The Selfless Runner
How to integrate slow players into the wide ball game.
How often do we want to move the ball wide in the game as part of our game plan, but find that props, and their lanky brethren the second rowers, end up in the midfield at the wrong time? If so, Better Rugby Coaching introduces you to the idea of the "selfless runner".
Most, but not all, props are the less speedy, less dextrous players. Many locks fit this bill as well. They can, however, play an important part in the wide ball game.
Decoy runner
A prop can act as a decoy runner (dummy runner) to hold the defence for a few moments, before the player they are supporting manages to move the ball outwards. Ideally the prop will run at a different angle and, if necessary, be prepared to take a pop pass if the pressure is too great to move the ball on. They are missed out otherwise.
In training, when practising the wide ball game, get the players to identify who are these selfless runners and who are the passers. Then get them to re-adjust before receiving the ball.
An example of how the selfless runner may work
Player "1" passes wide to player "2". Player "PP1" (a prop) runs towards "2", thus holding the defenders. Player "2" misses out "PP1" with a pass to "3". As "2" throws wide to "3", "PP2" (the other prop or a lock) runs behind "3" as if to take the ball. This creates space for the pass from "3" to "4" wide out.
Players "PP1" and "PP2" should stand just behind the receivers and choose their line of running only once the receiver starts to move. Their running lines should not be pre-planned.