Super rucks to win quick ball

The best teams in rugby recycle the ball so quickly the opposition are struggling to get back into position to defend. Those recycling skills are well-coached and executed across the world. It would be therefore wrong to say that the exhilarating Super Rugby tournament, starting in just a month’s time, has a monopoly on top players or coaches in that sense.

However, it’s clear that the top teams in that competition can play a fast brand of rugby because they are able to reproduce these skills more often. And we can replicate these in our rugby.

Remember, it is all relative. We must react faster than what’s in front of us.

Three key moments

Good coaches and players know that there are three key moments at the tackle collision that allow any subsequent collision by an attacking support player to be more effective.

But let’s think about “effective” first. We’ve assumed that all the other continuity options have been used up. In other words, the ball can’t be popped out of the tackle or the support player can simply pick up the ball and pass or run.

Here, there is a real threat that a defender will win the space over the ball and create the chance for a turnover. An effective play not only removes that threat, it does so quickly enough for a clearing passer, like the 9, to weave their magic without hesitation.

The body shapes for a collision victory are for another time. This is what needs to happen first, second and third:

1. Ball carrier edges

The ball carrier must win the collision edge. Edge has two meanings here. The first is the edge of the defender, which is away from their centre. There are lots of analogies here, such as attacking the branches not the trunk.

The other edge is all about control. Running between two defenders can mean a chance for two defenders to make the tackle.

Therefore, the ball carrier facing a tight line of defenders might want to pick out just one of them.

Whichever choice they make, they should be committed and in control so they can power through.

2. Ball carrier knifes

Though I’ve not been in any knife fights, I do know that you must take the knife out after you’ve made the stab. First, to get the opponent to bleed, second to be able to attack again (or defend yourself).

Once the ball carrier has made their own stab, they need to twist, turn and place the ball back to their team mates quickly.

3. Clearer ball focus

Once that ball is on the ground, that’s where the support player goes over. Not from the side or next to it. Over it.

Use the exercise on page 5 to develop this culture and skillset.