Second Row

Major Requirements

1. Possess a hard mental attitude.
2. Be physically fit and possess good neck, body and leg strength.
3. Possess jumping ability to win ball at line outs.
4. Ability to lock and scrummage effectively.
5. Have stamina and strength at breakdown.
6. Have an ability to reach breakdowns quickly and to rip, ruck or maul effectively.
7. Possess good ball skills.

Essential Skills

Handling

1. Ability to take and give a variety of passes.
2. Ability to catch and deflect ball at line outs.
3. Ability to catch ball at kick offs and drop outs.
4. Ability to manipulate, rip out and roll off mauls.
5. Ability to make ball available in a tackle.

Running

1. Ability to run with determination and committed aggression.
2. Ability to run and sprint after strenuous physical work.

Kicking

1. An ability to dribble the ball.
2. An ability to punt and line kick under pressure if necessary.

Contact

1. Ability to tackle in close positions.
2. Ability to stand in tackle.
3. A commitment to secure protected and good ball.

Remember

1. In the scrum you must understand the importance of correct body, feet and head position.
2. Understand scrum mechanics i.e. binding, grip, locking, snap push, channeling ball etc.
3. Develop line out skills i.e. timing of jump, body position for jump, jump aggressively, need for communication between thrower and jumper. A knowledge of different throws, ability to sweep from line out.
4. Ability to develop ruck and maul skills is essential; body position, drive, ball channeling, support, rolling of maul, securing good ball are important.
5. Your job is to win good ball.
6. Fitness, strength and stamina are essential. Train to develop them.
7. Always be on the ball to support and for continuity, go forward - pressure the opposition.