SA Rugbymag

South African rugby news, fixtures, results, video, interviews, and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers/Western Province, Sharks, Cheetahs, Kings and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • You are here: Home ∼ Farrell changes tackle technique

    Farrell changes tackle technique

    Owen Farrell's hit on André Esterhuizen Owen Farrell André Esterhuizen
    Published on September 16, 2019

    England captain Owen Farrell has been altering his tackle technique to conform to World Rugby’s updated guidelines regarding no-arms tackles.

    After being at the centre of two controversial incidents during the November Tests last year, the England flyhalf has been making changes to his approach over fears of being sanctioned with yellow and red cards at the World Cup.

    Following victories over the Springboks and Wallabies, Farrell’s no-arms tackles on Andre Esterhuizen and Australian lock Izack Rodda went unpunished.

    Farrell: I want to play within the rules 

    The Springboks were denied the chance of kicking a late penalty by referee Angus Gardner and consequently suffered a 12-11 loss at Twickenham, while the Wallabies were also denied a penalty try after a contentious decision by Jaco Peyper.

    Consequently, World Rugby implemented new rules around the tackle area, with the reformed regulations stating that Farrell should have been sanctioned for his indiscretions.

    With Eddie Jones already having declared that the World Cup could be ‘destroyed’ by inconsistent refereeing decisions around the tackle area, defence coach John Mitchell has said that Farrell has been working closely with strength and conditioning coach John Carrington.

    ‘Owen’s not overly focused in that area but he has made some adjustments,’ commented Mitchell.

    ‘John Carrington is very good at the tackle technique, so they’ve just made some adjustments based on that.

    ‘If your hand is in front of your shoulder then you’ve got a better chance of making a proper wrap tackle. If your shoulder is ahead of your hands then the law probably doesn’t look after you very well.’

    After the new tackle regulations were introduced, four red and 13 yellow cards were issued at the World Rugby U20 Championship in June.

    Jones has issued a stern warning to his squad regarding tackle-height discipline, with Mitchell admitting that the team has been practising drills with numerical disadvantages at training in an attempt to prepare for worst-case scenarios.

    ‘We constantly underload and overload [player numbers] in training, to be able to adapt to these situations,’ said Mitchell.

    ‘To be able to cope with the worst-case scenario is really important.’

    ‘It’s a very complex area as it is, so it is our responsibility as coaches to make it absolutely clear to the players what they can and can’t do.

    ‘Calmness and clear heads create the ability to make good decisions and collectively you end up working together, and it comes through the way we train.’

    England can expect a physical encounter when they open their World Cup campaign against Pool C opponents Tonga on Sunday at 12:15pm in Sapporo.

    Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA

    Posted in News, Test Rugby, Top headlines, World Cup Tagged Eddie Jones, england, John Mitchell, Owen Farrell, World Cup

    Post by SA Rugby magazine

    SA Rugby magazine




    ← Previous Next →

    Value added to Rainbow Cup by PSDT’s imminent return

    From a Bok perspective, the opportunity for Pieter-Steph du Toit to return...

    Playing Bok Selector: A wealth of riches at lock

    With the B&I Lions series fast approaching and key men still injured,...

    Bulls building enviable back-row depth

    The expected signing of Jacques du Plessis means that the Vodacom Bulls...

    Column: JP Pietersen was a modern-day Rolls-Royce

    JP Pietersen retired without much fanfare, but his impact on the game...

    Terblanche column: Looking after the little guys

    SA Rugby needs a new business model to benefit the big franchises...

    Local coaches facing new challenges

    South Africa’s franchise coaches face a player management challenge in a hectic...

    Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

    SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

    Column: When context is needed

    As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

    Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

    The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

    From the mag: Foreign Favourites

    As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

    Bulls rookies to watch

    After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

    Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

    For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

    VIEW MORE


    COVID-19 Corona Virus
    South African Resource Portal

    ABOUT

    • Contact us
    • Competitions
    • Videos
    • Player Features
    • Subscribe
    • Terms and conditions

    TOURNAMENTS

      • Rugby Championship
      • Super Rugby
      • Currie Cup
      • Varsity Cup
      • Gold Cup
      • Schools
      • Six Nations
      • Champions Cup
      • World Cup

    OPINION

    • Mallett on SuperSport
    • Cardinelli column
    • Lewis column
    • Xabanisa column
    • Borchardt column
    • Superbru

    Primary Menu

    • Home
    • Match Centre
    • British & Irish Lions
    • Videos
    • Supabets