Nine is running

Will Genia, Mike Phillips and Ben Youngs are good examples of decision-making 9s who often run from the base of a quick ruck. They do this to interest defenders, bring in forwards around the fringes or pull the ball back for the 10.

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

What to think about

Since there are so many rucks in a game, this sort of session is vital to work on. It will help players define what they can and cannot do from each ruck possession. Scrum halves will see how to manipulate their runs, and the ball, while forwards and backs will know when and where to run. It is important that sometimes 9 simply needs to clear the ball from the base of the ruck without running. He will need to receive a call from 10 to do this. For instance, I know teams use the call “Taxi” or “Ice” for the forwards and 9 to know that the ball will be whipped away from the base.

set-up

1. 9 – look up as you approach the ball, pick up and attack with purpose. Pass the ball to the strongest runner.
2. Support players – hold your runs until 9 is running. Call early.
3. 10 – stand deeper as 9 is running.

What you get your players to do

Set up the cones, ball, two support players and ruck pad holders as in the top picture. A 9 runs in to pick up the ball and then run at the ruck pad. He then passes the ball inside or out to the support players or goes himself. The most successful play has the ball carrier going past the ruck pad untouched at pace. Swap the direction of the run, so it is right to left. Set up a couple of situations to create continuity of play.