A lesson in Rugby pt 1: The T-rex Tackle

Saffuan, or popularly known as T-rex, plays Rugby for the PTEB Sixers, the U20 national team, and the Bandar Blacks.

Despite playing Rugby for only a year, Saffuan is already ahead in the game and has been nicknamed the "Number One Tackler" on many occassions for his outrageous offensive. Once he readies for the tackle, most of us would be smart enough to stay out of this Rugby player's way.

The T-rex tackle, which I like to call, is one of the few rugby tackles in the defense that works like wonders.

I quote from Saffuan (in translation from malay of course), "You have to run fast and catch the player off guard. Like in Physics, the faster the movement, the stronger the resultant force." It is also known that his impressive tackles are from studying his Physics.


I've been his unexpecting victim most of the time T_T


If the opponent carries the ball and doesn't know what he's doing, it is definitely an easy target for Saffuan. However, the very experienced Saffuan does it even when the opponent is running at him. So no man is safe!


Once you charge at him offguard, this is where quick and hard movement is needed. Hug BOTH his legs, this is very important because you will render the opponent immobile. The trick here is carry the opponent with an UPWARD THRUST.


And the most dangerous of them all, after a few milliseconds in the air, Saffuan will bring you down like waves crashing. You start feeling Heaven's ready before your body gets buried to the ground.

This can give you back injuries and in a more serious note, a head injury if you are not careful. But here is some tips to protect yourself from this tackle.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. That way you won't bang on it to the ground.
AVOID CONTACT. Don't go directly at him unless you are confident you are faster than him. Once he grabs only one leg, you can drag him after.
GO LOW AS POSSIBLE. The lower you are, the farther your legs are from his hands. This gets your shoulders ready to crash and gives no opportunity for his arms to grab your legs. Chances are he'll try to aim higher. Possible smother tackle.
FOCUS. You'll be targeted if you are offguard.

Here's a lesson in Rugby for The T-rex Tackle. Thank you.
Pt 2. The T-rex Crash.

Azzi the Armored Bear