Sam Underhill banks on improved tackle technique for success

England international Sam Underhill is hoping to examine his tackle technique as he looks to propel his career without injuries.

The 21-year-old missed two months of action after he sustained a head injury during the autumn international game against Australia but now has recovered sufficiently to bid for a place in England's Six Nations title defence opener against next month.

This was the second time he suffered a head-related injury and is now looking to bring a change to his tackle technique to extend his career.

“You can’t let it play on your mind when you’re on the pitch, instead the biggest consideration for me has been how I prepare for contact,” said Underhill, speaking to promote Bath’s clash with Leicester at Twickenham on April 7.

“It’s a game of numbers. If you have a lot more contacts where your head is in a vulnerable position and they’re bigger contacts, then you’re more likely at some point to get it wrong.

“The biggest thing is to look at your tackle technique to make sure you’re in as comfortable a position as you can.

“You have to tackle efficiently because there’s no point trying to smash big guys all the time – it’s not the most efficient way to do it.

“Being a big hitter, just because you’re good at one type of tackle doesn’t mean you’re a good defender. Having better situational awareness will mean I’m more effective.

“You still want add an element of physicality to it, but it’s about being more comfortable with other forms of tackle. Not every tackle has to be a big hit.”

Underhill, an economics and politics student at Bath University who is two matches into his comeback, looks to club team-mate and veteran South Africa flanker Francois Louw for inspiration.

“It’s been a hard adjustment for me to make, but it’s a more sustainable approach,” Underhill said.

“If you watch Francois Louw for example, he can put in big hits but is also a very smart defender. His consistency shows that having variety in your arsenal is more sustainable.

“It’s an intelligent thing whereas a big hit is more of an emotional thing, which is hard to sustain over a season.

“It’s hard to always be the most aggressive player out there. But you can be a smart player consistently.”