Scrum ‘D’

Initially, this session works on the defensive roles of an openside flanker from a scrum. It then develops into an attack and defence session from a backline attack close to the scrum. You could run this with the back row and backline, allowing the front five to work on other skills.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 5-8
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

With the adoption of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for scrum offside lines, there is more space between the scrum defence and the attacking backline. This means there are new challenges for openside flankers and consequently the defending backline. ELVs at the scrum mean the openside flanker is now closer to the opposition’s 10 than anyone in his own backline. He needs to choose whether to go straight in for the tackle on the 10, or shadow him if he is more likely to pass the ball than run with it. You can also look at the roles of 8 and the backline. If the attack can breach the gain line, it gives them a distinct advantage in the next attack because the defending forwards will be running back from the scrum while the attacking forwards will be running on to the ball.

set-up

1.  In defence, cut down the space from the scrum as a team with players 7, 8, 10 and 12 working together as a unit.
2.  In attack, fix the defenders from the scrum, and pull the backline defenders out of position.

What you get your players to do

Mark out the depth of a scrum at the side of the area and where the defending team would start from with cones. Also mark out starting positions for players in a normal scrum and a scrum that wheels. Put one player in the defending flanker position and three attackers standing in the 9, 10 and 12 positions. 9 releases the ball to 10, and the defending flanker has to stop the attack scoring at the far end. 10 can only receive a second pass if he runs outside 12. Swap players around and start the flanker from different cones.