When I was a nipper, there was a lot of 'one on one' tackling and going low was a basic skill. Today the game has changed and the body height, wrap up tackle is the norm. However, there is still a place for the 'around the legs' effort. Every game I watch there are examples where a lower tackle would be more effective. However, it is as if it has been programmed out of players, so it doesn't even occur to them to do it at all.
I was just watching the Saints v Leeds game yesterday and there was a player (Ablett) going high, getting pushed off (by Peyroux) and a try is scored. Even if Peyroux could have offloaded, there was defensive cover for that eventually. Often two players will grab a player and get marched up the field by the ball carrier, until a third player comes in and grabs his legs. I know if the second player into the tackle goes low, then the ball carrier could offload, if not fully wrapped up. Still, the old maxim 'you cannot run without legs' has merit.
The same week Roberyt Lui scores a try against Huddersfield by pushing off an opponent and scoring a soft try. I wonder what the coaches say when they see that. Around the legs was the obvious option but not event thought of, I would venture.
The low tackle has its place and players should be trained to know when to use it and how to do it effectively.
Photo: Debrah Novak
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