Three-man rucks

Quick ball at rucks comes from good ball presentation by the tackled player and the next two players clearing out threats and protecting the ball. This session works on improving the speed and ruck technique of the players arriving at the breakdown.

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

What to think about

You cannot win all your rucks with just two players. In congested areas or against tight defences, your team might have to put in more players. It is also worth remembering some teams are strong counter ruckers, so they might disrupt your tactics. In the session, make sure you outline the context for using this tactic: quick ball against a few defenders. In the game situation, you can explore whether you can create quick ball or not.

set-up

1. Ball carrier: leg drive into contact and secure the ball.
2. First support player: identify and drive out threats.
3. Second support player: either latch on to the first support player or look for threats. Take the space just beyond the ball on the ground.

What you get your players to do

Set up three attackers, two ruck pad holders and a 9 as in the top picture. Have the 9 pass to one of the attackers who runs into the small square of cones. A ruck pad holder comes forward to offer resistance. The ball carrier goes to ground and the other attackers clear the threat. 9 shouts clear, the players recover, realign and repeat in the next box.