Counter rucking

WHY USE IT

Know how to and when to go for the counter-ruck.

set up

Two ruck pads per group of four; 10m box for the development; 15m square for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: Put two cones 5m apart. Two ruck pad-holders face each other over the cones, with two more players between them. On “Go!”, the players drive into each pad. They should touch the cone with a hand just before impact to get the height right. They drive back the pads 1m before turning and driving into the next. Repeat four times, before swapping roles.

DEVELOPMENTS: Set up two pairs of players (see middle illustration) with a fifth player in the middle of the box. They jog around before you call the colour of one of the pairs. The fifth player goes to ground and presents the ball to the pair called, who form a shield over the prone player. You then shout for the other pair to come forward – they try to ruck these players off the ball.

GAME SITUATION: Set up three attackers about 5m from their line against four defenders. One more attacker stands by their own try line. Set off the attack: The try-line attacker can only join in after 15 seconds. Play normal rules. Encourage the defence to win back the ball and score at the other end.

COACHING POINTS

• Get low and square before driving into the ruck. Stay on your feet.