Functional roles during contact situations - ruck and maul
The most dynamic area for functional role selection is during a breakdown situation. Often the ball is won or lost based on the correct role selection by the players involved, not necessarily on the skill proficiency of the players. The following table details examples of the roles, responsibilities and skills required during a ruck and during a maul. (Note – owing to the demands of the modern game, all players should possess these skills.)
Ruck
Law definition - A ruck is a phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground.
| Functional role | Responsibility | Skills required |
|---|---|---|
| Ball carrier | Avoid contact if possible If contact unavoidable, use footwork to avoid head on contact and maintain forward momentum Look to offload during contact If unable to offload, place ball on ground to be retained quickly by supporting players Form narrow tackle gate |
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| Support player(s) | If no threat to ball from opposition, pick up ball and play on If threat exists from opposition, then clear tackler away from ball carrier |
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| Defending player(s) | Contest the ball in a legal manner Drive attackers back over the ball |
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Maul
Law definition - A phase of play consisting of a ball-carrier and at least one player from each team, bound together and on their feet.
| Functional role | Responsibility | Skills required |
|---|---|---|
| Ball carrier | Avoid contact if possible If contact unavoidable, use footwork to avoid head on contact and maintain forward momentum Make ball available to support player(s) |
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| Support player(s) | Secure possession Maintain forward momentum Transfer ball away from maul |
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| Defending player(s) | Contest the ball in a legal manner Stop attackers' forward momentum Drive attackers backwards Stop maul legally |
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