Rugby coaching back row move

Best from

A scrum near the opposition line, between 15m in from the left-hand touchline and 10m to the right of the posts.

Why it works

9 and 10 switch to draw defenders across from the scrum. This leaves enough uncertainty in the defence for 8 to burst through the gap left between 9 and 10, especially if both 9 and 10 take out their tacklers before each passes the ball.

Good if you have

• A quick-footed 9, though he does not need to be fast.
• A subtle passing 10 who can run and then thread a pass to find 8 on the best running angle.
• A good ball-carrying 8.

What players should do

• 9 picks up the ball at the base of the scrum and runs right and flat to switch with 10.
• 10 runs on a diagonal towards the scrum once 9 picks up the ball. He receives a switch pass from 9 and then quickly switches with 8 who is running from his left.
• 8 disengages as soon as 9 picks up the ball from his feet. He then arcs out to the right to take a pass from 10, running to the right of 10.

Common mistakes

• 10 does not judge the distance to stand from the scrum correctly. This depends on the speed of 9. The further out, the better, so the defence is stretched.
• 10 does not go forward after he receives his pass. It is easier for 8 to hit the line of defenders or find a gap if 10 has made some progress forward.

Think about

• 10 dummying with 8 and passing to a flanker (6 or 7).
• 9 dummying with 10 on the switch and then passing back inside to 8 with a flick pass.

  

This backs move is from Rugby Attack!