Backrow

"If you don't know what you are looking for you don't see it. - Backrow" - Ian Snook

Historically, loose forwards were the fittest, fastest, or strongest and most athletic in the forward pack. If they were really fortunate they would posses more than one of these attributes, but all three  could be slotted in to a role which had  specific requirements. If all three had the skills to complement each other, then you had a good combination.

Until the multi talented Michael Jones turned up the openside flanker was  either a destructive tackler who played much of the game scavenging on the ground, or a link player who created the continuity such as Graeme Mourie. These were the only pack members who had permission not to enter every ruck and participate in the ‘darker spots’.

Blindside flankers  were an extension of the second row with specific roles such as being responsible for shortside attack and defence , and a  lineout jumper.  A physical presence was a must.

The No 8, was essentially the man who made sure there was cover on the defence, and a rampant runner with the ball. He also additional responsibilities at scrum which would have included being a good decision maker.

Things were a lot simpler then, but as professional rugby has developed and continual law changes have created a faster and more physical game, the backrow roles, although still based on a similar skill set, have seen a far more multi skilled player develop.  Currently  the roles have evolved even further.  South Africa provided a backrow with a tackler and two players waiting for the ball, which saw the All Blacks completely overwhelm them, with a combination of  three who are all adept at tackling, securing ball, cleaning out,  running and linking. Throw in the lineout responsibilities and you have the ‘Modern Man’.

The ideal model for a backrow player  under current  law interpretation is one that has all or at least some of the following: a link man, a ball runner; a tackler and ball securer; the second man in to secure the ball; cleaning out when appropriate; fast across the field; and a lineout role.  It seems all three are almost interchangeable, although between the three of them they must posses complimentary skills and ideally each player will have a special ability: ball carrier; support player; strong tackler …
When you are looking at your backrow try to watch them as a unit. What lines do they run? What is the first player doing? What is the second player doing? How often are two of them working in tandem?

 
Build up a picture of what you want to happen with your players. What are their current strengths and weaknesses? How will they fit together?  What will you do at training that will help them evolve as a unit.? What skills and tactics must you develop?

During televised games  you should watch the mini unit of three for at least 20  minutes . Decide what they are doing well. What could they do better? Are they feeding off one of the players? Are they working together?  Think of any other questions you want answered so you can make a plan for your season.