Create Superheroes at the ruck to win quicker, cleaner ball

Ideally, we want to avoid a ruck. However, this isn’t always possible, so we need to make sure we are successful at that ruck.

So, what does a successful ruck look like?

• LQB ball: that is, Lightening Quick Ball
• Committing and engaging defenders

LQB is only helpful if the defence is committed to the ruck and is also disorganised. We have to “pin” defenders to the ruck or go forward at the tackle to make this effective.

How do we help players to reach these two goals. We give clarity on the roles to help the players by asking:

1. Who are you?
2. What do you have to do?
3. How do you do that?

To make it easier to understand the job and the task, I believe there are three key players involved in the breakdown situation, I give them superhero names like Hulk, Flash and Mr. Wolf.

THE HULK

WHO ARE YOU?

HULK, the ball carrier, the most important one.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO?

The one who has to create the foundations for a successful ruck, by winning the space behind the defence, putting them on the heels.

The ball carrier must smash them like HULK does.

HOW YOU DO IT?

Landing after the tackle, the Hulk must stay square, avoid the body rotation caused by the tackler, land with the ball under thier chest hiding the ball.

Like a turtle, if the Hulk hits the ground on their back, they are dead. The ball is exposed and easy to steal for a jackal.

Once on the ground, the Hulk needs to recoil and placing the ball in the best possible position, lift it or pop it when it’s possible for the halfback.

Ball presentation should be the opposite side of the tackler.

THE HULK IN ACTION

1. Smashes through the defender
2. Lands square and on the ball
3. Recoils and places back towards their team