B defender decisions

This session concentrates on the “B” defender, the one who is second out from the side of a defensive ruck. His role is to either stop the 9 running or, if the 9 passes, close down the space inside the 10

ACTIVITY

1. Have a “9” at the ball
2. Put two defenders at the side of the ruck pad
3. There line is where the attackers aim in the wide channel. It’s about 2m back from the gain line, which is the aim in the near channel
4. Have an attacker lurking behind the 9, and another one in the channel by the touchline

1. Using full tackling, the attack aim to score in the near or far channel, with the 9 running and passing if they want
2. The B defender has to read the threat

GAME SITUATION

1. Three defenders face four attackers
2. On your command, three defenders look after either ruck A or ruck B. The attack release the ball from that ruck on your command. The attackers cannot go outside the “other” ruck pads

CHALLENGE

Covering the immediate threats which can change very quickly.

SET UP

A ruck pad or tackle tube, ball and cones.

HOW TO DO IT

ACTIVITY

• Set up two ruck pads and a ball as in picture 1. They should be no more than 10m from a touchline.
• Mark out a gain line and then another line which will be an acceptable distance to allow the first receiver to run (given that the B defender will have to move up and out).
• Put two defenders in the A and B positions beside a ruck. Have a 9, inside player and first receiver, try to beat the ruck defence (picture 2).
• Note that the ball is in between the ruck pads, so the 9 has to dig the ball out. Ideally, use full tackling.

GAME SITUATION

• Set up two sets of ruck pads, with a ball between each set, as in picture 3. Indicate which “ruck” to work from and the attack and defence line themselves up. You shout out when the ball is live.
• Play live tackling but don’t go beyond one phase. The attack cannot go outside the “other” ruck pads in attack.

TECHNIQUE

• Make sure that the first ruck defender is in place before setting up as the B defender.
• Be dynamic and on your toes, ready to move forward and take on the 9, or move out to mark inside the first receiver.