Playing Philosophy – Ruck & Run

In the previous article about ‘Playing Philosophy’ I mentioned a less structured method for phase play. As I think more deeply about the suggestion it is in fact structured, but not as most teams would plan their phase play.

Let’s call it ‘Ruck & Run’, as that flows from the tongue nicely and gives an understanding of doing things quickly, yet not rushed. The emphasis will be on a lot more running and passing with the inevitable rucks taking place, but many of these will be mini-rucks and be completed almost as soon as they start.

The major concept is to get away from the confrontation in the close channels and to move the ball in to space where a player can attack in a 1 V 1 situation. This opens up several continuity aspects.

These situations can start at a ruck, a quick lineout, a tap kick, counter attack situations, or even called at a scrum as a strike move. The call could be “R & R’ and planned for at a certain time in the game or when situations call for it such as after having points scored against the team. It might be for short bursts of play, called on the run when the game needs to speed up and create greater intensity or it may be used as the Plan A phase attack.

The first aspect is to get the ball in to space. A simple rule can be to make at least two passes every time – the first could be to a static player close by who steadies and throws a longish pass to a player near the middle of the field.
The formation must not be flat as the 2^nd receiver needs to have time and space to start making some decisions – pass quickly; run and pass; attack the single defender.
Ideally the ball is moved to the far 15 metre line where the attack will take place. Having support players arriving more quickly than the defensive players is the key to success.

To achieve this the team operate roughly in three groups of 5 across the field. Hence the players closest to the ball carrier must action the continuity aspects. The halfback does not need to be at each ruck as the important component is to keep the ball moving as quickly as possible.

The remaining 10 players will spread across the field ready to support if a gap is taken or hold their position for the ball to be moved back across the field. These ten do not want to be in a flat line but rather a series of triangle shapes across the field. This will make the support play a lot better and allow the passes to find a wide space again.

This will be the scenario at a slow ruck where the impetus has been lost and needs to start up again.

The attacker will threaten the defender front on and then:
- pass short to a runner on either side. Runners should be at pace and running changed angles
- aim to get behind the defender by stepping and driving into the space on either side of the tackler. A fend may be used. A hit-and-spin may be appropriate
This will open up opportunities for a pop pass to a close support runner or a quick ruck involving the ball carrier, the 1^st man who secures the body and the space and the 2^nd man who will receive quick ball and either picks & goes or picks and pops to another runner.

Once the ball carrier is behind the defence there needs to be plenty of passing and supporting. The object is not to set any more rucks but in fact keep the ball as a moving target that cannot be stopped or slowed down – rucks will occur but should not be the main attack concept.

R & R can be used as a fitness activity at training starting in unopposed situations and in a one squad situation used with those not in the XV acting as defenders. When the team is ready have a 10-minute game against another team in the club/school.

The coach will need to make up calls in unopposed for tackle situations. Use two balls and get the leader to shout the call from broken play.

Skills and concepts to practice will be long passing and receiving; scanning to see where the defenders are [I refer to this as TUBing in my articles – looking to see where they are; where your team mates are and where the ball is. Them – Us – Ball ]; beating a defender 1 V 1; mini-rucks; pop passes and support lines; aiming for two touches in an attack play; understanding the positioning across the field and the roles in different situations; understanding how to get the ball in to space holding depth and having passing options.

As the team get fitter, understand the reasoning, and improve the skill requirements, this type of play will take off and excite everyone.
 

SUMMARY

• Coach must believe in the concept so that they can sell it to the team.
• The call can be made from set piece starters or phase play. It can be made on the run or prior to a starter.
• The initial aspect is to move the ball in to space. Invariably this will mean attacking a single defensive line and targeting an individual. The ball needs to be passed out of the pressure zone and at least two passes are required.
• Players operate in groups of 4/5 [ not specific] with one group providing the go forward and initial continuity [ running-passing-attacking the line-supporting …] and the remainder spreading across the field in a double attack line.
• A ruck is not by choice. Players should look to pass early and support or pop pass in the tackle. Quick ball needs to be produced with the first option to be to get in behind the defence with a pick and go or a pick and pop, particularly down the short side.
• If it turns in to a slowish ruck then the process can begin again. Using a close in pod as a decoy group can be added.
• Keep supporting if you are near the ball – keep repositioning in the best field position if you are off the ball – keep passing  – keep the ball alive – move it to wide channels – don’t forget there must be ‘go forward’  when the opportunity presents.