I like to challenge players to solve tough rugby problems. Three v one is a classic. If one ball carrier faces three players, he has to show courage and attack the weakest link. If three attackers face one defender, they have to be decisive because they can get bogged down with too much choice.

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

What to think about

The “lions” work as a team to bring down the “rhino”. While it is possible to use more subtle techniques, the rhino will normally find it better to drive forward very hard at the weakest link. You can ask for volunteers for the rhino. It is most likely to be a key ball carrier or one of your stronger players. Over time, other players might want to put themselves forward as they grow in confidence. During the games and exercises, you can swap the rhino each time he fails. You can give a point for every time a rhino succeeds.

set-up

1.  Single player: the “rhino” – attack hard, defend wisely by not committing to the tackle until late.
2.  Three players: the “lions” – communicate early, draw the “rhino” in attack, surround him in defence.

What you get your players to do

Set up four players as in the top picture. The rhino (R) and the lions (L) pass the ball amongst themselves. Shout “GO” and the player in possession of the ball aims for the try line. If the player with the ball is a lion, the other lions support him. Use full tackling, and stop if there is an infringement or a tackle is completed. Let the rhino have three attempts then rotate the players.