ii. Secures the ball from the scrum, rucks,
mauls, and tackles.
iii. Is responsible for delivering the ball to the
backs for open field play.
c. Scrumhalf is responsible for placing the ball in
the tunnel (see scrum below).
d. The scrumhalf is usually smaller and quicker
than the other forwards and has a fast and
accurate pass.- Flyhalf
a. Position no. 10.
b. Acts as the quarterback of the backs and is the
first player in the back line.
i. Is responsible for calling back plays.
c. Generally smaller and lighter than other backs
with good passing and kicking ability. - Centers
a. Position no. 12—inside center
b. Position no. 13—outside center
c. Generally the larger and more physical backs
d. They are often called upon to crash into the
competition by intentionally running into
defenders to establish a ruck or maul. - Wings
a. Position nos. 11 and 14
b. Generally the players who are the quickest and
most elusive on the team. They are required to
outrun the opposition in open field play. - Fullback
a. Position no. 15
b. The last line of defense in rugby
c. Has responsibilities similar to the safety,
punter, and punt returner of American football.
d. Essential skills include being able to field a
kicked ball, to kick for distance and accuracy,
and to be able to consistently tackle in the open
field.
- Formations
- Scrum
a. This aspect of the game is tightly controlled by
the referee to prevent injury.
b. In preparation for the scrum, each pack assembles
under the directions of their individual hooker.
c. After both teams are assembled and stable in
the crouched position, the referee will call
“Engage!”
i. Engagement is when the two scrums come
together forming a tunnel between the front
row players.
ii. The referee calling engage is a recent change
to enhance safety in the scrum. Previously,
the scrums would come together at the end of
a cadence called by the hooker of the attack-
ing team.
d. The scrumhalf introduces the ball into the
tunnel.
e. The hookers attempt to hook (kick) the ball
backward to their own team.
f. After the ball has traveled to the rear of the
scrum, the ball can be picked up for advance-
ment.
g. The scrum is used to restart play after the ref-
eree has stopped play for minor infringements
and at other points in the match.
h. Strategically it is used both offensively and
defensively (Milburn, 1993).
i. Offense →base for attacking play
ii. Defense →denying the opponents clean pos-
session
i. The stability of the scrum is determined by the
front row’s ability to utilize their strength to
transmit the force to their opponents (Milburn,
1993).- Line out
a. Used to restart play after the ball has gone into
touch (out of bounds).
b.There are 2 to 7 forwards from each team
arranged in parallel lines that are perpendicular
to the touch line.
c. The hooker throws the ball into the tunnel
formed by the standing forwards of both teams.
d. Each team has jumpers who will fight for pos-
session of the thrown ball.
e. The jumper is assisted by lifters—two players
who grab the jumper above the knees (usually
by the shorts) and lift him or her into the air. The
lifters also ensure a controlled return to the
ground after the jumper has caught the ball.
Afterward, a maul (see below) is usually
formed. - Maul
a. Is formed when the ball carried is stopped by a
defender but not taken to the ground.
b.Players from both teams attempt to drive the
maul down the field by binding to each other
and giving a unified push.
c. Both sides attempt to grab the ball out of the
maul to restart open field play. - Ruck
a. Is formed when a player is tackled and brought
to the ground.
b.The tackled player releases the ball on the
ground.
c. The opposing teams come together over the top
of the ball in an attempt to drive the other team
backward away from the ball.
d. One team must drive the other team completely
off the ball before the ball can be picked up.
516 SECTION 6 • SPORTS-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS