Attacking framework - part 3: scrum

The 8 will be the next forward to get out of the scrum and, generally being one of the better carriers in a team, works to the open side to be a carry option on the next phase.

While the 8 is getting set for the second phase, the blindside flanker (6) can run towards the far edge. 

With the back row splitting roles, your attacking framework will have a back-row forward in each attacking zone across a pitch (wide- middle- wide).

The second rows (4 and 5) will be able to break from the scrum once the back row has detached their binds. 
They can work around the corner and join with the 8 to create a three-player carry pod. 

This leaves the front row (1, 2 and 3), who will be last to exit the scrum and work towards the middle of the pitch as a three-player carry pod.

Once the ball is cleared from the second breakdown, the openside flanker (7) can work back towards the blindside edge to create a perfect split of forwards across the pitch 

All this happens simultaneously and in constant motion, with the backs working with the edge and middle forwards to employ the 1-3-3-1 framework

A wide strike from an edge scrum is simpler for a team to drop into their framework.

The openside flanker (7) will need to run towards the first breakdown in the wide channel.

With the breakdown being a long distance from the original scrum, the 7 shouldn’t be expected to be the primary cleaner. The nearest back should service the ruck and ensure ball retention is maintained

The 8 works towards the middle of the pitch with the two locks to create a three-player carry pod.

The blindside flanker (6) should work towards the opposite touchline to the ball.

This maintains width in the attacking framework as the blindside winger could be involved in the strike play on the far side. The front row (1, 2 and 3), last to break up from the scrum, work together to the middle of the field to create another three-player carry pod.

The examples above highlight that, with a simple level of understanding of the players’ roles, a team can drop into their attacking framework quickly after a couple of phases.

Roles can be adapted to utilise different strike plays or multi-phase maps but, generally, the back row will be able to create the forward split needed for the framework.