DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

So while England may have fallen just short of Ireland in the Six Nations this year, there can be few better people to take a few pointers from than the man who inflicted us with our only defeat this year.

Andy Farrell may not have pulled up any trees in rugby union as a player (though obviously he was a legend of rugby league), but as a coach he has risen fast; first with Saracens and more recently with the Lions and England.

So, if you’re interested in improving your defence over the summer or just want to reinforce your own expert theories, get your headphone in and listen close because the man knows what he’s talking about.

Got that? Let’s recap:

1. Get up and get out: Good defensive width allows greater line-speed and is discouraging to attackers.

2. Advance in a straight line: That way you can more easily tackle with your whole body rather than drifting and tackling with just your inside arm.

3. The hit: Aim through the ball-carrier. Every collision counts.

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