Ruck transformers

WHY USE IT

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

set up

A 10m square; groups of seven players, with one acting as a scrum half; two ruck pad-holders per group to challenge the three-man group; and a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: 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 (see top illustration). Once the three have ‘wrapped up’ the two pad-holders, by taking them out and presenting the ball, the 9 approaches the ball (see middle illustration).

They pick it up and pop it to the support runner, who takes it at pace and crosses the gain line (see bottom illustration). 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.

coaching points

• The ball receiver in the three-man group remains very low and in a strong body position, while their ‘assistants’ drive over the top and protect the ball.
• The ball is presented cleanly for the 9 to pop to the support runner.

1. Have the 9 pass the ball to the middle player

2. Set three players in front of two ruck pad holders

3. Get close to the gain line for the pass

1. The 9 runs around the back of the three
2. Controlled placement – the support players take out the threats

1. The 9 picks the ball from the back and pops to a runner (flat pass)
2. The runner takes the ball at pace and close to the gain line