Ruck defence reload

Make sure your defence is in place quickly so they can come forward to make snare tackles and poach the ball. Define roles for players around the ruck so they can race off the line and cut down the opposition attack close to the ruck.

1. Put five defenders and three attackers to the side of a tackle tube, which represents a ruck.

1. On your call, the players run into position. On your next call, the attack comes forward with the defenders coming forward to cover the attackers. Only use touch tackling because this is an organizational exercise.

1. Develop by having a number of tubes spread around the pitch, with players moving from tube to tube to defend.

TECHNIQUE

1: Covers the inside runner only, must not move across with the 9

2: Covers the 9 if he runs with the ball

3 and 4: Cover the first receiver

X: Runs forward and behind the ruck to houndthe inside runner, or chase the 9. If he arrives too late (they have moved the ball open), he “plugs in” behind the openside defence