There is a proactive defence to protect Dufty (and Thewlis, let’s be honest!) which comes down to stopping them kicking from attacking positions. We leak meters so quickly at times. I think we’re terrified of giving away penalties, but if you watch Wigan and Saints, they don’t care about the whistle. They care about the tempo and owning that tempo. If they give away a penalty, so what. They have a breather and defend again and get back in control of the speed of the game.
For us, we are in reverse unless we get a miracle kick. We don’t strangle or suffocate teams. We desperately need to learn to respect the whistle, not fear it.