Clearing the 22

“Clearing the 22”.
The aim when clearing the ball from inside the 22 is to get the ball in to the opposition half. The plan should be a simple one with as few complications as possible, but will involve in most cases several parts which must be pieced together if the plan is to be effective.
Nowadays teams commonly set up a couple of ruck situations after the set piece to manipulate the defence so that they are in a better position to clear the ball down the field or in to touch.  After the clearance there must be a well orchestrated kick chase.  Whatever method is used, each aspect requires practicing and fitting it together.
You need to consider the scrum and lineout requirements; the manipulation plan; the kick or the run clearance; and the chase or the support roles. Also, the best kicking option needs to be considered as this is not the sole responsibility of one player, and of course the kicking skills must be practiced.
The Scrum: all things being equal the simplest scrum clearance is a wide and deepish pass to ten who will be static and will throw a long miss pass to another static player at least on the far side of the goalposts. This player should have the time and space to make a long diagonal kick down the field.  Going from right to left it is most advantageous to have a left footer doing the kicking.
Assuming the scrum has been solid the practice requirements are the long passes, the kick, and the kick chase formation. The closest chasers to the kicker will attack the ‘ball’ area which is the ball receiver and closest support players, whilst the kicker should move in to the pocket behind the first line to counter the chip kick.  These are the first players in place with the halfback covering deeper in the likely area for a return kick (fullback has either kicked or chased) and the blindside winger covering deep also.
The loose forwards will be moving up the middle of the field with the tight five filling the gaps beside and behind these players. Obviously it is important for players on the chase to be scanning and taking up the best positions dependant on where the opposition are placing themselves.  Making a plan so that a counter attack can take place if the ball is kicked back also needs to be considered.
The other kicking option may well be ten kicking to the closest touch. He should ensure he does not tuck himself directly behind the scrum as he will have up to three players placing him immediately under pressure if he receives the ball in that position directly from the halfback. (9,7,6) He should be positioned wider so that defender/s are coming at him from his inside and not directly towards him.  He then also has a passing option to his outsides should he be under real pressure.
If the team consider that a ruck or two is required then there must be an appropriately strong ball carrier at twelve or thirteen  who can stay up long enough for the support ruck people to arrive and of course the play will be from a much flatter alignment.  If the kicker needs to get on to a strong foot he can do it with this method.
Assuming the scrum is in the middle of the field the backs can be split and the best option taken when the ball is won at scrum time. What also needs to be considered when planning these exits is the passing and running options. The centres and wingers in particular should be scanning for running opportunities based on the positioning of the defenders on the outsides. If the defenders are always hanging back expecting a kick, then it can be a good option to run, and support, and maybe kick deep if necessary once the defence come forward.
The same options can apply at lineout time but quite often the best choice may be the halfback making the kick. This often means that he is already nearly ten metres further up the field and the chasers in the first chasing line have a ten metre start as well. It may well be difficult to achieve the aim of reaching the halfway if the halfback is kicking so he could kick it high enough so that his team arrive with the ball and they are able to maintain the momentum.
A suitably planned and executed lineout is important so that if the ball is to be carried forward in a series of rucks, or driven forward before the release, then all players are once again aware of what they have to do. If the halfback is to make the clearance then make sure that a forward or two is in place blocking a direct line at him and making a ‘charge down’ far more difficult.
The coach, and the decision makers on the field, need to know their own strengths and weaknesses and make a plan accordingly. Don’t create a large number of choices. It is best that when the team is under pressure that they know exactly what they have to do to relieve the pressure and get on with the next part of the game. In this case, the simpler the better.