3rd Support Player
3rd Support Player
Ideally, attacking breakdowns should be won with no more than three players (Ball Player plus Support Player 1 and 2) unless it is a tactic to use less or more numbers. The 3rd Support Player within the attacking breakdown formation is a key decision maker, as they must decide whether to enter the breakdown and select the role they will need to perform if they do so. This decision can only be made depending on the effective actions of the Ball Player and Support Players who are already involved.
Responsibilities within the breakdown
Make the correct decision. Only enter:
- If required to join and bind on to create a stronger attacking ruck formation
- If required to act as 2nd Support Player if they or the 1st Support Player have cleared the defensive threat from the ruck (3rd becomes 2nd, 2nd becomes 1st)
- If required due to team tactics i.e., Exit ruck / protect scrum half/give clearing pass/pick and go /tactical play from ruck.