Speedy front-foot ball is the holy grail for any team but Wales contact coach Gareth Williams says the modern day game of rugby has moved on and no longer do teams just rely on their back rows to dominate the breakdown.
While the breakdown has traditionally been the domain of the voracious backrower, eight of the top 10 jacklers from the Autumn Series wore a jersey with one, two or three on their back which hammers home Williams’ point that threats now come from across the field.
Williams has been a member of Wayne Pivac’s backroom team since last autumn, working as an assistant with responsibility for the contact area.
The former Wales sevens supremo moved into that role full-time after previously combining the job with his position as the WRU’s head of transitional players and head coach of Wales Under 20s.
Last week Pivac expressed surprise that the breakdown area doesn’t ‘grab as much attention as other parts of the game’ when it comes to public perception but with so many players now capable of possibly snaffling a match winning turnover or jackal, Williams can see the day that observation may change.
“It’s an area that is a constant thread throughout the game. Attack, defence, the kicking game, it allows us an opportunity to launch attacks, retain ball, but to also win ball back in defence,” he says.
“I don’t necessarily focus on how much attention it gets externally. The importance is that we hold a value and an appetite for it as a team. But I do think it’s great that conversations and interest of the area develops, especially as it is a constant aspect within the game.”
There are some arguments that clearing out rucks is as much mindset as it is technique but Williams believes it’s a balance of the two.
“Technical proficiency is vital in and around the differing scenarios faced at a breakdown. No breakdown is ever exactly the same.
“Our mentality needs to be based around optimising our speed, anticipation, and urgency. There is also the combative element that we have to embrace. It is a fiercely contested part of the game.”
Williams says the game is often evolving which has resulted in jackaling and the breakdown becoming a crucial area in any game plan.
“The aim of the game is to contest possession!,” says Williams. “The game has evolved from having a select group of specialists within teams, the threats are everywhere on the pitch in the modern game.
“Front row players were highly prominent statistically in post tackle effectiveness across the Autumn Series, and in all my previews of opposition, centres and back three players are becoming hugely effective in those wider channels.”
Williams points to his working relationships with attack coach Stephen Jones, defence coach Gethin Jenkins and even skills coach Neil Jenkins who all contribute to the breakdown brains trust.
“That’s the best part of the role,” says Williams. “I’m a firm believer that we can’t coach in isolation.
Gareth Williams (far left) works closely with the Wales coaching unit on contact strategy
“The contact area in attack does not function as effectively if the decision making is compromised. Therefore practice needs to include that decision making element within shapes that Steve is driving from an attack principle point of view.
“Defence coaches include a lot of breakdown/post tackle work in their defensive principles, therefore I spend a lot of time reinforcing Geth’s messaging while supporting him in any way he needs regarding drills etc.
“I have the added advantage of having worked with Geth at U20’s level a few years ago therefore we’re very accustomed to developing ideas and practices together.
“And it’s similar from a kicking game point of view. The majority of our first phase ball will come from kick receipts, therefore we have to be proficient with that source of possession. Our escort lines are key in this, therefore Jenks and I will combine to marry that element up with the contest over the ball.
“The game is constantly in cycle, therefore our coaching needs to reflect that.”
