Tackle match up

Ruck defence is becoming a very dynamic operation because of the sheer speed of rucks. Defenders who are arriving “on the fold” – coming from the far side of the ruck – have to match up against potential runners so there is no gap and if possible meet like with like.

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

What to think about

A pick-and-go play or a one-pass move from the edge of the ruck can make easy metres from a quick ruck unless defenders are in position. Because of the speed of the ruck, defenders should track potential threats and aim to meet like with like. For instance, a prop should line up against a prop where possible, otherwise the ball carrier could barrel over a smaller player or sidestep a slower one. Elements of this session are excellent warm-up drills. Plenty of repetition will have players naturally flowing into position. Don’t expect great results from the outset though!

set-up

1. Look ahead and call where you are going to go.
2. Make sure the inside is covered first.
3. Come up as a line, so listen and react to your partner.
4. Match up against a similar threat.

What you get your players to do

Put two attackers and two defenders at the corners of the box as in the top picture, with a feeder between them. Identify which player is marking which. Release the players. Each attacker moves through a gap in the cones and they receive a ball from the feeder. Defenders have to go through the same gap opposite the attacker they are marking. Defenders have to touch the player they are marking on the hips with both hands. Repeat, with the attackers going through different gaps.