Ruck transformers

Put your slow ball ruck plays into more game-like situations. This wrap play exercise is a good starting point, and you can then use it to develop other tactics.

A wrap play turns slow ball into quick ball and allows your 9 to recycle it at pace.

In the 10m square, the ball is fed to the middle player of a group of three. Two defenders with ruck pads stand close to the gain line in the middle of the square.

Once the three have “wrapped up” the two pad holders by taking them out and presenting the ball, the 9 approaches the ball.

They pick it up and pop it to the support runner who takes it at pace and crosses the gain line.

The passer does not have to be a scrum half although ideally, they would call this play because they can see whether they have a quick passing option or not.

TECHNIQUE

The ball receiver in the three-man group remains very low and in a strong body position while his “assistants” drive over the top and protect the ball.

The ball is presented cleanly for the 9 to pop to the support runner.