WHY USE IT

This activity helps players focus not only on clearing the ruck, but encourages them to target the most important factor at the breakdown – the ball – and gets them driving beyond it.

set up

Three balls, three cones, nine rucking pads, six defenders and three attackers.

HOW TO PLAY

Three attackers start on the first cone, as in the top illustration. Their aim is to clear the three rucks accurately and dynamically, to ensure they protect and drive beyond the ball. They work hard as a group of three, so must approach the ruck at the same time. Then, as per the middle illustration, it’s ‘Bang! Bang! Bang!’ – BANG! An attacker clears out the left ruck pad; BANG! An attacker clears out the right ruck pad; BANG! An attacker stands over the ball, but does not touch it. Once completed, the attackers run around the next cone and repeat the sequence (see bottom illustration).

COACHING POINTS

• Always focus on the ball.
• Hit the pads low, then stay low with dynamic leg drive, clearing the pads away from the ball. This ensures the ball is protected and any threat is removed.