what is a dominant tackle in rugby

A dominant tackle in rugby is when the defender makes contact with the ball carrier and drives them back in one movement, demonstrating good technique. The dominant tackle call rewards the defender and allows them extra time before the attacker must be released to be allowed to play-the-ball. By calling "dominant," the player is given more time to hold onto the attacker, whether that time is utilized by the tackler to get to their feet or not. In many studies of the rugby tackle, the smother tackle dominates the number of tackles made, with passive a close second. The tackler concedes ground to the ball carrier, but wraps them up and brings them to the ground.