LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

SCRUM FORMATIONThe scrum needs to be strong both vertically and horizontally in order to be effective.Vertical binding:. Second row on front row - different bindings can be adopted by thesecond row to bind onto the prop.- If the second rows do not engage in unison with the front row,they may lose strength of the bind.. Flankers on front row - flankers should bind onto the second row’sback and ensure they make contact with the prop’s upper leg/buttockwith their shoulder.. No.8 on second rows - no.8 binds with both hands onto the back ofthe second rows. With their head between the second rows, the no.8should ensure their shoulders are in contact with the second row’supper leg/buttocks.. The priority is that the vertical bind remains tight before and duringthe engagement.Horizontal bindings:. Front row - props can choose a number of options to bind ontothe hooker:- Bind on shorts - easy option. Can be difficult if height of front row is varied due todifferences in arm length- Bind on jersey - allows props more variety with height on bind depending on preference.. Second row - bind around each other before going to ground on their middle knee.. Flankers - bind onto second row with a ‘full arm’.The scrum processFront Row. Hooker stands with a split stance, right foot slightly in front of the left. This front footacts as a brake, keeping the scrum stable.. Loose-head prop binds first, followed by the tight-head.Second Row. Locks tell the props they are ready to bind by signalling with a tap on the prop’s leg.Props roll their inside knee and ankle inward to allow space for the lock’s head to comein without having to force it in.. The lock behind the tight-head has his/her right foot forward and left knee on the ground.. The lock behind the loose-head has his/her left foot forward and right knee on the ground.Back Row. Flankers take a position similar to that of the locks they are beside, but each withtheir outside knee on the ground and inside foot forward.Referee calls “Crouch!”. When the referee calls crouch, and the hooker is happy that the second rows and flankersare bound to the scrum, he/she gives a call of “ready”. On this call the front row go downinto a crouched position where their backs are flat and level with their hips.. The second rows and flankers come off their knees, also with flat backs.. The number 8 enters the scrum with arms around the locks and a split stance. His/her frontfoot acts as another brake. Along with the hooker’s brake, this stops the scrum fallingforward off-balance.Referee calls “Touch”. Both props touch their opposite prop on the outside of their shoulder.Referee calls “Set!”. The hooker and number 8 each release their brake foot as quickly as possible to allow therest of the scrum to engage powerfully towards the opposition, with the aim of winning therace to the gain line.103