than
attackers. A ruck really is good news for a defence. The attackers generally have to




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commit more players to secure possession and the defence are on their feet and on the
front foot. Many now consider that the constant recycling of the ball is to the advantage of
the defence, because the longer a team keeps the ball the more chance there is of losing it,
being turned over, flattened in the tackle, intercepted or giving away a penalty. Today,
most tries are scored within three phases.

The organisation around the contact area is the key to successful phase defence. Teams
will continue to use their preferred defensive systems in phase play but the set-up around
the contact area is usually consistent.

After a tackle has been made and the subsequent ruck or maul formed, the players not
committed should align themselves on either side of the break-down.

The player closest is called the guard (D1). The guard should align himself half a body
width from the ruck, behind the offside line and with his outside foot forward. His role is
to defend a forward pick-and-go around the side of the ruck and drive the attacking player
to ground with his inside shoulder. The next player is the bodyguard (D2). He should be
an arm`s length from the bodyguard and level with him. His role is to defend the
opposition scrum-half and the inside shoulder of the next defender (usually opposite the
attacking first receiver). These two guards defend the channel closest to the breakdown.
They must hold their position until the opposition fly-half passes the ball outwards. The
defending scrum-half usually defends the space behind the breakdown and acts as sweeper
as the attack unfolds (D5).

Diagram 10.














They play an important part because they set the mark as to where the offside line is and
they set the position where the other supporting defenders line up. They usually indicate
with their arm up.

In phase play, the backs must marshal the forwards and ensure the tight forwards are
nearest the breakdown. This will avoid mismatches and keep the line organised on the
outside. As the ball is passed out to the fly-half (and if there is no immediate threat), the
guard and body guard should shoot from the inside (i.e. press hard from the inside and
cut down the inside space). This also forces the attacking support runners to move
backwards.

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The next player in the defensive line after the bodyguard is the Captain (D3). He
usually covers the attacking first receiver. His role is to call the ball out from the
breakdown and lead up the rest of the defenders. Players usually line up flat with the end
man hanging back for the kick and they should be focussing on the attacking threat in front
of them and not looking inside to the breakdown.

At third and subsequent phases, the attack will focus on creating situations where there is a
numerical advantage or a mismatch. A back can isolate a defending forward by using his
superior footwork skills and speed or a forward can isolate a defending back by using his
size, strength and power.

If a team continually attacks in the same direction, a situation will arise where there is a
pooling of players on the side from which the attack originally came and, therefore, too
few defenders on the side where the next wave of attack is to be launched. So, it is
important to set up a far side defence early. Usually the first two defenders arriving at
the breakdown will move over to the far side of the breakdown and fulfil the roles of
guard and bodyguard. This prevents the defenders on the outside having to commit to
the area next to the breakdown. They can then concentrate on protecting the outside space.

Conclusion.

Most teams will use defensive systems based on the models above. When attacking without the
ball there is no particular right way or wrong way but the principles hold firm. Ultimately it is the
ability of the team without the ball to apply attitude and their tactical intelligence that will decide
how long they have to attack without the ball.