Quote: Him "I haven't seen Hardaker often turn his back on the attacker. He has usually backed off while facing him but trying to push him in one direction, either away from the support runner or toward a support runner who is covered by another defender.
Turning his back isn't ideal. He's quick is Golding but he's not that quick that that tactic will always work.
This isn't a criticism of him. He's a young lad still learning the game and crucially learning the huge differences in the game between academy and first team RL.'"
The situation is as you describe with the ball carrier and support coming at speed in centre field. The fullback either commits to tackle the ball carrier (who can then pass for a try to be scored) or he can try and intercept the pass (but look a fool if he buys a dummy) or he can get between the two with eyes and front on the ball carrier and try and force him away from his support. This means back tracking with his back to the support attacker but ready to change target if the pass is made. It also means making occasional glances to see where the support player is at which time his back is to the ball carrier for a second or two. The idea is to make the ball carrier go on his own and the fullback then accelerates into the tackle or hold him up until help arrives. Not easy and requires skill, nerve and ability to change direction quickly.
Golding did this twice and Hardaker did exactly the same several weeks ago and in each case tries were saved. Young Golding showed great maturity in not panicking in a very difficult situation. Top marks.
