In rugby union, what does the "breakdown" mean?

Question

In rugby union, what does the "breakdown" mean?

Answer 1

The Breakdown

The aim of the defending side is to stop the player with the ball, either by bringing them to ground (a tackle, which is frequently followed by a ruck), or contesting for possession with the ball-carrier on their feet (a maul). Such circumstances are known by the collective name of "the breakdown", and each is governed by a specific law.