Scrumhalf

Question
Hey Im a scrumhalf playing at University level and I just wanted to ask you how can I get my forwards to be more ruthless and physical at the breakdown. And how many forwards must commit to the ruck?

Answer
The forwards need a leader. You either have to lead by example or have a forward captain who does or better yet both.

One of the most potent historical forms of leadership teams is a dominant #8 and an assertive #9.

You can't make the other guys think different. All you can do is work on your own game. Lead by example - don't say you are or point it out just lift your game and set the standard high.

As a half back you need to be VERY vocal. Your job is to be bossy, pushy a "little general" The #9 is always an unofficial captain.

In the modern game you really only need 3 player plus the ball carrier. This is not a rule just a guide. Here's the thing if the ball is easily won already do not commit more players unless the driving maul is a team tactic.

If the ball is not easy to see you need to direect your forwards into the fray. If the maul is being moved in one direction by the opposition you may need to actually pull your players out and push them into the weak part of the maul.

I advise watching as much professional rugby as you can carefully note what the #9 does.