Punch runner tactic
A number of sides are employing the so-called "punch runner" to give the back line more space. This is a great rugby tactic to use with Two waves tactic. Here's my take on it.
A player ("F" in the picture) runs quite flat towards the ruck/maul to offer a passing opportunity for the scrum half. This has two effects:
- First it tends to hold the close defence, allowing the long pass behind "F", giving the outside players more space.
- Second, if the pass is made to "F," it can expose a weakness between the ruck/maul and the defence standing off the side of it.
To employ the rugby tactic, change the angles of your attack from rucks and mauls by holding up the defence with a flat runner. Any player can perform this role, as long as they are far enough in front of the second wave of runners.
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