Sam Underhill modifies tackling technique in hope of extending career

England flanker Sam Underhill has modified his tackle technique after missing almost two months because of the concussion he sustained against Australia last year.

Underhill is set to start as England openside flanker in the Six Nations clash with Italy on February 4 after spending two months on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old sustained a concussion against Australia in November 2017, his second episode of head trauma this season, resulting in an extended period of enforced rest.

Underhill analysed his defensive technique during his period out of action, knowing that on both occasions he had been knocked out while making a tackle.

"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.

"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 to 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 Bath teammate 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."