Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks wary of high tackles before Canada match

The All Blacks are focused on getting their tackles right at training, before their second Rugby World Cup match against Canada on Wednesday.

Tackle height has become a lightning rod through the tournament's opening week with a red card and three yellows handed out for dangerous hits. 

Australia winger Reece Hodge was also suspended for three-games for a high tackle on Fijian flanker Peceli Yato, while England second-five Piers Francis could face the judiciary over a similar offence. 

Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks wary of high tackles before Canada match
Photo credit: Image: Newshub

Five days before the All Blacks take on Canada, hooker Codie Taylor insists they are conscious of tackling form at training. 

"The best we can do is go to practice and practice techniques," Taylor says. "I'd rather go low and avoid the risk of a penalty."

Any contact with the head will result in a yellow card at best and - at worst - a red, and prop Joe Moody knows the best way to avoid being penalised is to aim low. 

"The only way to get onside with the ref is to make sure you don't do anything near the head," Moody says. 

"It doesn't matter whether its a heavy shot and the guys gets knocked out, or whether its a graze.

"You've made contact with the head, you're still going to get the same penalty for it, so you've got to stay away from anything high"

Taylor understands that a wrong decision could mean elimination from the tournament in Japan and he'll make a conscientious effort. 

Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks wary of high tackles before Canada match
Photo credit: Image: Newshub

"We're making sure we are disciplined and I think pool play is a great chance to instil those habits.

"They could cost you three points, which could cost you lifting a cup or going onto the next round."

All Blacks fans will need no further reminder of the impact of a yellow card after Scott Barrett's three-week suspension for his high shot on Australian captain Michael Hooper last month. 

The All Blacks were sat down before the tournament began, and told what was expected and what each suspension would be. 

But Moody understands that most of the time, a high tackle will be an accident. 

"I don't think anybody is out on the field, trying to put a high shot in," Moody says. "I think 99.9 percent of the time, it's accidental - just slip-ups and that sort of thing."

"I guess, if you get a suspension for something, then it might make you a bit wary."

Join us for live updates of the All Blacks v Canada match from 11:15pm on Wednesday October 2.

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