The blitz defence is a defensive system which sprints up to cut down the time and space for the attacking line. Successful blitz stops the attack before the gain line and before it has got more than three passes away from the breakdown.

Here are times to use it:

1.       Slow ruck or maul ball

Ball that does not emerge quickly from the ruck or maul allows your team to get into position to run a blitz.

2.       Defensive numbers five plus

A good blitzing team might only need five players to run the blitz, especially since the normal target is to get to at least the player in the 12 channel if not in the 13 channel.

3.       Overload defence

When there are more defenders than attackers, then a blitz is not an option, it is the only option.

4.       In their half

The blitz is a risk and reward defence. You take risks in that the attack might kick over the blitz or pass over and around the blitz. In which case, you should run the blitz in their half, and then work out whether you want to risk it closer to your line.

5.       Attack play flat

An attacking side that does not stand too far from the gain line is good to blitz.