Simple game to improve rugby attack

Best from

A rugby scrum in the opposition’s half at least 15m from the right-hand touchline. It might not work near their line because most teams will put in another defender to cover the blindside.

Why it works

From a scrum with a 15m or greater blindside, a swift 8 and 9 can quickly get into the space between the scrum and normally the lone defender. 8’s run draws a back row defender to create a 2v1 for your 9 and 14. With the defending 15 likely to be covering the midfield, this may give 14 a free run to the line.

Good if you have

• A quick 8 who can pass well.
• A quick 9 who can attack gaps.
• A fast 14.
• A scrum that can wheel slightly so the tighthead side gets ahead of the loosehead.

What players should do

• As soon as the ball is at his feet, 8 picks and goes right. He passes to 9 as that player comes round.
• 9 puts the ball into the scrum and then arcs round the back of it and to the right. He takes a pass from 8 and attacks the inside shoulder of the opposition 11. If the opposition 11 is drawn in, 9 passes to 14. Otherwise 9 continues his run.
• 14 stands close to the touchline. He waits until 9 receives the ball before running forwards to support 9, possibly to take the pass.

Common mistakes

• The scrum wheels the wrong way, so 8 has a long way to go to attack. In which case cancel the call.
• 8 runs too far with the ball.
• 14 stands too close or runs too early. He must maintain his position to keep his marker guessing.

Think about

• 14 looking to switch with 9.
• 9 kicking ahead for 14, especially if the opposition has put another defender on the blindside.

This rugby game is from my Rugby Attack! manual, containing plays to help you co-ordinate attacks that suit your team's strengths and target a weakness in the opposition.