In Rugby Union what precisely is meant by 'the breakdown' and what is 'the gain line'?

Question

In Rugby Union what precisely is meant by 'the breakdown' and what is 'the gain line'?

Answer 1

The breakdown is simply the point were a phase of play breaks down, mainly because the ball carrier has been tackled or held resuling in a ruck or maul. The forwards from each side rush to the breakdown and ty to win the ball in a ruck or drive the ball forward in a maul. Once posession has been secured the backs are unleashed and the attack starts again.

The first answer explains the ain line very well.

Answer 2

The Breakdown, is the break of passage of play that leads to a succesful run by the backs.

The Gainline is the the imaginary line that runs from the front foot of the players protecting the ball and is often used to denote how far a phase has taken play, (that being a play when the ball is in play and not on the ground under a pile of bodies!)