Luke Cowan-Dickie’s tackling technique came under the microscope during England’s disastrous defeat against Argentina at Twickenham.
The hooker is seen regularly chopping players at the knee, from club fixtures to international with England and the British & Irish Lions
Rarely does the 29-year-old wrap around the player’s legs in the tackle, instead clotheslining the leg which could potentially cause a serious knee injury. The technique has also seen Cowan-Dickie knock himself out.
One fan wrote: “Cowan-Dickie is a fine player but he is going to end someone’s career targeting the knee like that,”
“Luke Cowan-Dickie is the only tier 1 hooker that can’t tackle by the way,” commented a second.
A third said: “Classic Luke Cowan-Dickie grass cutter. Thug.”
Luke Cowan-Dickie tackle against Argentina:
Compilation of Luke Cowan-Dickie tackles:
Luke Cowan-Dickie facts:
- Cowan-Dickie has previously been dual-registered with both the Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion to aid his player development
- The hooker scored the opening try of the 2020 European Rugby Champions Cup Final as Exeter defeated Racing 92 to become European champions for the first time
- He plays primarily as a hooker but can also play prop
Five England changes Eddie Jones should consider for Japan clash
#1. Billy Vunipola
Telegraph 5/10: “Stripped in the tackle leading to an Argentina counter-attack and had three more spills. England need more from his offloading game.”
Rugby Pass 5/10: “Ate his fair share of the hard yards and looks fitter. Couldn’t find much change in the Argie pack however.”
Replacement: A fit again Alex Dombrandt or Sam Simmonds
Billy Vunipola facts:
- Vunipola was born in Sydney in Australia to Tongan parents, but moved to Wales with his family as a young child after his father Feʻao Vunipola signed for Pontypool RFC in 1998
- While at Harrow School, Vunipola joined the Wasps Academy
- Vunipola’s father is former Tonga captain Fe’ao Vunipola and his mother, Iesinga Vunipola, a Methodist minister in High Wycombe