Another Tight head prop...

Question
Hi there,

I'm sorry to be sending yet another tight head prop question your way, but I'm pretty sure that I've gone through all your previous answers on the topic without finding an answer.

Anyway, I'm a 20 year old South African, around 189 cm and 98 kg, and I've been playing prop (tight and loose mixed) for around 4 years now, though mostly for 3rd and 4th teams, so nothing really pro.

My first question concerns the scrum. With my current team, I'm quite a bit taller than either the hooker or the loose head, and I'm finding it very difficult to measure a good distance from the mark. Usually, I end up either standing too close, forcing me to fold up once I engage because I can't get in low enough. On the other hand, when I try to increase my distance, I end up slipping underneath the opposing loosie and going down. How much distance do you think I should put between my feet and those of my opponent? Should I change this relative to where my hooker and loose-head are standing? And, lastly, should I change my distance depending on how tall my opposing loose head is?


My second question concerns open play. For the most part, I'm one of the most running-fit players on the field(or at least among the tight-five), so on defense I tend to follow the ball as it goes down the opposition line, running just behind our first line. Should I be sticking to my line instead, considering that I may be leaving a gap where I was standing at pillar?


Thanks for your time,
cheers

Answer
Hi Raynard, thanks for taking the time to go over my old answer before asking me your question. It is a good question that I do not think has been asked to me yet.

The first thing to keep in mind is that as a rule I have the rest of the scrum revolve around the Tighthead prop.  The core role of the Tighthead is to anchor the scrum so it makes sense to me that you take a position in the front row that best meets your needs.

Also you should be following the rules of engagement. When the ref calls "crouch, touch" you have to be able to reach out and touch the shoulder of the opposite loosehead and him to you as well.

So basically when you crouch and stretch out your arm the mark will about level with your elbow.

Do not worry about the comfort of position of the opposition plant your feet and get in position first and make them adjust. Getting your front row to the mark first helps. Getting your front row together, set and gripped gives you a large advantage. Stand your ground and go from there.

You should be gripping the hooker first then your loosie. This helps with your positioning and the angle of the front row. It tips your hookers hips to the open side ready to strike for the ball.

As for open play just make sure you are not running in lines that place you in poor defensive or attacking positions. Never leave gaps.

Make sure that if you are not going to be directly involved in the ball that you are setting yourself up to hit a maul or ruck from directly behind not from the side. If you are fast enough go for the tackle make yourself useful, make things happen by putting pressure on the opposition.