Running rugby coaching sessions to practise with opponents

Organising rugby training sessions to make sure your "opponents" are effective.

One of the problems facing a coach is trying to ensure that your 1st XV (or "A" team) is able to train in full game situations against effective opponents. This is a particular problem if your 2nd XV (or "B" team) simply is not good enough to compete with them.

1. Play "squad" games

Swap a section or a significant player from the 1st XV with the 2nd XV. This works because:

Sometimes 1st XV players are injured or absent for a game, so the replacement players need to work with the "main" team.
Sometimes a section of the team may be nullified by a better opposition, so this allows the non-replaced 1st XV to experience the problem first hand.
It helps the 1st XV players or section understand how the rest of the team operates.

2. Condition games

Play "uneven" matches:

Overload the 2nd XV with 15 v 12, or 20 v 15. Not only should the 1st XV team have to compete against a greater number of players, ensure that some of their key players - such as the flanker, centre and wing for instance - either don't play or play for the 2nd XV.
Force the 1st XV to play across a narrow pitch, but allow the 2nd XV to play across a wider pitch. For example, reduce the size of the pitch by 10m for the 1st XV when they are in possession of the ball.
Allow the 1st XV to score only within 15m of the touchline or just by drop goals.

3. Bias your refereeing to the B team

Allow the 2nd XV to play offside, penalise the 1st XV for poor passes or for running too far with the ball. Annoying perhaps, but for some games, all too true.