Attackers need to be aggressive, punching beyond the contact area and through the tackle line, first fighting to get their shoulders through, and then allowing the soft arms to follow. You have to be comfortable with the ball in your hands. Time with the ball in training is critical and sides vary rarely carry players who simply tackle and push.

Second, you should not offload at the point of impact, whether that is against an opponent who is tackling you or the ground you are hitting. There are too many variables when this happens.

Passing before contact is still my preferred method of beating opponents. Get them to commit so you know the contact is coming, then give the ball and ride the hit. Or, alternatively, hold on for as long as you can, all the way to impact and well beyond it, hitting the deck and allowing the haze and the boots to settle, before calmly popping the ball to your support runners.