The blindside flank can be any of a number of variables, he can be a forager, a ball runner, a fierce tackler or take up a certain role as a way of freeing up the other two backrow players (openside flank and 8th man)
The type of flank you are depends on the type of player you are; different coaches prefer different backrow combinations thus there is no set rules of how a flank should play or act. Everything depends on the coach and the system he employs
-The flanks are responsible for continuing movements and restarting play at the breakdown as quickly as possible
-The loose trios role are ever changing as the game changes. Being in the loose trio is physically and mentally demanding.
-To be a successful flank fitness is so essential as they have so many roles to fulfil
-They should know the entire forward and backline moves
Major Requirements
-Must have good ball skills
-The loose trio is the chain, which keeps play moving forward, recycle ball and give continuity with his skills
-Tackling skills must be aggressive and have an ability to gain or retain and distribute the ball
-Ability to win the ball at the breakdown point
-Must have explosive pace off the mark
-Must be the fittest in the team with very good stamina
-Ability to tackle effectively
-Ability to read the game
-Ability to initiate an attack
-Must have vision
-Ability to support backline play
-Must have pushing power in the scrums
-Must posses a high work rate!
-Needs to communicate effectively with other players
-Must have good anticipation
-Must know the laws of the game! Especially the breakdown laws and binding at scrums
Essentials
-Handling!
-Be able to run with agility, determination and commitment
-Be able to pass and catch effectively
-Tackle effectively past the gainline
-Must be able to ruck and maul effectively. Must have a low body position for driving forward
-Must have a physical presence. The opposition must know and feel your playing!
-Must take pride in cover defence and attacking support play
-Must be mentally tough and possess a never say die attitude
-Must work like a Trojan around the park and should give absolutely everything to the team
Role at 1st Phase Attack & Defence
1st Phase Attack
-Support openside from lineout
-Be 3rd forward to support from set phases
-Recover ball
-Be constructive so as to continue play
-Ensure possession is retained by complementing the roles of the players who are at the ball earlier
-Set up my team mates
-Provide power running into ball ensure timing is perfect
1st Phase Defence
-Work as part of a defensive screen
-Provide cover from lineouts
-Attacking defence to recover ball
-Cover inside backs and fringes of set pieces
-Initiate an attacking defence to recover the ball
-Get the correct line off the scrum to cover effectively
-Cover the blindside in case the wing runs when the opposition attack in the open
-Catch Up: Ensure you are covering the inside defensive line
Role at the scrum
-Work as a unit with the lock to support the prop
-Channel the ball to the 8th man
-Push until the ball has left the scrum
-Watch the ball until it has left the scrum
Role at the lineout
-If a jumper be in position to jump according to team play
-Must be a lifter option
-Once the ball has been secured make sure the jumper lands in a stable body position with back to the opponents
-Know the teams lineout moves well even the ones your not involved in
-Carry out the team’s moves effectively
-Drive aggressively in mauls
Role during 2nd phase Attack & Defence
2nd Phase Attack
-Communicate with other players to maximise efficiency
-Be available especially around the fringes on attack and defence
-Maximise continuity of play (take a pass, pick up and run, pass ect)
-Be constructive, either clean out, protect the ball ect
-Have speed around the field- always be in play
2nd Phase Defence
-If a tackle has been made a decision must be made as to whether you can win the ball on the ground
-Fill gaps in backline
-Help organise shutting the gate around the fringes
-Know the calls at the breakdown and the defensive shape next to the ruck
-Know your role at each position next to the ruck
-Know and understand the defensive pattern of the team
Role during penalties/free kicks
Attack:
-Be available in a support role at the mark and near the intended ball carrier
-Then support the ball carrier and be an attacking option
Defence:
Organise openside flank and mark the opposition flyhalf and inside centre
Body Position & Mobility
Body Position
-Ensure a good body position at rucks/ mauls
-Try to stay on feet when making a tackle and when contesting the ball
Mobility
-Move quickly after scrum/ lineout
-Must get into position quickly, especially the first 10mtrs, before the opposition
What my unit does
-Unit= Blindside flank, Openside flank, 8th man
-Hunts as a trio
-Supports ball carrier and provides continuity on attack or ensures they are good targets to continue the attack
-Works together on defence
-Trusts each other- stick together
-Provides speed around the field, always beats the opposition to the ball
Who can help me do my job better?
-Tight forwards by providing a good platform in set plays (controlling the lineouts and scrum angles and beating opposition to rucks in 2nd phase)
-By having other players replace us when we are out of play (tight 5 doing the job of a flank until he has returned to play)
-The backline by communicating with us, providing us with good targets and acting as loose forwards (slowing the ball down, stealing it, marking the fringes ect) until we arrive
-Openside and 8th man by supporting me when I get to the ball 1st
How do I measure my performance?
-By doing the basics (perfectly)
-By my work rate and mobility around the field
-By filling in my performance charts- reaching my performance goals
-Communicate successfully (Discuss with team mates, coaches and mentors)
-The team sacrifices I make