Slice and block

Break down an organised defence, by focusing on the space outside their 10. Here are two plays which are easy to set up, but require a good level of skill to run the right lines and time those runs.

The angles should give your team a chance to get over the tackle line, if not break the line.

ACTIVITY

1. Put a feeder at the side of the box, and two ruck-pad holders at the far end facing three attackers. 
2. The first ruck-pad holder focuses on the first receiver (F), the second pad holder on either of the other two players. 
3. The first receiver calls either a “slice” or a “block”. If they call a slice, 1 runs out, 2 runs in, with 1 going before the 2. They then pass to the player who’s running to the space.

1. On the block play, 2 runs in front of 1, with either a late pass behind 2 to 1, an early pass to 2 who passes to 1 on the switch or a late pass to 2. 

GAME SITUATION

1. Put a ruck pad on the ground halfway up one side of the box, with a ball next to it. Put three defenders in the box, with the ruck pad acting as the offside line. Put three attackers at the end of the box.
2. The attackers have to use the moves to get to the other end. 

TECHNIQUE

• Passer, turn slightly to sight the runners.
• Look at the defence before you look at the pivot player.