(No. 8)

Major Requirements

1. An ability to read the game.
2. An ability to control and direct play, line outs, scrums and most platforms of attack and defence.
3. All round strength and stamina.
4. All round ability and durability.

Essential Skills

Handling

1. Ability to take and give a variety of passes.
2. Ability to pass the ball accurately with varying length and speed.
3. Ability to catch and deflect the ball at kick offs and drop outs
4. Ability to catch and deflect the ball at lineouts.
5. Ability to manipulate play by ripping and rolling from a maul.
6. Ability to pick up ball at speed from the ground.

Running

1. Ability to run to support backs in attack and defence.
2. Ability to run with commitment and determination.
3. Ability to run with speed. Accelerate quickly and to run after strenuous physical effort.

Kicking

1. An ability to line kick in defence or from free kick.
2. An ability to dribble ball, punt and grubber kick.

Contact

1. An ability to tackle effectively from close positions and to tackle from the front, side and rear.
2. Ability to scrummage, bind second rowers effectively and to control ball if at feet in scrum.
3. Ability to jump and support in the line out.
4. Ability to maul and ruck.
5. Ability to rip and roll from a maul.
6. Ability to commit yourself to secure good ball.

Remember

1. You must be fit and physically strong.
2. You have a key position in the team and a responsibility to control to direct play.
3. You must always try to support play in attack and defence.
4. Your coach may dictate your role in some instances.
5. All round ability and durability is vital - you should be able to run like a back as well as playing effectively in set forward play.