Positional responsibilities

- December 14, 2006

The following is a guide put out by the IRB outlining of the role of each position.
(It is an excellent guide for both players and coaches and highlights some the key requirements of each position)
Source: IRB NEWSLETTER NO. 58, FEBRUARY, 2006

Positional Requirements

Listed below are the positional requirements for each position.
The positional requirements listed are not for a specific Game Plan, they are a checklist for selection that can be modified to suit the Game Plan that has been developed.

Props:

Tight-Head Prop

Scrums:

“Lead in” our scrum by being the first member of the front row to contact the opposing front row on our “put in”.

Stabilise the scrum when the ball is put in on the loose-head so that the ball
is delivered from a stable platform.

Lineouts (No. 3 Position in the Lineout):

Take up the same stance in the lineout no matter where the ball is thrown to. Stand square-on to the opposition with the outside leg slightly ahead of the inside leg to the opposition. This minimises body movement when supporting the catchers.

As the catcher moves to the centre to jump and catch the ball move in unison, so that the support play prevents opponents making contact.

Assist the catcher to jump higher and to stabilise the jumper at maximum height until the ball is caught.

Once the ball has been caught make sure the catcher lands in a stable
position, back on to opponents.

Alter positioning to ensure protected delivery of the ball (back on) or to contribute to the drive (front on).

General Play:

Decide on the best role to ensure a clean ball is won to continue play when approaching phase play.

Rucks - options when the team is in possession are :

- Bind and drive past the ball
- Bind on the side to protect the delivery of the ball to the halfback or
other distributors.

Rucks - options when the opposing team is in possession are :

- Drive forward to slow down or stop their drive and to slow their
delivery of the ball.
- Set up as first defensive player off the ruck (guard dog)
- Join the defensive screen to tackle a designated ball carrier.

Mauls - options when the team in possession are :

- Bind on the side to protect the delivery of the ball to the halfback.
- Act as the pivot for a rolling maul after initially binding and driving
forward.

Mauls - options when the opposing team is in possession are :

- Drive forward to slow down or stop their drive and to slow their
delivery of the ball.
- Stop the rolling maul by driving onto the side towards which the maul
is rolling.
- Stop the rolling maul by allowing it to roll towards the near touchline
and then driving it into touch.

Loose-Head Prop

Only additional requirements to those listed for tight-head props are mentioned below.

Scrums :

Bind tightly with the hooker so that the hooker is as close as possible to the ball about to be put into the scrum and to prevent the hooker and prop being “split”. Do not bind so tightly that it becomes difficult and uncomfortable for the lock to push effectively.

On the put-in, drive slightly upward to open up the tunnel, letting the hooker have an unimpeded strike at the ball.

Reach as far forward as comfortable with the outside arm upon engagement. Transfer the opposing tight-head’s weight to the area between the shoulder blades.

Lineouts (No. 1 Position in the Lineout) :

Assume the same stance for all lineouts. This will be difficult if the player is used as a catcher as well as a supporting player.



Hooker

Scrums :

Make your first priority to win ball on the loose head.

Choose options on the tight-head so that they are of greatest tactical value and catch the opposition by surprise.

Exert tactical and physical pressure on the opposing hooker at all scrums.

Lineouts :

Know the throw-in requirements of the lineout forwards and perfect them.

Take up a position that enables an unimpeded line to the opposing team’s deflected ball.

Exploit the general play situation that often occurs when the ball is deflected. This occurs in the time between the conclusion of the lineout and the formation of a phase play.

Hookers may be used to support catchers on the opposing teams throw.

Because hookers are not bound into the lineout they can enter general play very quickly.

General Play :

From scrums the options are the same as for the other members of the front row.

As the player may be the last to leave scrums it is very important to assess the options.

Depending on the hooker’s skills and speed the player may join the back attack, usually on the blind side.

Locks

Scrums :

Bind to each other and to the front row so as to be in a good pushing position once the opposing scrum is engaged.

Once contact is made do not alter foot positions.

Maintain a stable scrum on the put-in. On the opposing team’s put-in, push forward to disrupt the delivery of the ball.


Lineouts (No. 2 and No. 4 catchers) :

Initiate both the support and the throw by stepping to the line of touch and leaping vertically to catch the ball.

Drive up with the arms to gain maximum height.

Watch the ball into the hands.

Once the ball has been caught move it immediately away from the opposing players turning the body to follow the ball.

Land in a stable body position back-on to opponents.


Deliver the ball based on the team’s proposed pattern of attack.

General Play :

Move quickly towards the anticipated position of the ball.

Bind and drive into rucks and mauls to push them forward.

If the opposing players have not been committed to the ruck or maul and the ball is available, drive forward with it in hand.

Be aware of the options that are available to run, pass or set up phase play.


Blind-Side Flanker

Scrums :

Work as a unit with the lock to support the prop.

Channel the ball to the #8 (loose-head flanker).

Push until the ball has left the scrum.

Watch the ball as it moves through the scrum.

Lineout (No. 5 position) :

Support the # 4 catcher to jump and catch the ball.

When the ball is thrown elsewhere, hold the line to prevent opposing players from breaking through.

Initiate the drive when the ball is thrown to # 2.

General Play :

Anticipate the position of the ball and move as quickly as possible to that position.

Ensure possession is retained by complementing the roles of the players who are at the ball earlier.

Choose the best option to maintain continuity.

Once one role has been completed move quickly to the next.

Defence :

From lineouts move towards the ball and anticipate the ball carrier cutting back so that the player is in a position to make a tackle.

From scrums it is difficult to be involved in the front line of defence because the player must be bound until the ball is out. It is better to work out a specified supporting role, similar to that at the lineout.

Stop any runners as soon as possible from scrums.

When a tackle has been completed or partially completed react to regain possession.

Open-Side Flanker

Scrums :

Work as a unit with the lock to support the prop.

Channel the ball to number 8 when on the loose-head side..

Push until the ball has left the scrum.

Watch the ball as it moves through the scrum.

Lineout (No. 7 position).

Position close to the opposition on your ball to control the movements of the opposing # 7.

Position away from the opposing # 7 on their ball so that the player can run directly towards the opposition backs.

Face the opposition.

Be further infield than the opposing # 7.

Only contest lineout possession from infield of the opposition # 7.

General Play :

Attack:

Be the link player between the backs and the forwards to maintain continuity of play.

Defence :

From lineouts move towards the ball and anticipate the ball carrier cutting back to make a tackle. Depending on the defence pattern tackle the first receiver, usually number 10.

From scrums the requirement that loose forwards must remain bound until the ball is out will vary the degree to which the flanker can be involved in the first line of defence. As this will depend on a number of factors, amongst them being scrum alignment, the depth of the #10, the length of #’9’s passes and the ability of the #7. Flexibility and sound communication during a match can cause the role to vary.

Stop any runners as soon as possible from scrums.

When a tackle has been completed or partially completed react to retain possession.

No. 8

Scrums :

Channel the ball to the right hand side of the scrum so that number 9 is able to pass with minimum interference from opposing players.

Position between the loose-head lock and flanker so long as it doesn’t disrupt the stability of the scrum.

Deliver the ball preferably when the scrum is stable if not moving forward.

Lineout :

Be a catching option at number 6. Initiate play around the end of the lineout.

Drive forward if possession is gained, especially if in lifting their catchers have left a gap at the back of their lineout.

Hold the line when the ball is taken elsewhere in the lineout.

General Play :

Run in support of number 7 (open-side flanker) to ensure continuity of play.

Defence :

Scrum – see flankers

Lineout - move in support of number 7 to tackle the ball carrier cutting back against the initial movement of the ball.





Halfback / Scrum Half
Passing :

Able to pass to the left or to the right with no back swing and in a single movement. Able to perform a skip pass (skip back from ruck to move away from ruck or tackle situation)

Be adaptable - use the pass most appropriate to the situation.

Always be in a position before passing so the receiver and the ball can be seen at the same time of vision.

Demand that the forwards drive past the line of the ball so that the pass can be made without interference from opponents.

Pass a long, yet “sympathetic” pass that can be comfortably caught by the receiver.

Kicking :

Move back from the mass of forwards to gain time and space to make an accurate kick.

Kick high enough to clear the mass of forwards in front.

Be able to make the desired kick while facing in any direction.

When kicking over the forwards be conscious of the 10 metre off-side law requirements and actions needed to allow those in front to rejoin play.

Judge the success of the box kick by having sufficient time to run forward at good speed and challenge for possession of the ball.





Running :

Develop combinations with loose forwards and inside backs.

Run infrequently but as the opportunity arises to prevent the defensive loose forwards drifting to assist with defence elsewhere.

Unless a try can be scored seek support before being tackled.

Tactics :

Read the game so that decisions are made and action taken without hesitation.

Vary the options available based on the game plan so that they complement it.

Positionally the halfback is in a very congested area and is instrumental in moving the ball away from congestion.

Playing into the Wind :

Develop a range of blind-side skills to control the game in these circumstances.

Finally, control your area and be vociferous in organising players in front (the forwards) and immediately behind (the first five-eighth and second five-eighth).

First Five-Eighths / Out Half / Fly Half

Passing :

Stand deep but receive as flat as the play will allow.

To make a long pass it is an advantage to receive the ball in a stable, standing still position. From this position the long pass can be made more accurately. Stand flatter to ensure that the opposing defenders don’t drift and to compensate for not moving onto the ball.

Take care to spiral pass only when it is really necessary because the spiral pass is more difficult to catch.

For all other passes hip sink pass to prevent the defence from drifting, to gain maximum power and control and to provide the opportunity to make a dummy pass and penetrate through a gap.

Kicking :

Kick to “space” unless the height of the kick allows the ball to be regained. Because regaining possession from the opposing teams throw at a lineout is difficult do not kick to touch unless the territory that is gained more than compensates for the loss of possession.

Base kicking on the positioning of the defensive backline. If it is flat use the kick but if it is deeper use backline moves to gain territory.

Be able to kick accurately while under pressure, using both right and left feet.

Running :

Balance running onto the pass to commit the defence with retaining some space and clearing to supporting players who need the space to attack.

Use evasive running skills to attack the defence especially from scrums as the loose forwards are less available to defend.

When running the blind, over commit the defending players by initially standing flatter on the open side. Run across the back of the scrum so that, before or after receiving the ball, the angle of running is away from and not towards the loose forward defence.

Demand correct backline alignment at set pieces and phase play in attack and defence so that the backline can operate as a unit.

Tactics :

Choose options that fit in with the team game plan and the tactics that prove successful as the game progresses.

If possible choose the tactic to be employed before receiving the ball. This is based on play to this point in the game or on the profile of opponents developed before the match.

Communicate the chosen option to those involved in its execution. In the event of disruption to the chosen option make quick decisions to use other options.

At breaks in play involve others in decision-making.

Attacking options, i.e. when in possession, should take account of the opposing team’s defensive behaviour and exploit the best available space.

Defensive options, i.e. when not in possession, should be chosen to create uncertainty in the opposing team by reducing their attacking space and options.

Defence :

Communicate clearly the pattern to be used.

Make the most effective tackle for the situation that takes into account the ball carrier’s relative body size.

Move into the tackle.

Take appropriate action so that attacking plays are stopped as soon as possible.

Develop an effective cover defensive role by moving with the ball if it is passed by the designated ball carrier before the player is tackled.

Midfield Backs

Passing :

Stand deep but run onto the ball to create maximum commitment from the defence while giving those being passed to time to perform their role.

Generally know who the ball is to be passed before receiving it.

Make a “sympathetic” pass that gives the receiver options.

Pass only to a player who is in a better position.

Do not be forced into passing if the area becomes congested. Rather retain possession, stand in the tackle, draw supporting players to the ball and make the transfer hand to hand, reducing the risk of interference.

Be able to pass before, in and through the tackle.

Make space for the extra player joining an attack by moving into the pass, thus creating space on the outside.



Kicking :

The wiper’s kick to the open side is often very successful, especially from scrum possession, because the open side wing has had to move forward to the front line defence.

Be aware of the positioning of the opposing blind side wing. This player can often drift across field as an open side attack develops, allowing a kick back towards the blind side to be made.

When following and contesting an up and under kick, run just beyond the flight of the ball so that it is being caught while turning with the player’s back to the attacking team’s goal line. This reduces the likelihood of a knock forward. The player should also jump early to catch the ball on the way down. This prevents a defending player from jumping directly up to the ball.

Running :

Run straight to give left and right penetrating options.

During set moves run predictable lines so that supporting players can perform their roles.

Create space for support players by veering left to create space on the right and veering right to create space on the left.

Run in balance so that running and passing manoeuvres can be executed successfully.

When the defence drifts to defend elsewhere retain possession and penetrate using evasive running skills.

When in support as a decoy draw defenders away from the point of penetration.

Develop “lanes” when running in support of the ball carrier so that the ball carrier knows where the support is.

Be able to vary the pace of running.

Defence :

Maintain alignment to prevent defensive gaps so that the whole attack can be seen as it develops.

Identify the designated ball carrier and defend that player from the inside.

Tackle to prevent territory being gained and, if possible, to regain possession.

Wings

Passing :

Develop an in-field pass to support if there is insufficient space on the outside.

If opposing players are likely to catch a ball passed in-field use contact skills, e.g. “hit and spin” to move in-field towards supporting players. The ball can then be transferred with greater certainty.

When entering a back line as an extra player insist on a pass that is easily caught giving vision of the opposing players.

Kicking :

At top pace use the kick ahead and recovery as an attacking ploy.

Running :

Stand deep enough for the ball to be received running at close to top pace while retaining maximum vision to assess the options available.

Develop a range of individual attacking ploys that can be performed at pace and with stability.

Determine the most suitable ploys taking into consideration physical attributes and develop these ploys to a high degree of efficiency.

Use supporting players to continue the attack. The more they are used the more unlikely they will make the effort to be available in support.

Tactics :

To be an “attacking threat” exploit every opportunity and continually look for work. By being an attacking threat the opposition wing will be held in a defensive position and be unable to enter play elsewhere.

More than any other position, the wing must make the game happen by seeking involvement.

Once forward momentum has been initiated on attack, use support to keep the movement going. Avoid the touchlines.

Defence :

Know the patterns and keep to them because once the ball reaches the attacking wing and the attack is well advanced, the pattern must operate automatically and instinctively.

Cover from the blind side with a specific role in mind, e.g. if the fullback has had to move forward to tackle position to catch a kick. Mentally play as the fullback.

Fullbacks

Attack :

Enter the backline to make a positive contribution. Don’t stand in the backline as an extra pair of hands.

When entering the backline on attack make an impact by changing the pace, angle and rhythm of the attack. Do not enter if an extra pair of hands is going to slow the attack.

Enter the line as late and as unexpectedly as possible.

Do not stand in the gap that is to be run into prior to play starting.

The pass should give the fullback three receiving options :
- Close to the ball carrier
- In the gap
- Drifting out with the ball to an outside gap

Be deep enough to sum up the options.

Defence :

Determine the pattern for the back three, set it early and if necessary “talk” it into place as the attack develops.

Be positive in making the tackle, make the move early to reduce the opposing player’s reaction time.

Generally encourage a ball carrier to take an outside break so that the touchline can be used as a defensive boundary. If the player is outnumbered, maintain a defensive position so the pass is delayed, giving time for support to arrive.

Adjust your position to suit the playing conditions and the position of the set play on the field.

With confidence, “imagined” gaps can be left, “conning” the opposing players to kick into them. This enables a skilful player to predict the position the kick will be made to allowing the ball to be moved into and regained.

Rather than be caught standing under the ball flat-footed, such a move enables the fullback to run to the ball, catch it and move away. The fullback is more difficult to tackle when moving and can leap into the air to catch the high ball.

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