NRL: Getting a grip on coach's new defensive strategy

Warriors players put into practice a new defensive plan. Photo / Getty Images

A change in defensive strategy is fuelling the Warriors' revival and will be a key factor in their push for the playoffs.

There's now much less emphasis on the wrestle at the Auckland club, the practice of pinning tackled players on the ground. Instead, defenders are being encouraged to hold their target up off the ground before using leg drive (and assistance of team-mates) to push the ball-carrier back beyond the advantage line.

The increased effectiveness in defence has been well documented under coach Andrew McFadden. From leaking close to 30 points per game in the first five rounds, that figure has dropped to just over 17 points since McFadden took charge.

It's an indicator of more desire, energy and structure on defence. But what has been equally important is the way the team are defending.

During their recent victories over the Broncos, Panthers and Eels, the offensive defence was apparent. On several occasions, there was no attempt to put the ball-carrier on the ground, instead he was held and driven back.

"We do some wrestling but not heaps of it," McFadden said. "There's probably less emphasis on it now. The focus used to be on wrestling and holding them on the ground for longer. Now for us, it is about stopping the impact of forwards coming through our line and stopping the metres they make."

The switch has come about for two reasons. The first is pragmatic, with referees policing the rucks in a different way this season.

"With the new rule [interpretations], even if you wrestle well, you probably get less time on the ground," Warriors captain Simon Mannering said. "It has changed the focus for a lot of teams. And any time you can move a player back, it's a double win. It puts you on the front foot and them on the back foot."

The second reason is more specific to the Warriors, and came about after the debrief of the 2013 season.

"One of our main findings from our defensive review was that we conceded a lot of metres after contact," McFadden said.

"It has been a major work-on, trying to concede less metres after contact."

The new defensive approach is not unique to the Warriors.

"Since they have sped the ruck up, many teams are focusing on work after contact," Warriors strength and conditioning coach Carl Jennings said. "Manly are the benchmark, they are probably the best team at it, which makes this weekend a real test for us."

Apart from mindset and technique, the key to the new defensive strategy is strength and power, as much is predicated on leg drive.

"Rugby league is an energy battle," Jennings said. "Ultimately, if our defence is good, we have more energy for everything else."

"You can have all the will in the world but if you don't have the physical strength, you can't do that leg drive. We have spent a lot of time working on lower-body strength and power and we have improved our strength in-season, which is rare."

It means the Warriors defence has become more efficient. Historically, it was more erratic. A bone-shaking hit that thrilled the crowd was followed by a soft miss that led to a break or try. Now the formula seems to be working - increased desire and desperation, more numbers in the tackle and new techniques aimed at limiting opponents' momentum.