How the smallest man in pro rugby Fumiaki Tanaka can still contribute defensively

At only 5ft 5in and 75kg, how can Japan scrum half Fumiaki Tanaka contribute defensively in a sport littered with giants?

 

Given he will be the smallest man on the field in pretty much every professional rugby match, Japan's scrum half Fumiaki Tanaka is not exactly going to be smashing players left, right and centre. In direct tackles with player 20 or 30kg heavier he will always be struggling to make them on the gainline, however bravely he goes in to make them.

However that doesn't mean he cannot contribute positively in defensive situations at all. Tanaka has worked on his game to be a disrupter, targeting the ball and taking the attacking team by surprise by knocking players at unexpected moments.

Last weekend we saw Tanaka prevent a potential try scoring situation by pinching the ball from Blaine Scully's grasp just a couple of metres from the tryline, not only stopping the chance but winning a turnover and gaining 50 metres worth of field position.

 

Obviously the major reason he has made it at top levels of the game is primarily to do with his skills with his team in possession, but that he works hard to contribute without the ball as well is admirable.