LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

RUCK DEFENCERole Descriptions:Guard (1):First defender at the ruck, responsible for stopping the pick and goThree point stance (one hand on ground - like a sprint start), outside leg forward. If the scrum half runs or passes, the guard does not follow, they mark the space around the ruck.Shield (2):. Second defender at the ruck, responsible for the scrum half running or forwards comingon a one-pass play. Outside leg forward and arms length from the guard. If the scrum half passes, the shield isresponsible for looking after the inside shoulder of the A defender. The shield is responsible for taking the defensive line up with the A defender.A (3):. Third player out from the ruck, responsible for the first receiver and the defensive line speed. The A defender’s alignment is on the inside shoulder of the first receiver, they should have theirinside leg leading. A defender leads the defence communication. The A defender is responsible for tackling forwards on a one-pass play from the scrum half.Bobby:. The Bobby (usually scrum half) is responsible for policing the ruck. They need to be directly behindthe ruck organising the forwards. They are responsible for joining the defensive line if required or acting as a second line of defence(collecting chip kicks or snuffing out breaks).General Principles:. Players identify the opposition threat and fill accordingly. Usually the first defender to arrive at the breakdown will fill the position on the far side of the ruck(as this can be a more vulnerable area) with the next defender filling the first position on the nearside. This process then repeats itself, although is dependant on the area of the pitch. The inside defenders make the call to push once the pass has been made. Shield and A defenders line up slightly behind the guard - this helps prevent offside infringements.RUCKOFFSIDE LINEA3SHIELD2GUARD1BOBBYSHGUARD1SHIELD2A386