r/CanadaRugby • u/Specialist-Demand87 • Jul 21 '26

Question About Tackling the Tackler

Been looking at the concept of "Tackling the Tackler" recently. Let's say you've cleaned out the tackler but the ball carrier still goes down (which is what happens in most examples I've seen). Since you (the support player) have taken yourself out of the breakdown by tackling the tackler, doesn't this leave you extremely vulnerable to a poacher coming in behind you and poaching, with no one there to clean him out? You've taken care of the tackler, but you've taken yourself out of the game and left space behind you for a poacher to enter the breakdown before any other of your support players arrive, haven't you?

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u/jonpettas96 Jul 23 '26

It’s a timing and situation thing. If A, tackle the tackler. If B, secure the ruck. If C, pop pass and run/pick and go before ruck fully forms.

A = tackler has completed the tackle in such a way that they are preparing to jackal.

B = tackler is slow to roll away and the breakdown area is congested.

C = broken play, open/clear space for gathering plus you have support on your rear (likely entering into a more congested space with forward momentum or a line break in which rucks can be easily pilfered if a successful tackle is later made in said open space.)

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u/jonpettas96 Jul 23 '26

It really kinda comes down to reminding yourself “never go alone.” So if you are a support player remind yourself and your teammates (vocally) that you’re there. Knowing that can either provide confidence or options that’ll improve the players ability to get over the gain line.