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No 8 Plays at the Scrum (2)

Backrow plays at scrum time mainly create a platform for the next attack. However, they can present good scoring opportunities if executed accurately.

Players need to understand 'where' (field position) and 'when' to choose different backrow options and what happens after the backrow play.

They must know their roles and 'timing'; perform accurately and ensure there is good communication.

As a rule, if the play is going to the right hand side it will be assisted if the tighthead prop can get his side up, or at least have a square scrum. If the play is going to the left it will be assisted with the loosehead side being up.

The scrum will require calls. For example: Loosehead side up: 'A' / staying square: 'B' / Tighthead side up: 'C'.  Could use words: 'Albert' / 'Bruce' / 'Charlie'. Change each time.

Look for a quick channel to the No 8 who picks and actions without delay. Practice both a 'Channel 1' between the flanker and lock with the No 8 packing between these two players or a 'Channel 2' where the ball is hooked between the locks. The hooker should practice with a sweeping motion of his leg with this hook.

PLAYS (Make up your own names)

“89Switch” - scrum on the left hand side of the field.

*Aim: for the halfback and No 8 to commit the close in tacklers and provide opportunity to penetrate in midfield.

*Scrum Call: 'Colt-2'.  Tighthead up – channel 2.

*Best: In between the attacking 22 and halfway to set up another phase.

*Explanation: Once the ball is near the No 8's feet the halfback moves 2/3 metres to the right / No 8 passes to 9 who runs back in towards the tackler coming at him / No 8 wraps 9 quickly by following the pass and receives the ball with a switch pass / No 8 accelerates on receiving as if to hit the defender (or go through a gap if it is there) / he then passes to either 10 who has lined up the inside shoulder of the defender opposite him / OR he passes behind 10 to 11 who is aiming for a gap in midfield.

*Variations: 11 can pass to any of 12, 13, 14, 15 – make up another play amongst these players so that they can penetrate.  / 11 can run on an angle that takes him inside 8 as 8 runs a bit wider after receiving the switch from 9 – 8 will dummy to 10 and flip it inside to 11 who is accelerating in to a small gap.

“89Dummy” - middle of field

*Aim: to penetrate down the right hand side by setting up decoys on the left.

*Scrum Call: 'Cam – 2'

*Best: In between the attacking 22 and the teams own 10metre mark.

*Explanation: The fullback and right wing line up to run down the right hand side / the rest of the backline line up to run left / before the ball gets to the No 8's feet the halfback moves out to the left of the scrum waiting to receive a pass from the No 8 / as all this is happening 12 has started a run from the left to the right of the scrum and 15 and 14 have moved a bit wider / 8 will pick and run to the right; straighten early and pop to 12 on his outside shoulder / 12 will look to get in behind the defender and get a pass away in the tackle to 15 who is running back towards 12 looking for the pop pass.

*Variations:   if there is a gap 12 will force it and put 15 in to the space who is supported by 14 /  8 could pass to the flanker on his inside after looking for 12 on his outside / make up a plan from the likely tackle point / if the scrum is on the right hand side with a short blindside the backs can line up to the left apart from 14 / 9 will take up a position on the left as if to get a pass / 8 will pick and go as quickly as possible trying to get outside the flanker and link up with 14 / if the defending wing comes in the No 8 will pass – if he stays out the No 8 will force the gap.

“Quick” - scrum anywhere across the field in the attacking half.

*Aim: for the No 8 to pick and go as quickly as possible aiming to run at the opposing first-five who has to make the tackle.  (or the winger)

*Scrum Call: 'Cat - 1'     Channel 1 ball with the No 8 in the gap between the flanker and lock

*Best: on attack. When the team has a quick No 8 and a solid scrum. To speed the game up.

*Explanation: The ball is hooked swiftly to the No 8 who takes a step back on the ball going in to the scrum, ready to pick it up and run without delay. / the No 8 will target the first channel and aim to have a back tackle him / quick ball will open up options with a 'pick & go'; 'pick & pop'; quick ball wide on the right.

*Variations: the biggest back could be running off a short ball from 8 / the backs could all swing back to the left at the first ruck so that they are lined up to run against the opposition forwards.