Brian O’Driscoll Masterclass – Defensive Play At The Breakdown

BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight have come up with another top quality masterclass video as we get a chance to learn from  the legend himself… Brian O’Driscoll talks Austin Healey through the best way to defend the breakdown in the midfield, or indeed in any tackle situation.

“It’s a matter of trying to bend your legs, use the player as leverage to try and get down into a good position, tuck the head, and wait for those impacts to come,” explains O’Driscoll.

He’s also quick to point out that referees these days aren’t too happy about players simply placing their hands on the ball to try and get the turnover. You need to actually make an effort to grab it.

“Referees a lot of the time now aren’t happy with you just going for the ball and kind of pretending to hold it in. You have to have an effort to try and pull it away from the opposition. Once they see the attacker holding on, they’ll give you a penalty,” he added.

Damn you BT… We cannot miss out on this, we’re sold! #BOD