As defensive line speed becomes the way forward, understanding that defensive width is key is paramount.

Key points to remember for me with regards to creating width

1. Ruck decision making
2. Work rate & Intensity
3. Spacing
4. Backfield control

This thread will look at some sides who create good defensive line width through the ruck decision making, folding and work rate, while focusing on some sides who struggled.

Clip 1: New Zealand struggled to create defensive width against England in the WC Semi Final.
In the first phase we see NZ stop England in the trams, however, their ruck spacing is poor, having 6 players less than 15m from the first breakdown & 4 players in the backfield.

Ruck spacing and communication are key following line breaks and tackles within the trams. Better comms for NZ means better spacing and ultimately a greater ability to stop sides beating them on the outside & creating line speed in this high-pressure situation.

The second clip is another example. NZ does well to cover the transition zone and meet England's first phase attack. However, they are again slow to communicate close to the ruck and create proper width. NZ have good line speed, but with the absence of width.

Following the first phase, NZ are able to create quick line speed, but as mentioned without width.
England identifies this, play around NZ, making massive in rounds, ultimately scoring 7 points on their way to the WC Final.

As we look at this 3rd clip we focus on Saracens who consistently create great defensive width.
They lose the ball following kick - off and need to get into a defensive shape.

Exeter recognizes this, quickly creating a middle ruck to force indecision & over folding from Saracens.
However, on both phases, Saracens show a high work rate, intensity, and ruck decision making around A B C in order to create good aggressive width for their line speed.

As Exeter looks to play to the edge Saracens, however, their backfield remains wary as their 14 does well to close the outside space and pull the width, with the 15 shutting down that backfield space.

The final clip shows all these aspects put together to form great width and line speed.
Following the 2nd phase Kruis (#5) makes a great ruck decision with regards to following, ultimately making a great inside tackle.

Following that phase, Saracens show a great work rate on the fold and set as they are able to quickly get set despite the clean ball.
They push hard as Gloucester look to play wide, but these channels are closed through great spacing, ultimately having to carry up.

Gloucester are forced to kick possession away, with the outside channels covered well, and high pressure from Saracens inside ruck defenders.
Saracens also cover the backfield well, ensure proficient turnover ball, and following three phases if high, wide, hard-line speed.