Counter rucking spoils the attacking team’s quick ball. Either your players win back the ball or, at worst, disrupt the opposition scrum half’s attempt to clear it. Once techniques have been embedded, this session progresses to the decision-making process for counter rucking.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-11
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

What is the difference between rucking and counter rucking? Normal rucking happens when two players are bound over the ball on the ground. Once the ball has been worked to the back of one team’s ruck, then any attempt to drive in and join the ruck by the other team is regarded as counter rucking. How many players do you want to commit to slowing down the ruck ball? Normally, teams only want one player counter rucking. Otherwise there are gaps in the defence. This is why decision-making processes in this session are important.

set-up

1. Use short steps, drive in and up into the contact situation with your eyes open.
2. Concentrate on staying on your feet.
3. Target a player to counter ruck and aim to get under his shoulders with your shoulders.
4. Don’t counter ruck unless you have a target.

What you get your players to do

Put four players each with a ruck pad 2m from a line (like a touchline). Place four more on the line opposite each bag. When you shout “NOW”, they step and drive the bag back one step only (to help maintain balance - see picture 1). Check carefully for the right technique. Swap players around. As a development, start the “drivers” facing away from the bags or lying on the ground.