Third man support decisions

WHY USE IT

The third player may have to clear a threat to the ball or not enter the ruck. Which depends on so many factors.

SET-UP

Two 7m boxes, four ruck pads, two balls, some coloured cones. A 10m by 5m box for the game situation.

HOW TO DO IT

EXERCISE 

• Put two ruck-pad holders in each box. In box A, put a ball carrier just in front of the ruck pads and in box B, a ball carrier about 3m away. Put three support players in box A about 5m away from the ruck pads.

   

• Shout out a letter. Whichever letter is called out, the ball carrier in the called-out box takes contact with the pads and presents the ball. In “A”, the support players aim to protect the ball. In “B”, you also call out a colour and the support players have to run around that cone before joining the contest.

   

• Develop by changing the starting positions of the players or removing one of the pads, so that a defender can go for the ball.

GAME SITUATION

• Put a ball carrier opposite a defender at two corners of the box. Put four support players at the back of the box and a defender in the middle of the other end.

   

• Shout out which ball carrier to go forward. That player takes a tackle and presents the ball. The support players aim to win the ball while the defenders come into position to challenge.

TECHNIQUE

• Get over the ball.

   

• Clear out threats.

   

• Make a difference or get out of the way.