United we defend

WHY USE IT

The inside player leads up the defence and the other defenders move up and out when they do. The staggered line of “attackers” replicates the likely position of the tackle line in a match.

Set up

Three lines of five cones spaced 3m apart. Each line is 4m next to the other. You’ll need three ruck pads and a number of balls.

HOW TO DO IT

The three ruck pads line up as in the top picture with a defender opposite each one. Call forward an attack. Both groups advance. If you put your arm up, that ruck pad holder switches one lane (see the middle picture). The end ruck pad holder can change to the far lane if hethey want after this.Defenders make shoulder impact with the pad (see bottom picture).

Start the groups closer or further apart. Or start the defenders further to the side. Or, the middle player and end player can move out and in.

Finally, start the attack with two players at the front and one behind. As they move forward, the back ruck pad holder can come into the line outside either player.

TECHNIQUE

Defenders advance fast for the first 2-3m then move out together if they need to.

The inside player calls the others to move out.

Ideally, defenders arrive just inside their ruck pad holder.