Blindside Scrum Strike: Attacking the Short Side

Setup

• Field Position: Use a 22m section of the field, with the scrum set 15m from the touchline on the blindside.
• Players: 8 forwards in the scrum (loosehead, hooker, tighthead, two locks, blindside flanker, openside flanker, No.8) and 2-3 backs (scrum-half, fly-half, blindside winger).
• Equipment: 2-3 rugby balls, cones to mark the scrum and defensive line, and optional tackle bags for progression.
• Defensive Setup: Place 3-4 defenders (e.g., opposing flanker, scrum-half, winger) on the blindside to simulate match pressure.
• Coaching Focus: Emphasise quick ball, accurate passing, and decision-making under fatigue.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scrum Engagement: Forwards bind and engage safely. The scrum-half feeds the ball to the No.8’s feet.
2. Ball Retrieval: The No.8 controls the ball at the base, while the blindside flanker and scrum-half communicate to confirm the play.
3. Option 1 – Pick and Go: If the blindside defence is narrow, the No.8 picks and drives low, with the blindside flanker securing the ruck. The scrum-half then attacks the gap.
4. Option 2 – Miss Pass to Winger: If the defence overcommits, the No.8 passes to the scrum-half, who delivers a miss-pass to the blindside winger (or fullback) hitting the line at pace.
5. Support Lines: The openside flanker and hooker provide inside support for offloads or quick rucks.
6. Execution: The winger must time the run to receive the ball at speed, aiming for the corner or cutting back inside.
7. Defensive Read: Defenders must react to the No.8’s body shape; coaches should observe whether they bite on the pick-and-go or drift wide.
8. Reset: After each attempt, reset the scrum and repeat, alternating options to build decision-making.

Coaching Points

• Communication: The No.8 and scrum-half must call the play early (e.g., “Blind!” or “Wide!”).
• Body Position: No.8 stays low and balanced, ready to pick or pass. Scrum-half scans the defence before receiving.
• Passing Accuracy: Miss-passes must be flat and fast, hitting the winger’s chest.
• Timing: The winger’s run should start as the scrum-half’s hands touch the ball.
• Support: Forwards must be ready to clean out or carry if the initial attack is stopped.
• Defensive Pressure: Simulate game-like line speed to test decision-making.

Common Mistakes

• Slow Ball: No.8 taking too long to control the ball, allowing defence to reset.
• Telegraphing: Scrum-half staring at the target, giving away the play.
• Poor Pass: Miss-pass too high or behind the winger, killing momentum.
• Lack of Support: Forwards standing flat, leaving the ball carrier isolated.
• Winger Depth: Winger receiving the ball too flat or too deep, losing advantage.

Progressions & Variations

• Progression 1: Add a second phase – after the blindside attack, quickly recycle to the openside for a cross-field play.
• Progression 2: Introduce a defender on the openside to force the scrum-half to choose the best option.
• Variation – Dummy Scissor: Scrum-half fakes the miss-pass and instead passes to the blindside flanker on an unders line.
• Variation – Kick Behind: If the defence rushes up, the scrum-half chips over the top for the winger to chase.
• Variation – Numbers Advantage: Remove a defender to reward quick decision-making and execution.