NRL Analysis: How Penrith control and win the ruck

One of our members shot through a great message on Instagram commenting on Penrith's ability to consistently 'win the ruck' each week in the NRL.

It's a common phrase in rugby league circles but what does it mean?

I've tried to highlight a few little details in Penrith's ruck defence that allow them to slow their opposition's momentum in the tackle and better organise their line for the following play.

This is hardly a complete explanation; there are a myriad of little details or 'one-percenters' that contribute to a defender winning the ruck in each tackle.  

What I've tried to explain is the flow-on effect of winning or losing that particular ruck, as it's often those little details - getting dual-contact, hitting and sticking, third man efforts etc - that trigger a scoring action a few passes or tackles later.

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