The following quote reminded me of my current largest shortcoming: I tend to go off my feet.

“David [Pocock] has always been technically very good I think – he works hard to stay on his feet and get low over the ball and get in a good position” — Jim Williams.

Will practice hard for the rest of the season

David Pocock, news.com.au

jackal · openside · technical

I’m sure I’m not the only openside that hates them – the new interpretations of the tackle ball have removed the greatest weapon in my kitbag. And I’m cranky.

My favourite trick is to assist in a tackle, just reefing the player to the ground, remaining on my feet, getting that dear old piece of leather into the crook of my arm and owning it. I’ve gotten away with it this year until tonight. But enter ye olde new law interpretation [see update and video from 20 July below for my workaround].

In a rather informative post, Sanjay Deva provides the following description of the new interpretation of the tackle ball from Lyndon Bray of SANZAR:

“The tackler, once hitting the ground in the tackle, must release the ball and the ball carrier. This gives the ball carrier a chance to ‘play the ball’, and will tidy up the tackle-ball area which has previously been weighted towards the tackler.

“As well, any player involved in helping make a tackle, who is in contact with the ball carrier when he is taken to ground, must then release the ball, before then attempting to contest possession, even if he is on his feet.

“This ensures that in Super 14, we are truly refereeing the Law at the tackle, and it provides the ball carrier with his rights, having been tackled. After this tackle, any player then on his feet, in a position of strength (his side of the tackle) may then contest possession.”

(more…)

breakdown · flanker · jackal · law interpretations · tackle