An Advert for Tackling

Aside from all the bitterness, the criticisms and the 'if's and 'but's how about we take a more positive look on things.

I've only managed to watch the highlights (the downside of working behind a bar) But from what I've seen, the tackling in this match was absolutely beautiful, there was something for everyone.

North's crunching hit on Farrell, Warburton's technically brilliant last gasp tackle on a rampaging Tuilagi, Halfpenny tackling two players in one movement to squander an overlap. But most beautifully of all, Strettle's text book tap-tackle that would make Peter Stringer jealous!

Anyone else love this side of the game as much as the trys and the offloads?

Good post!

Yep, well-executed tackles around the ankles/knees and last-gasp ankle-taps are great to see. Strettle kept England in the game early on and Warburton stopped England's momentum that may have seen them home if Tuilagi had gone over.

It may be a fairly obvious point, but try-saving tackles are just as important as tries and really motivate a side.

Great commitment by both sides in a hard-but-fair encounter.