Wing forward, Flanker

Major Requirements

1. All round ability and durability.
2. Ability to win ball at breakdown of play.
3. Ability to tackle effectively.
4. Ability to support backs and to initiate attack.
5. Possess a high work rate during the game.

Essential Skills

Handling

1. Ability to take and give a variety of passes.
2. Ability to pass accurately at varying speeds, lengths.
3. Ability to manipulate play with roll offs and rip offs a maul.
4. Ability to pick up ball off ground at speed.

Running

1. Ability to run with determination and speed.
2. Ability to run to support play.
3. Ability to cope with continued physical effort - short bursts of speed and sustained play.

Kicking

1. An ability to touch kick in defence and to kick from mark.
2. An ability to punt kick and dribble ball.

Contact

1. Ability to tackle effectively from the front, side and rear of opposing player.
2. Ability to bind, push and protect effectively.
3. Ability to maul and ruck.
4. Ability to support in the line out and to drive from line outs and other situations.

Remember

1. Your workrate should be extremely high.
2. Your task is to win ball at breakdowns, to support play and to nullify the oppositions attacking moves.
3. You should endeavour to maintain pressure on he opposition.
4. It is important to follow your coaches instructions and to maintain correct positioning in attack and defence.
5. Try to develop strength in your arms, shoulders and thighs. Speed and stamina can be developed with interval and repetition running.