Ireland 7-man front peel

On match weekend 4 of the 2012 6 Nations, Ireland used this deceptive front peel against a Scottish team that was anticipating a drive.

The play is very useful in the red zone when the defending team is expecting a drive. The peel launches two forward runners down the 5m channel at an isolated opposition hooker.

Ireland employed this peel to surprise the Scottish defence. The Irish had driven the previous five lineouts in the same area, which attracted the Scottish defence towards the ball, leaving space down the front for the Irish to exploit.

How you coach this play

1. Set up a 7-man lineout looking like a drive. 4 triggers the lineout by stepping out. 7 and 3 start to move round. The defence should stay on the floor expecting a drive.
2. 4 moving out sends 5 and 8 on to 6. As the opposition players begin to commit to the drive, 4 must latch on to the ball with his inside shoulder, with 7 and 3 running towards the dummy drive.
3. 4 needs to rip and roll out, feeding 7 down the front of the lineout. 3 and 1 must look to block any opposition defenders coming on to the ball. 7 and 2 must then execute a simple 2v1 down the 5m channel.

How to progress this play

The attacking hooker should be aware of covering defenders retreating and attempting to smash him into touch. When approaching the line he should get into a low body position, move off the touchline, take the tackle and stretch out to score.