Line-breaking moves

• 10 attacks the line before using one pass to 12 or 11
• 13 supports the line break
• 12 attacks the gap outside the defending 12 before stepping hard into the gap between 10 and 12
• 11 attacks the space outside 12

The opposition is not able to move its own 11 across, because this would leave the white blindside undefended at the scrum and at the mercy of a pick-and-go down that channel by the 8.

The fly-half (blue 10) runs forward to draw their defender after securing the ball from the scrum-half (blue 9). 
The blue 12 runs the line for an ’in’ ball while, just behind them, the 11 runs an ’out’ line. The 10 can then pass the ball to either of the two. 

This has created a 2v1 situation against the white 12. If the blues now break through and carry on supporting each other, they will have a similar 2v1 against the white full-back.

If the 11 is quick enough, they don’t need to start near the 12, but should wait until they go into the scrum before wandering around into position. The 12 and 13 should maintain a good spacing to keep the opposition defence fairly spread.

Why this works so well

• Adds an extra player to midfield in order to create a 2v1 situation
• Once beating the first defender, a second 2v1 can evolve with continued support from the back line
• Putting a winger into the centre position brings extra pace to the attack

Keys to running a good line

• The player must drift onto the first line, either in or out. This can be at half pace or more
• At the moment the ball is passed from the scrum and the defence looks in, the runner has to still be moving in that direction
• But, in the next step, the runner turns sharply and attacks on the next line with conviction
• Whether or not they think they will receive the ball, they must always expect it