Knock it off.

For the people who have never played rugby before or have a very limited knowledge of the game, this isn't cheating, it's perfectly legal if the tackle hasn't been complete. It's a tactic to try and speed up the play the ball or alternatively slow down the defender getting back into position. If he leaves the ruck area quickly enough then the play the ball will speed up for the attacker, if not they will get turned on their back and it will slow down the defender getting back into position.

It's all down to the referee's interpretation of the law and when the trackle is completed but it is a very grey area. If the defender is still involved in the tackle then why shouldnt the attacker be allowed to flip him onto his back?

Yes but its Wigan so its cheating!! Should we manage to keep going and win the Grand Final it wont be counted as we will have cheated all season. So far the only thing thats not classed as cheating is using so many players throughout the season!!

Trapping a defenders arm in the tackle speeds up the play the ball? The tactic is used to try and earn penalties - nothing more nothing less - whether it is cheating or not. It is the equivalent of diving in football.

Paul Sculthorpe was a master at it. We earned countless penalties from Sculthorpe using his brains and conning the referee, it is a touchy subject which would be applauded in Europe but is not within the mindset of British fair play.

Let me tell you what actually Wigan were practicing before kick off. As I was there and they were right in front of me I can give a reasoned view.

Three man drill, one with the ball and two tacklers.

Tackler A goes chest high to wrap up the ball, tackler B goes just above the waist. They hold the ball carrier up for around three to four seconds, at which point tackler B slides down the ball carriers legs. The two tacklers then put the ball player on his back, tackler B moves away from the tackle to the B marker position and then tackler A assumes the A marker position.

That was exactly what they were trying to perfect.

I challenge the OP to explain how that is cheating.

Hey, dont shoot the messenger. I was just repeating what a former international(who was also there) said live on Sky.

He was quite clear about what they'd been practising and It wasn't what you describe.
Perhaps you had one eye shut

Nice try rougues!

10/10 for a one sided interpretation.
If anyone shares your view of what they were practicing and your explanation; they should go to specsavers.
like your use of "reasoned" view.

But Brian, your interpretation just isn't as much fun! You should know by now we don't let the truth get in the way of a good story on here. We're a bit like the tabloids in that respect.

No I was not there obviously.
Would I believe your interpretation or Stevo's (whom I presume was also there)?

Let me think for 0.0001 of a second.....Stevo!

Seriously??

Great thread.

Oh no wait, just great tactics.

This is not what they were practicing as Rogues explained, but it was quick thinking from Tomkins.