Goldilocks ruck numbers

To go or not to go to the next ruck is a constant question most forwards face. Too many players and the ball is slowed down by the mass of bodies and the next breakdown is not well supported.

However, more often, forwards hang back and you lack numbers. Either the ball is lost or slowed down because your forwards are simply driving back defenders.

This is not just a problem for forwards. All players need to support at rucks and that means backs doing their fair share. But heavy forwards make more of a difference in the physical contest and you want to keep your backs on their feet to run at gaps if possible.

BE PRACTICAL

Because the game is made for all shapes and sizes, players come with all levels of fitness. Accept that some forwards will be better ruckers than others, in part because they get to more breakdowns.

In that case, don’t get too obsessive with running complicated patterns of plays with “pods” of forwards clearing out defined rucks. It is better to make players aware of what is in front of them so they can decide whether to ruck or not.

There are three ways to help your players know when to ruck:

1. “Upskill” their rucking

They will be confident of making a difference at a ruck and, therefore, be motivated to make a difference.

Sean Holley’s activity using ruck circles on page 4 helps players assess their right course of action.

2. Improve their match awareness

Show them footage of their matches and ask them to identify where they should be/have been, or freeze a practice match and show players where they are at key times and where they should have been.

3. More live situations

Use training games where players need to decide whether to ruck or not.

The Wallabies talk about “contact motivation” in their preparation for Tests. Help players be ready to ruck, confident to ruck and see the value of rucking. That will improve their ability to know when to ruck.

Gavin Blackburn’s continuous rucking exercise on page 5 enhances player ability to get back into the game and ruck effectively.

The pads reduce the amount of contact, and are no substitute for real rucking. However, they are good for helping players know when to go into rucks.