Here are some tactics for front three scrummagers, I start by reviewing some of the basics.
Wheel
A wheel is where the scrum is turned either left or right. Senior teams are allowed to wheel the scrum up to 90 degrees. In attack, a wheel needs only to be between 25 degrees and 45 degrees. The greater the wheel, the less stable the scrum. The best wheels come from one of the props taking small steps forward, with the other prop holding their ground.
In defence, the props need to communicate before each scrum to know which way they are going to wheel and then tell the rest of the pack.
Quick ball under pressure
If the front row is under extreme pressure, then quick ball out of the scrum is important to provide any sort of platform for the team. If this is the case, then the scrum half will need to put the ball in as soon after the pack engagement as possible.
Timing and communication are vital and must be practised in advance of game time.
Focusing on a player
One way of exerting extra pressure on the opposition is to focus two front rowers (a hooker and prop) onto one opponent. For instance, a tight head and hooker may target the opposition hooker. By doing this, they tire the singled out player, who will lose shape and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the whole pack. The most effective way this can be achieved is by placing the heads closer together, especially on the tight head side.
To strike or not to strike on the opposition ball
Though some hookers and props like to try for every ball, it makes sense to retain the element of surprise. In other words, don’t try it every time.
If the ball is won, then it is important to call for a secondary shove. This will ensure the ball is kept.
If the scrum is ended before the ball comes out of the scrum, then the referee should award the put in to the side who took it against the head.
The drive – different types
A pushover try: A pushover try requires two phases for success. The initial engagement and winning the ball, which should be the number one priority. Once secure, the secondary shove should be called for. The key here is short stable steps by the front row, focusing on a square, low drive.
The drive should be controlled all the way, with the front row working hard all the time to keep the scrum straight and square to the line. Engage and chase, and then continue the chase with quick, short steps.
Different steps: In a tight situation, sometimes it is worth trying something slightly different.
Instead of taking four small steps, try taking two big steps forward in a drive. If it works, then the opposition should be well and truly on the back foot, losing any real chance of recovery.
Secrets of the Front Row
There are various schools of thought on this:
* Don’t blow yourself in the first few scrums. “I like to keep a few tools hidden in the tool box”, says Clive Ford, Cranleigh RFC prop.
The initial encounters are not just about the winning the psychological battle, but also the idea of trying
to understand what you are facing and how to deal with it.
So keep something back, physically and tactically until you have worked out how to deal with the opposition.
* “Kitchen sink”, says Jason Leonard. One of the world rugby’s most experienced scrummagers, Leonard thinks that you throw all your strength into the first few scrums.
This will give you the psychological advantage early and make it difficult for the other side to mentally come back. They don’t know whether you are going to tire or not, so they may not expect any respite in future scrums.
* “Break the ice”, says former Welsh hooker Mefin Davies. Don’t let the other prop have any chance to work you out, give them the problems.
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