Inside or outside shoulder defence

Dave McLean of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, told us about an alternative to the "J curve" or "inside shoulder" defensive system, particularly for teams with slow inside backs.
Rugby League typically utilises the "outside shoulder" defence to shepherd or herd their opposition back inside. This prevents them getting on the outside of their opposing players and allows the defence to cover the inside ball or step back inside.
Rugby Union typically utilises "inside shoulder" defence allowing a tracking or "J" curve movement to track the inside ball or step back inside.
Inside shoulder defence – The J curve




However, if the attack has someone with a good step or turn of pace, they will often beat the defender on the outside. It is extremely difficult for a defender who has been left flat footed by a jink or half step to recover and close the gap on some pacy attacker.
When you have a back line that is not as quick off the mark, or have injuries to usual back line players and have to use players out of position, try an "outside shoulder" defensive pattern to see if it results in better containment.
Outside shoulder alternative