Guard the ruck

Set up

Four cones to indicate the edge of a ruck, perhaps using a ruck pad or tackle tube, and another ruck pad for the attacker.

What you get your players to do

Have a defender stand about 5m away from the cones and ruck pad. Make him run to the far side of the “ruck” and take up a position. Release an attacker holding a ruck pad from the edge of the ruck. The defender has to move forward to drive the ruck pad holder backwards and in towards the ruck.

Look for

• The defender in a low driving position (perhaps one hand on the ground) ready to go forward.

• Make sure the defender is not going forward until the attacker goes forward or the ball is released

• Listen if the defender is shouting he is in position.

• Ensure the defender does not get beaten on the inside.

Development

• Use a ball instead of a ruck pad

• Add another defender and start the defenders further away from cones. They have to mark either side of the ruck

• Add more attackers.

Notes

• You can run several groups at once, rotating players between groups.

• Ask the players how far they should be from the edge of the ruck to be effective (no right answer, they just need to be happy that they will not be beaten on the inside).