Originally Posted by
Roger Moore
Surprised me a bit when Carney and Robinson both said they had no idea why the crusher tackle has come into the game over the last few years. I would have thought it was obvious. The tactic taking the ball forward used to be to try and break the line, land face down and dominate the ruck by finding your feet as fast as possible. Now, a lot of the time players are turning in the tackle and backing in, therefore, presenting the situation that causes the crusher tackle. I understand the need to protect players, but sin-bins left right and centre doesn't seem to be stopping it. The player backing in surely has some responsibility for his own protection/health. In Alex's case the player clearly put his head under Alex's arm, not a lot Alex can do about that. As they go down, yes there is pressure on the neck. Hard to stop that as you have no control over yourself as you go down. As soon as they reach the ground Alex clearly makes an attempt to relieve the pressure, doing just about all he could in the situation.