RIKUS Goosen from Rugga Skills Rugby Academy offers tips to rugby coaches.
This week the focus is on the the scrum half – number nine.
The scrum-half is normally the smallest player in the side but is also a very important link between the forwards and the backs. They receive the ball from the line-out and remove the ball from the back of the scrum, usually passing it to the fly-half. They also feed the scrum and sometimes have to act as a fourth loose forward. Along with the fly-half they make many of the tactical decisions on the field. During general play the scrum-half is generally the player who receives the ball from the forwards and passes it to the backs.
“They are good communicators, especially at directing the forwards around, and their aim is to provide the backs with clean ball. Good scrum-halves have an excellent pass, a good tactical kick and are deceptive runners. At defensive scrums they put pressure on the opposition scrum-half or defend the blindside. On defense in open play they generally cover for deep kicks after the ball has been passed wide. Traditionally scrum-halves have been the smallest players on the team, but many modern scrum-halves are a similar size to the other players in the team,” said Goosen.
Parents and coaches can contact Goosen for any information on 081 370 2570.
Goosen said a very important number to keep on your phone is the BokSmart Spine Line 0800 678 678.
“Always play hard but safe rugby!” he said.
