Information on the different positions in rugby.

Beau

Hey,

I got an injury that has kept me out of the game for the whole of this season. I was a number 7 and I think I know alot about it but I have a feeling with the new team/s I`ll be joining next year I may have to adapt to new positions. More than likely that will be at No. 8 or in the second row.

So baisically does anyone know where I can get any info on the roles/specific jobs or any tricks. Of course I`ll just ask the coach next year if I do have to change positions but I`d like to build up a good knowledge base.

If you can offer any advice (paticularly on number 8 and second row) feel free!

Thanks

Steffano2002

I play number 8 but only since very recently so I don't have a lot of experience. But I'll tell you what I think is important when playing N° 8:

I feel the most important role of a N° 8 is (obvioulsy) during the scrums:

On your scrum:

1) Most importantly: you need great communication between you and your scrum half in order to know each time if you are going to let him take the ball or if you are going to pick and drive.
2) You need to get the ball between your legs as fast and as cleanly as possible for the number 9 to spread it wide. The second rows and the loose head can often obstruct the ball and stop it from getting to you rapidly and it's your job to ensure they don't do that!
3) Defend your srum half from the opposing scrum half. It is your job to make sure your N° 9 can cleanly pass the ball onto the Outside Half (or a running centre). You can shift your body out to the left as much as you want/can as long as your shoulders stay bound to the second rows. Or you can try some judo like Harinordoquy did against England a few years back in the VI Nations!
4) If you pick and drive, the ball must come to you fast! The faster it gets to you, the faster you can start running and the harder it's going to be for the opposing flankers to stop you! And you must be able to offload once you are stopped by the opposing flankers/N°8! You will either be offloading to your scrum half or to your own flanker.
5) If you pick and drive, make sure you run right!

On opposing scrum:

1) Tight bind on second rows to help settle the scrum (or even win it!)
2) If the scrum isn't won, loosen you grip on the second rows and look at what the opposition is doing (keep bound with shoulders though!)! Your job is now going to be spoiling the clean exiting of the ball for the opposition by either tackling the opposing N° 8 (or helping your flanker to takle him) if he picks up and drives or chasing down the opposing scrum half before he passes the ball. Basically do whatever you can to win the ball back!

That's what I try to do anyway!

Beau

Here listen, thanks a million.

Some excellent advice there. Really appreciate it.

Steffano2002

Beau wrote:

Here listen, thanks a million.

Some excellent advice there. Really appreciate it.

Well I do hope it helps somehow!

(And I do hope nobody comes on saying "That's total ballix"! lol)

besty

Also, if you're playing 8, I think your most important role is as a ball carrier and as a decision maker in open play. I.e. you will be required to carry alot more ball and make snap decisions on building phases etc. This ties in with the communication issue Steffano was talking about. You will need to talk more with your 9 and 10 and find out what kind of ball they want and ensure they get it.

You will also probably be a lineout jumper if you're playing 8, so be prepared for that. That will obviously apply if you're second row too.

Steffano2002

Found this useful link on the web as well. Or you can browse through all these.

Eoin

Steffano2002 wrote:

2) You need to get the ball between your legs as fast and as cleanly as possible for the number 9 to spread it wide. The second rows and the loose head can often obstruct the ball and stop it from getting to you rapidly and it's your job to ensure they don't do that!

I wouldn't be in a mad rush to tell a front row what to do in the scrum, we have enough to worry about without a loosey doing some back seat driving!