The big hit trick
More and more sides are employing this move to create holes in the defensive line. This rugby move works by playing on the natural instinct of defenders, that is, the desire to make a "big hit" on the big runner.
If you can trick the defender into making this hit on a player who is not going to receive the ball, and instead work the ball into the gap left by that defender, then you have a chance to release a quick winger into space.
Setting the trap
From a shortened lineout (with five or six players), put a big ball carrying forward (say your number 8) next to the fly half (10), probably where the inside centre (12) would normally stand.
Shuffle out the rest of the backs. The blindside winger (11) lingers secretly in the back field, somewhere behind the 10. It is very likely that the defence will be focusing on what's directly in front of them.
Taking the bait
The scrum half (9) clears the ball from the lineout to the 10, as the big runner (8) runs to take what looks like a crash ball.
The opposition defence, including probably their own big forward, will move towards your attacking line. When the two lines are quite close together, your attacking 10 passes behind 8 to 12, who is by now drifting out.
At this stage the big attacking forward is running an "unders" line. That is, at an angle inside his opposite defender.
Springing the trap
The big hit is too tempting for the defensive big forward. He is lined up to tackle your 8, even though he (your 8) doesn't have the ball.
12 steps out with the pass, passes back inside to the speedy 11, who should now find room enough to break through the line, with support from the outside centre (13) and full back (15).
Remember that the pass from 10 should be late, looking like it might go to the big runner, enticing the defender into making the "big hit".
This article is taken from the Better Rugby Coaching e-newsletter. Click here to sign up and get free rugby drills and skills twice a week.
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