Six Nations: Andy Robinson backs Irish over ‘choke’ tackle tactic

SCOTLAND coach Andy Robinson has dismissed concerns with Ireland’s infamous ‘choke’ tackle and said Scotland will also use the innovation in tonight’s match in the Aviva Stadium.

Robinson is desperately seeking a first victory in this season’s RBS Six Nations Championship, to avoid the prospect of heading to Italy next weekend for another potential wooden spoon decider.

He spoke earlier in the week of his desire for clarity from New Zealand referee Chris Pollock, who will take charge of his first Six Nations match, when it comes to the “choke” tackle, notably when the tackle changes from one that his players can attack and floor to a maul that must remain off the ground.

“We have a lot of respect for the way that Ireland play the game,” he said. “I think the ‘choke’ tackle is an excellent way of defending. It has brought something different to the game so I have no issue with the way they are defending, but I want it to be interpreted and refereed in the right way, as per law.

“A maul occurs when there are players from both sides involved, and a tackle is completed if an attacking player even puts his knee on the floor. It’s a great way of defending but with every way you defend there is an action to it, but also a reaction and a way of breaking it down.”

Looking ahead to the penultimate game, he added: “We’re really disappointed with where we are but if you let that hang over you, it inhibits the way you play.

“The big thing for me is that I’m very confident in what I’m trying to achieve with the team and have the support of the players and management for what we’re trying to do.

I’ve got to set the players up to go out and perform, and you look to the next challenge. We are hugely disappointed with the results, I can’t stress that enough, but you’ve got to move on and be ready for the next game.”