When Mike Phillips scooted through the French defence to score in the 2011 World Cup semi-final, it was not the fault of the first ruck defender. The second ruck defender, known as the “B” defender is supposed to pick up this player. This session concentrates on the “B” defender, the one who is second out from the side of a defensive ruck. His role is to either stop the 9 running or, if the 9 passes, close down the space inside the 10. It is a key role that requires good vision and decision making.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

There are a number of options on the distance of spacing between defenders at the side of the ruck. It is important that they do not bunch. Otherwise one long pass can cut out five or six players. It is probably best to have two arms’ length between the close ruck defenders and then the third player out marks the first receiver. The “B” defender should have a good sight of the ruck and the potential options. He will be wary of the darting 9.

set-up

1. Make sure that the first ruck defender is in place before setting up the “B” defender.
2. Be dynamic and on your toes, ready to move forward and take on the 9, or move out to mark inside the first receiver.
3. Keep onside – you will be in the referee’s eyeline.

What you get your players to do

Set up two ruck pads and a ball as in picture 1. They should be no more than 10m from a touchline. Mark out a gain line and then another line which will be an acceptable distance to allow the first receiver to run (given that the “B” defender will have to move up and out). Put two defenders in the “A” and “B” positions beside a ruck. Have a 9, inside player and first receiver, try to beat the ruck defence (picture 2). Note that the ball is in between the ruck pads, so the 9 has to dig the ball out. Ideally, use full tackling.