Boks need to be aware of new underhand abs tactic!

While watching the Argies test I saw Savea going in knees first when running forward to contest the high ball. Lobbe took the brunt of it and was lucky not to get seriously injured. He got up after a while thankfully.

However I was shocked to hear the nz commentator saying the abs in training have been practising going up knees first!!!!!!

Man did he let the cat out of the bag. Disgraceful tactics by the wee abs!

The Argies definitely ran out of a bit of gas in the second half but the bounce of the ball also did not favour them. They should really have been 10 to 20 points ahead at half time. 

Completely dominant. Their scrum walked the abs about 20 meters! hahahahahhahahahaha - franks was subbed -reason being a tight thigh. Needed a chiropractor to unravel him is my guess.

 Sharkbok, if you are going to say the ABs are not good at taking the ball in the air, then perhaps you should have chosen photos where they actually dropped the ball....or couldn't you find any!

I think you'll find it's nigh impossible to leap in the air without bringing your knees up when running at pace. Ever watched a long jump competition?

Also, if you look at the replay it was Savea's hip that hit Lobbe in the ribs, not his knee or knees!

Selective reporting by Hasbeeno once again!

Moola

I did not in particular watched that incident - but looking at the photos - I do not think that is kosher.   It is dangerous and can injure players.   Something like stiff arm tackles using the knees to injure players.   Rugby players in all the games I have watched did not bring their knees up to ward of competitors for balls in the air and that play is aimed to injure players - nothing else.   It definitely is not acceptable that players should be coached to do that.  It simply is another form of dangerous play.   I think the referees should rule it as dangerous play and get rid of it forthwith before a player is hospitalized as a result of plays like that.

Secondly a player is not allowed to tackle a ball recipient in the air - why should the knee be brought up against a competitor for the ball in the air?   What other purpose can i t have but to injure the competitor?      

A number of contributors have indicated that it is a natural reaction to do  is to raise your knee to ensure balance is the air.   If it is a natural reaction - why coach the players to do it - are they dumb by any chance. 

If it is coached to ward of a competitor by using your knee in the process - then it is dangerous and unacceptable.   That could lead to injuries.

Must admit that I have not seen such tactics in all the years I watched rugby - so it must be a new method that could be regarded as dangerous to competitors.   Be it as it may it can injure opposing competing players and should be dealt as such by referees before there is a critical  injury as a result of it.

Catching a high kick can be tricky, especially in wet and windy conditions.

But if you follow the proper technique, you will have a much better chance of claiming a safe catch, whatever the conditions.

Although backs are likely to catch a high ball more often than forwards, it is still an important skill every rugby player should learn.

Depending on the situation, you may choose to stay on the ground if you are unopposed.

But if you are surrounded by the opposition, you will probably catch the ball in the air to make sure you get to the ball first.

It is especially important to make the catch when you call the "mark" inside your own 22-metre line.

Have a look around to see what is going on before committing yourself to the catch.

Call for the ball - let everyone around you know that this kick is your catch.

Get into line with the ball's path.

Keep your eyes on the ball at all times - which can be hard when there are opposition players bearing down on you.

Start to extend your arms towards the direction of the ball.

Bend your elbows slightly.

Have you still got your eyes on the ball?

Position yourself side-on to the opposition, this will help protect you if you get tackled after taking the catch.

If you are catching the ball in mid-air, remain side-on and raise one knee towards your waist to protect yourself.

Catch the ball at or above eye level before bringing the ball into your hands, then your body.

Note: you cannot be tackled while in the air.

Make sure you land on your feet, otherwise you could end up doing serious damage to yourself.

Once you land, get your body ready for contact - you've got the ball and the opposition want it back, although the referee should be on hand to protect you if you have called for the mark.

It's how it's been taught everywhere for ages.

All Black NZ

Sorry - I don't buy the explanation "raise one knee to protect yourself".   Protect yourself against what bearing in mind you cannot be tackled whilst in the air?   That is utter crap  - rather it should be raised one knee to ensure that the opposing player cannot compete with you for the ball in the air.

That being the case - the raised knee can injure players and it is therefore to my mind a totally unnecessary and dangerous method - which is unacceptable and should be eliminated from rugby.  Other dangerous methods that could lead to injury has been eliminated by means of penalties or cards - why not this one as well?