The main function of the locks is to win the ball in the lineouts and to lock a stable scrum.
The locks should see themselves as an engine room of the forwards. They should be faster than the front row, should cover more ground and thus get through more work.
They should be strong and aggressive to provide the grunt to the forwards
This is one position you have to be built for the job. Without the strength, height, and weight you cannot perform your duties well.
The locks must be able to jump well and have strength in their legs to provide power to the scrums and the drive in rucks and mauls
A good lock paring that possesses aggression, fitness, speed and power are invaluable to any team. If they go backwards… the whole team goes backwards
Major Requirements
-He must have an ability to jump for the ball in the lineout
-Must be able to compete for opposition ball
-Must be physically fit
-Must possess good neck, body and leg strength
-Must have an ability to lock and scrum effectively with the correct body position
-Must have stamina and maintain strength at 2nd phase play
-Have an ability to reach the breakdown point quickly
-Must have communication skills
-Must have determination and aggression
-Must know the laws of the game!
Essentials
-Be able to run with agility, determination and commitment
-Be able to pass and catch effectively
-Must have good defence-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 high work rate
-Must have a physical presence. The opposition must know and feel your playing!
Role at the scrum
-The loosehead lock is of no use to the loosehead prop if he does not provide him with real pushing power
-Give your total commitment to every scrum
-Aim to get a good grip, a strong low body position with your head up
-Provide a good hit and then maintain the pressure by pushing very hard
-Maintain a stable scrum on our ball and aim to disrupt the opposition put in as much as possible
-Talk to and work with your prop
-Listen to the calls and carry out the moves
Role at the lineout
-The locks must work with the props/lifters and the hooker to win the ball
-The delivery of quality ball off the top or a stable platform for the drive is essential
-Drive up with the arms to gain maximum height
-Watch the ball into your hands
-Once the ball has been caught move it immediately away from the opposition players by turning the body to follow the ball
-Land in a stable body position with your back to the opposition
-On a drive hold the ball low; it is a target for driving support players
-Compete for the opposition ball or at least disrupt it
-An early drive is essential to prevent the opposition drive/ maul
-Dominate your opposition player/jumper
Role at kickoffs
-Come forward and catch the ball in two hands
-On our ball: Set a platform (ball going forward) for ball delivery or drive depending on the options called
-On their ball: Attack the ball, disrupt it and try to take it
Role during 2nd phase (Ruck/Maul)
-Exert physical pressure on opposition
-Set a platform (going forward) on our ball and the opposition’s ball
-Decide on the best role to ensure a clean ball is won to continue play when approaching 2nd phase play
-You must possess a low body position for rucks and mauls. A strong low drive is essential for all forwards to dominate the contact points
-Be aware of the options that are available to pass, run or set up subsequent phases
Role at the ruck
Ruck: We are in possession:
-You must work very hard to ensure we win good quality ball
-Drive past the ball!
-Protect the ball for the scrumhalf to pass effectively under as little pressure as possible.
-If the ball is available and the opposition haven’t committed to the fringes pick the ball up and drive forward
Ruck: They are in possession:
-You must aim to DESTROY their ball!
-You must aim to at least slow down their ball at every ruck you hit
Role at the maul
Mauls: We are in possession:
-If you are the ball carrier set a stable platform and lead the forwards
-If you’re not the ball carrier bind onto the maul to protect the delivery of the ball to the scrumhalf
-Must work hard to get the ball moving forward!
Mauls: They are in possession:
-Drive forward to slow down or stop their drive and to slow their delivery of ball
-Stop the rolling maul by driving onto the side towards which the maul is moving (Eg: If the maul is going infield you need to drive it into touch)
Role on defence
-You must aim to put opposition on the ground or tie the ball up in mauls
-On their ball you must cover the fringes if you’re late to the ruck/maul (Pillar/Post)
-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
-Run in a slightly crouched position to ensure a tackle can be made easily if the opposition cut back towards the source of possession (scrum, lineout, ruck, maul)
Role during penalties/free kicks
-React quickly
-On our ball, be in depth behind designated ball carrier to carry ball on or cleanout to win quick ball for scrumhalf
-On opposition ball: Work with tight 5 to guard area around ball and the blindside
-Go forward and tackle
Mobility
-Move quickly after scrum/ lineout
-Must get into position quickly, especially the first 10mtrs, before the opposition
What my unit does
-Unit = Loosehead lock, Tighthead lock
-We win quality ball in lineouts
-We destroy the opposition’s lineout ball
-We provide the grunt in scrums
-We are 2nd wave of support to 2nd phase play
-We provide cover defence
-We dominate the opposition
-We provide GO FORWARD pressure
Who can help me do my job better?
-Hooker in lineouts (accurate throw in), scrums (leadership)
-Props/lifter in lineouts and at kick offs by providing support
-The other lock by working with me
-Loose forwards and backline players by retaining the ball at the breakdown and getting us moving forward
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